There hasn’t been a “complete” guide to the Sozin Variation of the Sicilian since the Harding/Botterill/Kottnauer collaboration offered here.  Some have been published,  but it’s just not the same as the in-depth study featured here.

THE SICILIAN SOZIN is all about the position that arrives after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Bc4 (both kingside and queenside castling for White are explored), though we also takes a thorough look at the Najdorf move order: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bc4.

When it comes to serious opening books, it’s very important that the authors know their stuff, and this is clearly the case here (so many opening books are cranked out by players who have little or no interest in the variations they’re writing about!).

The authors “verve” also allows us to formulate a “strategy” for studying this particular book:  If you are playing this for White, try not to fall victim to infectious enthusiasm. It’s great knowing you’re part of the home team, but blindly following all recommendations without verifying their worth will only get you into trouble (actually, this “don’t believe anything” philosophy is a must for every opening book!).

The book is excellent and will make you a believer in the scheme long before you reach the meat of the book. They cover everything of importance, (extremely important) and even gives the reader lots of original analysis.

This is a must buy for players 1300 or higher that play either side of this opening.