1. e2e4  1... c7c5  2. g1f3  2... d7d6  3. f1b5 This solid check is an annoying move for players who want a more open Sicilian battle. This line was the second variation I hated facing the most, losing only to the Alapin. 3... c8d7  4. c2c4 [%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting alternative to the capture on d7. 4... b8c6  5. d2d4  5... c5d4  6. f3d4  6... g8f6  7. b1c3 [%c_highlight b5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b5;persistent;false,e2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e2;persistent;false] 7... g7g6 A normal position of the Maroczy pawn structure, with the difference that the bishop is on b5 and not on its usual (and better) square on e2. 8. h2h3 [%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;Interesting;persistent;true][%c_arrow f6g4;keyPressed;none;from;f6;opacity;0.8;to;g4;persistent;false,c1e3;keyPressed;none;from;c1;opacity;0.8;to;e3;persistent;false] The idea of this move is to play Be3 without having to worry about Ng4. 8... c6d4 [%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The right moment to capture, forcing the queen to d4. 9. b5d7  9... d8d7  10. d1d4  10... f8g7  11. e1g1  11... e8g8  12. d4d3 [%c_highlight c4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;c4;persistent;false,e4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e4;persistent;false][%c_arrow d6d5;keyPressed;none;from;d6;opacity;0.8;to;d5;persistent;false,b7b5;keyPressed;none;from;b7;opacity;0.8;to;b5;persistent;false] The queen has to be removed from the x-ray of the g7-bishop. We have a strategically interesting position on the board. White has the space advantage typical of the \"c4 and e4\" pawn formation, but the exchanges of minor pieces greatly alleviated Black's position. The most important element in positional play is the pawn structure, and this involves considering pawn breaks. The question here is whether Black will have time to prepare the rupture on d5 or b5, which guarantees him equality, or whether he will need to wait passively, which will give White a small advantage. 12... d7c6 [%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A good move that frees up the d7-square for the knight and puts pressure on both e4 and c4. 13. c1d2  13... e7e6 [%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move allows White to consolidate his position. 14. a1c1 Now the center is well-protected, and White has a small advantage. 14... a7a6  15. f1d1  15... f6d7  16. b2b3  16... d7c5 