Chess Stars, Sofia, Bulgaria, 2007, paperback, 190 pp, 250 grams, condition: very good, no inscriptions.

"This volume is devoted mostly to the Sveshnikov system, which is also popularly named as the Chelyabinsk variation. Naturally, it is worth remembering that the move 5...e7- e5 was played for the first time back in the year 1910 by great Lasker and this opening system changed its name numerous times throughout the years. The theory of that variation started developing rapidly during the 70ies of the last century, thanks to the efforts of Evgeny Sveshnikov, Gennadij Timoscenko and Alexander Panchenko (They all lived in the city of Chelyabinsk during those years.) and it seemed that the contemporary name should be most appropriate and logical.

In fact, starting from the seventies of the 20th century, the Chelyabinsk variation has never lost its popularity. The evaluation of that opening system has fluctuated between "100% reliable" to "almost refuted"; nevertheless, its theory has been developing intensely. Recently, the "anti-Chelyabinsk" systems - 3.Bb5 and 3.Nc3 are becoming top fashion and that only proves that the Chelyabinsk variation should be taken quite seriously. Practically all the best chess players of the world have contributed to the theory of that variation and the majority of them for both sides at that.

Well, if we follow strictly the classical principles, it would hardly be possible to classify Black's set-up as positionally correct. It looks like White's undisputed dominance over the d5-outpost should provide him with a stable advantage. Still, things are much more complex in practice. Amazingly enough, Black always finds resources for active counterplay based on some already typical strategical maneuvers around White's basic outpost on d5.

My work with this book was a rather complicated task by itself. My colleagues asked me often (sometimes ironically, sometimes with genuine interest) whether I had managed to refute the Chelyabinsk variation and when that refutation would be published? Here, I must admit: no, I have not refuted the Chelyabinsk variation. Frankly speaking, I have not even tried to do that. As far as my experience and my understanding of chess are concerned, Black's opening set-up has a sound strategical basis and it can never be refuted outright. Having that in mind, I decided to try something different and that was to systematize the amassed material and knowledge and to point out the most unpleasant lines for Black". - A. Khaliftnan