In Discovering Chess Openings John Emms argues that studying openings doesn't have to be hard work - it can be both enjoyable and enlightening. The key to successful opening play is not simply learning lines off by heart; instead it's the understanding of the basic principles, and here the reader is guided through the vital themes: swift development, central control and king safety.

Chess Openings explains the principles which underlie correct opening play and shows how they can be developed to produce strong positions for attack and defense in different situations. Mike Basman consolidates these lessons by investigating five classic openings―the Queen's Gambit, Giuoco Piano, Nimzo-Indian, Morra Gambit, and Sicilian Dragon―which together can be used to form the basis of a formidable opening repertoire.

Back to Basics: Openings will help you understand and play the openings in chess much, much better. It will also help balance your studies of openings, and give you a recipe as to how to obtain better results from your openings and how to approach a variety of situations relevant to our topic of openings.The book covers critical concepts, including:My Own Experiences with OpeningsOpening PrinciplesHow do I decide which Opening to Choose?An Introduction to Opening TheoryThe Open GameThe Semi-Open GameThe Closed GameThe Semi-Closed GameFlank OpeningsWhere do I go from here?

In the first completely instructional book ever written on chess openings, National Master and game strategist for Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit Bruce Pandolfini teaches players how to take charge of the game's crucial opening phase.Of the three traditional phases of chess play—the opening, the middle-game and the endgame—the opening is the phase average players confront most often. Unfortunately, though, many openings are not completed successfully, partly because until now most opening instruction has consisted of tables of tournament level moves that offer no explanations for the reasons behind them. Consequently, these classical opening patterns can serve as little more than references to the average player.In Chess Openings: Traps and Zaps, Bruce Pandolfini uses his unique "crime and punishment" approach to provide all the previously missing explanation, instruction, practical analyses, and much, much more. The book consists of 202 short "openers" typical of average players, arranged according to the classical opening variations and by level of difficulty. Each example includes:-the name of the overriding tactic-the name of the opening-a scenario that sets up the tactic to be learned-an interpretation that explains why the loser went wrong, how he could have avoided the trap, and what he should have done instead-a review of important principles and useful guidelines to reinforce each lessonAlso included are a glossary of openings that lists all the classical "textbook" variations for comparison and reference and a tactical index. Chess Openings: Traps and Zaps is a powerful, pragmatic entry into a heretofore remote area of chess theory that will have a profound influence on every player's game.

* The perfect survival guide to the chess openings* All openings covered* Detailed verbal explanations of plans for both sides* Up-to-date and featuring many tips and recommendations* Insights into the ‘character’ of each opening* Written by one of the world’s foremost opening expertsThe first moves of a chess game define the nature of the whole struggle, as both players stake their claim to the critical squares and start to develop their plans. It is essential to play purposefully and to avoid falling into traps or reaching a position that you don’t understand.This is not a book that provides masses of variations to memorize. Paul van der Sterren instead offers a wealth of ideas and explanation, together with the basic variations of each and every opening. This knowledge will equip players to succeed in the opening up to good club level, and provide a superb grounding in opening play on which to build a more sophisticated repertoire. The strategies he explains will, unlike ever-changing chess opening theory, remain valid as long as chess is played, and so the time spent studying this book will be rewarded many times over.Grandmaster Paul van der Sterren has won the Dutch Championship on two occasions, and in 1993 reached the Candidates stage of the World Chess Championship. He is an internationally renowned chess writer and editor: he was one of the founding editors of New in Chess, for whose Yearbooks he has contributed more than 150 opening surveys.

Most chess opening books are either too detailed or too shallow. Chess Opening Essentials has exactly the right balance and is an accessible primer and a reference book at the same time. It gives a flavor of how every opening works and points at the various middlegame plans that apply after the opening has ended.Chess Opening essentials helps beginners to develop a solid understanding of fundamental opening ideas, gives casual players the ability to choose the opening that suits their style and taste and is a tool for club players to test and review their opening repertoire as well as a reference book to which advanced players keep returning.The authors do not propagate forcing tactical variations to be memorized mechanically, but explain what you should actually be trying to achieve when playing the opening of your choice. They include the main alternative responses and give clear indications for further study.

For many chess-players, opening study is sheer hard work. It is difficult to know what is important and what is not, and when specific knowledge is vital, or when a more general understanding is sufficient. Tragically often, once the opening is over, a player won’t know what plan to follow, or even understand why his pieces are on the squares on which they sit.John Watson seeks to help chess-players achieve a more holistic and insightful view of the openings. In his previous books on chess strategy, Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy and Chess Strategy in Action, he explained vital concepts that characterize modern chess. Moreover, he did so in ways that have enabled these ideas to be understood by club players. Here he does likewise for the openings, proceeding from the fundamental ideas that apply to all openings to more advanced concepts that are essential for substantial improvement.In this major four-volume work, Watson explains not only the ideas and strategies behind specific openings, but also the interconnections of chess openings taken as a whole. By presenting the common threads that underlie opening play, Watson provides a permanent basis for playing openings of any type.International Master John Watson is one of the world’s most respected writers on chess. His groundbreaking four-volume work on the English Opening firmly established his reputation in the 1980s, and he has produced a string of top-quality works since. In 1999, Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy, Watson’s first book for Gambit, won the British Chess Federation Book of the Year Award and the United States Chess Federation Fred Cramer Award for Best Book. His former pupils include the 1997 World Junior Champion, Tal Shaked.

In the opening, each player tries to control the center, set up a flexible pawn structure, develop the pieces rapidly and harmoniously, sometimes even go for direct attack. But there are so many complicated variations -- how can you memorize them all?You can't -- and you don't have to! If you understand the basic goals of the opening you're playing, you will know which moves fit logically into its overall scheme. This classic, best-selling volume, now completely reset in modern algebraic notation, explains everything you need to know to play the opening sensibly and successfully.Reuben Fine, an International Grandmaster, is one of the world's top players and a leading theoretician of chess. He is the author of over half a dozen books, including the definitive Basic Chess Endings.

Every chess player needs to know how to handle his pawns. Pawns form the 'playing fields' of chess games, a semi-permanent 'structure' that can determine whether a player wins or loses. This comprehensive guide to pawn structure teaches the reader where pieces are best placed, which pawns should be advanced further or exchanged, and why certain structures are good and others disastrous. This invaluable book is a major update of this chess-world classic, first published in 1975 and unavailable for several years.

Grandmaster and renowned chess teacher Johan Hellsten provides an essential foundation of opening strategy and an abundance of carefully selected exercises so that readers can monitor their progress.

Starting a chess game with 1 e4 e5 is so common that the resulting complex of opening systems traditionally commands its own sobriquet, “The Open Games” (1 e4 met by other replies are “Semi-Open Games” and everything else comes under “Closed Games”). The central structure with pawns on e4 and e5 often leads to play based around highly classical themes which are the bedrock of successful chess understanding.First Steps is a new opening series and is ideal for improving players who want simple and straightforward explanations. First Steps emphasizes: the basic principles the basic strategies the key tricks and trapsFirst Steps books are based around carefully selected instructive games which demonstrate exactly what both sides are trying to achieve. There is enough theory to enable the improving player to get to grips with the opening without feeling overwhelmed. If you want to take up a new opening, First Steps is the ideal place to start.

Every chess player needs a set of openings he can trust!Chess Openings for Black, Explained gives you a complete repertoire of carefully selected, interrelated openings. Three-time U.S. champion and master teacher Lev Alburt, along with his grandmaster co-authors, provides everything you need to know to defend with confidence against each and every one of White's first moves. This second edition is fully updated to reflect new developments in chess during the last three years, thoroughly grounding the player in the grandmaster-openings of modern chess, teaching you the opening that scores highest against White on a master level. Fully illustrated with two-color chess diagrams throughout.

“A must for every chess player!”―Anatoly Karpov, 12th World Chess Champion Every chess player needs a set of openings he can trust. Use Bobby Fischer’s favorite first move, 1. e2-e4, to begin your games as White―and know the ideas and moves that follow, no matter how Black defends!White moves first in chess and can, if he’s well prepared, immediately put the pressure on Black. In this highly praised volume, three leading grandmasters logically explain a system of carefully selected and interrelated openings, covering all responses by Black!You also get a an informative review of every opening from White’s point of view, even ones not part of the book’s recommended repertoire. This book, together with its companion volume, Chess Openings for Black, Explained (available separately), gives you the most thorough explanation of chess opening ideas available. More than 1,700 diagrams let you study many positions without using a chess set.This second edition is completely updated with the newest games and ideas. 1700 b/w chess diagrams

This book fills a gaping chasm in chess literature. For years, those who wish to take on the black side of the Ruy Lopez have had to muddle their way through against the variety of alternative openings at White's disposal. This book gives a choice of systems for Black, to counter anything White might try in order to avoid the Ruy Lopez - the Scotch, King's Gambit, Italian Game, Four Knights, etc. Grandmaster Emms is ideally qualified to deal with this subject, having faced them as Black, but also having played many of them as White before graduating to the Ruy Lopez.

Many chess players would like to play the main lines of the Spanish Opening with Black, but fear answering 1.e4 with 1...e5 because of White’s great variety of deviations. Acclaimed author Mihail Marin presents a repertoire for Black against the Open Games. This means providing an answer to openings such as the Scotch, Giuoco Piano, Vienna, Spanish Exchange Variation and even the notorious King’s Gambit.Marin reveals his own opening repertoire, which he prepared for high-level international competition. But besides giving concrete answers to any worries players might have about facing the Open Games, Marin uses his renowned skills to lucidly convey the main strategic ideas. This way Marin has succeeded in writing a middlegame book disguised as an opening book. No chess player can read this book without being entertained and educated at the same time.

For years players wanting to take the black side of the Ruy Lopez have had to navigate the alternative lines White can choose after 1 e4 e5. This book gives a choice of dynamic systems for Black, to counter anything White might try in order to avoid the Ruy Lopez - the Scotch, King's Gambit, Italian Game, Four Knights, etc.Noted opening writer Sverre Johnsen has made extensive use of modern computer engines to overturn ancient assessments, and has found new paths that breathe fresh life into positions long thought to be resolved. It is striking how often in his lines Black is able to seize the initiative.Gives a full repertoire for Black with 1 e4 e5 when White avoids the Ruy Lopez ...Bc5 and ...Nf6 systems both fully covered after 3 Bc4 Each chapter starts with a ‘Memorable Game’ to inspire and set the scene Johnsen has chosen sound lines that are likely to surprise opponents and deny them the type of game they are seeking. He has deeply researched correspondence sources and recent books on the Open Games, and employs similar methods to those that made his earlier opening works so popular among club-level players.

1...e5 enjoys an excellent reputation as a reliable defense against White's most popular opening choice, 1 e4. However, anyone who is primed to face the Ruy Lopez must also be prepared to face a number of White alternatives. This collection of variations make up the Open Games and include not only popular choices such as the Italian Game, Scotch Game, Bishop's Opening, King's Gambit, Vienna Game and Four Knights, but also many tricky sidelines and some wild and wacky gambits. Many of these might not be theoretically strong but can be both daunting and dangerous for the uninformed player. In this book, FIDE Master Martin Lokander tackles all these lines head on and presents a practical repertoire for Black in the Open Games. This book tells you everything you need to know about facing the Open Games when White avoids the Ruy Lopez.*Essential reading for 1...e5 players*Every opening bar the Ruy Lopez is covered*Packed with new ideas and critical analysis

If you are ready to play the Ruy Lopez with Black, you also need to be prepared if white avoids the Ruy. In this book Victor Bologan covers all relevant lines with a well laid-out, clearly explained and eminently playable set of responses.But this is not just another chess opening repertoire book. Bologan presents TWO different options against every main line: a common sense approach and an aggressive weapon. It's actually two books in one!And there is more: help for those who are new to 1...e5 and in a hurry, a wealth of new ideas in old lines, The Fast Lane repertoire in every chapter (the minimum you should know), a special strategy section: how pawn structures define important themes, transpositions and move-order subtleties: clearly identified, historical lines and gambits re-examined, traps & tricks: visually marked, many examples from Bologan's own games, 2200 game referenced and presented in a separate index, lots of practical tips.Victor Bologan has taken the chess opening repertoire book to a next level. He has created a unique instrument of chess instruction for players of almost every level.

Every chess player needs a high-quality answer to1.e4, and there is nothing more reliable than 1...e5. Black stakes a claim inthe centre and prepares to deploy his pieces on good squares. The challengenowadays is to build a robust repertoire without being overwhelmed by the volumeof material and continual advances in opening theory.In Playing1.e4 e5 – A Classical Repertoire, Nikolaos Ntirlis offers the best ofboth worlds: a complete repertoire against 1.e4, built on sound positionalprinciples, which does not require excessive memorization. Against the Spanishthe author recommends the Breyer System, one of the most stable, computer-proofoptions at Black's disposal. The Scotch, Italian, Four Knights and variousother sidelines and gambits are handled with the same clarity and efficiency.

There is no doubt that playing the Open Games is one of Black's most reliable and aggressive ways of meeting White's favorite opening move, 1 e4. Experts also agree that playing these fundamental openings is a crucial step in the development of a chess player, while moving up to the highest level it provides the battleground for countless duals between the likes of World number one Garry Kasparov, Vishy Anand and Vladimir Kramnik. It's true that some Black players are put off by the seemingly endless number of variations they can be faced with, as White can choose a between the King's Gambit, Vienna Game, Scotch Opening, Bishop's Opening and a number of wild and offbeat gambits. However, in Play 1 e4 e5! Nigel Davies provides a complete answer to this perennial problem by offering a concise and practical repertoire for the Black player, whilst crucially including a dependable defence to the Ruy Lopez--White's most popular attacking try in the Open Games. Davies is the perfect choice for this subject, having been battle-hardened by years of international competition in these openings.>A complete defence to 1 e4>Written by a 1 e4 e5 expert>All of White's tries are covered>Includes White's main weapon, the Ruy Lopez

Grandmaster John Emms presents a repertoire for White after 1 e4 e5, based on the Italian Game and the Bishop's Opening. The lines he recommends are built upon a sound yet aggressive system of development which can be deployed against virtually every Black defence. The emphasis is firmly on understanding and executing key positional and tactical ideas, rather than the arduous process of memorizing theory. Emms covers both the main variations and the tricky sidelines, and highlights crucial move-order subtleties. This book provides everything you need to know about playing the Italian Game and the Bishop's Opening.*A Grandmaster's repertoire after 1 e4 e5*Packed with new ideas and analysis*Ideal for improvers, club players and tournament playersJohn Emms is a Grandmaster and has captained the English Team at two Chess Olympiads. He's an experienced coach who has worked with many top players, including World Championship finalist Michael Adams. He's also a highly respected chess writer, with many outstanding works to his name.

Fed up with having to learn so much opening theory? Struggling to keep up with all the latest developments? Then this book may well be the answer to all your problems! Grandmaster John Emms offers a new arsenal of opening weapons with which to attack to your unaware opponents. Starting with the move 1 e4, the reader is armed with systems against all possible black defences. In each case learning ideas is more important than memorising long variations, so this repertoire should be ideal for players who don¿t have the luxury of being able to spend countless hours studying theory. Each line is easy to learn and play, but will they will still pose your opponent with difficult problems to solve over the board.*All possible defences to 1 e4 are covered*Written by a battle-hardened 1 e4 player*Ideal for club and tournament players

One of the best and most popular ways to meet White’s first move 1.e4 remains the tried and tested 1…e5. After this move the majority of games steer for the Ruy Lopez. A perfectly fine choice for White, but one that requires you to study the countless different setups and follow the continuously evolving theory in that opening.Karsten Müller and Georgios Souleidis present an alternative that is ideal for the average club player: a complete repertoire for White in the Italian Opening. This modern version of the age-old ‘Giuoco Piano’, with the innocent looking pawn moves c3 and d3, is not only popular at club level, but is also regularly adopted by many strong Grandmasters including the very best, such as Magnus Carlsen and Anish Giri.The set-up is easy to learn and understand, and theoretical novelties are much less important than the sound principles it is based on, such as the pawn push d3-d4 or bringing the b1 knight over to the kingside and into the attack.The Slow Italian may look innocent, but is actually full of venom, because White has a lot of options to create aggressive play by making natural looking moves with his pieces. Müller and Souleidis have created a solid weapon that every amateur chess player will delight in playing. With a foreword by Anish Giri.

Anyone who plays 1 e4 as White must be prepared not only for Black's main defences but also an assortment of less popular lines. This book features information a 1 e4 player needs to know about facing these defences.

Every chess player needs to decide which openings he is going to play. But where do you start? The risk of drowning in the turbulent sea of opening theory is only too real for beginning amateurs.Often your goals and ambitions will be misguided. Trying to win in 20 moves, copying what's in fashion among top-GM's or memorizing variations are a waste of time. Most likely you will never play your ‘preparation' or end up by jumping from one opening to the other.Experienced French chess trainer Vincent Moret provides a complete, ready-to-go chess opening repertoire for White with a sound set of lines that do not outdate rapidly, do not require memorization and are easy to digest for beginning players and other amateurs.In this complete and user-friendly guide, Moret has selected relatively aggressive variations that will enhance your tactical vision. To show the typical plans and demonstrate underlying ideas and key motifs, Moret not only selected games of Grandmasters. For instructional purposes, he also uses games of young players to highlight the errors they tend to make.

Every chess player needs to decide which openings he or she is going to play. But where do you start? The risk of drowning in the turbulent sea of chess opening theory is only too real for beginning amateurs.Often your goals and ambitions will be misguided. If you are trying to win in 20 moves, copy what's in fashion among top-GM's or memorize variations, you are wasting your time. Most likely you will never get to play your ‘preparation' and end up aimlessly switching from one opening to the other. After the success of his volume for White, experienced French chess trainer Vincent Moret now provides a complete, ready-to-go chess opening repertoire for Black. It consists of a sound set of lines that do not outdate rapidly, do not require memorization and are easy to digest for beginners and post-beginners.To show the typical plans and the underlying ideas in the various lines of his repertoire, Moret not only selected games of Grandmasters. He also uses games of young, improving players to highlight the errors they tend to make.

Looking for an easy-to-learn yet super-solid repertoire for Black against everything, which doesn’t require endless memorization of sharp theoretical lines? It’s here – and it was voted the best opening course on Chessable by the users of the most popular chess learning platform.In this book, YouTube personality IM Christof Sielecki, aka ‘Chessexplained’, presents a complete solution to chess players of all levels for their opening choices with the Black pieces. With this one-volume repertoire, you will not only safely navigate the opening phase, but you will actually understand what is happening and how you can play for a win.You’ll learn to fight 1.d4 and 1.c4 or 1.Nf3 with the Queen’s Gambit Declined, using the early a6-variation favoured by Magnus Carlsen. This tried-and-true opening will stand up to master level play and offer a few nasty surprises to your opponents.Against 1.e4, your main weapon will be the rock-solid Caro-Kann, well known as one of the toughest openings for White to crack. You will be able to cut through the theory and go straight for interesting middlegames with good winning chances. Also included are weapons against almost all sidelines.Why is the repertoire called simple? For the simple reason that the variations are straightforward, easy to remember and require little or no maintenance. But, as IM Sielecki puts it, ‘simple does not mean boring!’

New edition ! Based on latest top chess programs (based on neural networks), 2024. The book contains an overview, selection, and improvement of chess openings; both for (post-)beginners and intermediate players up till advanced level. Including a unique and timeless 'repertoire', carefully selected for home player level (1.e4) and/or more advanced (chess club) players. For the latter, in addition to a second, more in depth repertoire with 1.e4, an optional repertoire is given with 1.d4 (besides some gambits, or general opening systems as well). The most suitable opening moves were selected by thorough analysis, to build up a rock-solid B/W 'repertoire', for two categories of players. Not only mentioning of the opening names, but also of most sub-variations. Compared with up to date opening books and actual GM games. Many diagrams to enhance memorization and understanding. An ideal study guide, and only opening book most chess players ever need until master level.

Ever wanted a complete chess opening repertoire – for White and Black – whose basics can be learned in a week? A strategic low-maintenance repertoire that does not require memorizing of long variations, and yet can frustrate both stronger and weaker opponents?In this book, award-winning author Graham Burgess has come up with the ultimate simplified repertoire. But it is not based on boring or unambitious openings. The aim is to avoid symmetry and mass exchanges, and reach an unbalanced middlegame. You won’t be dumped into do-or-die tactics where the penalty for forgetting a key move is an instant loss. There are plenty of sharp and aggressive ideas within these pages, but the openings chosen provide a firm and sound base for experimentation. If you forget the critical line and have to make something up at the board, then if you have understood the key strategic themes – which are explained with the use of mini-rules and reminders – then you should get a playable game.As Black, we choose the slippery Scandinavian and a carefully crafted hybrid of the Slav and QGA. As White it is the English Opening, often with Botvinnik set-ups that will give our opponents fits! These will become your special lines, where you will know and understand more than most players, even much stronger ones.

A good opening repertoire need not require an enormous amount of study to be highly effective. A cunning choice of lines and move-orders can steer the game to positions that we like and deny the opponent his preferred strategies.In this book, highly experienced chess opening writer Graham Burgess presents a repertoire based on 1 d4 and Nf3 with precisely those aims. Black’s possibilities for counterplay - and sharp gambit play - are kept to a minimum. Our aim is to give Black exactly the type of position he doesn’t want. If he is seeking blocked positions with pawn-chains, we’ll keep the game fluid. If he wants complex strategy, we’ll attack him with simple piece-play. Simplifications? No thanks, we’ll keep the pieces on and intensify the battle. Gambits? Hardly, as we simply prevent most of them!The main cornerstones of the repertoire are carefully chosen Queen’s Gambit lines, the Torre Attack (vs ...e6), and a variety of fianchetto options against the King’s Indian and related set-ups. White’s position is kept highly flexible, with many possible transpositions to a wide variety of systems that the reader can use to extend and vary the repertoire. The book features a wealth of new ideas and original analysis.FIDE Master Graham Burgess is Gambit’s Editorial Director, and one of the founders of the company. He holds the world record for marathon blitz chess playing, and lives in Minnesota. This is his 23rd chess book.

Such has been the acclaim for John Watson's ground-breaking works on modern chess strategy and his insightful opening books, that it is only natural that he now presents a strategic opening repertoire.It is the chess-player's holy grail: a flexible repertoire that gives opponents real problems but doesn't require masses of memorization or continual study of ever-changing grandmaster theory. While this book can't quite promise all of that, Watson offers an intriguing selection of lines that give vast scope for over-the-board creativity and should never lead to a dull draw.The repertoire is based on 1 d4 and 2 c4, following up with methodical play in the centre. Watson uses his vast opening knowledge to pick cunning move-orders and poisonous sequences that will force opponents to think for themselves, providing a true test of chess understanding. Throughout, he discusses strategies for both sides, so readers will be fully ready to pounce on any inaccuracies, and have all the tools to decide on the most appropriate plans for White.

Seven years after his acclaimed and bestselling The Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White,Grandmaster Larry Kaufman is back with his new repertoire book, covering the entire scope of chess openings for both White and Black, in one volume.Two important developments made this book necessary. Larry Kaufman, who himself routinely plays the lines he advocates to others, discovered that after 1.d4 (the recommendation in his previous book) it became nearly impossible to show a consistent advantage for White, especially against Grunfeld and Nimzo/Ragozin defenses. The other factor was that chess engines have become so much stronger.Larry Kaufman presents a completely new White repertoire with 1.e4 aiming for an objective advantage in the simplest practical manner. You are presented with two options, while you don't have to play the sharpest lines. The Black repertoire has been thoroughly revised and updated, and three new chapters have been added.Kaufman's New Repertoire for Black and White is the first opening book that is primarily based on Monte Carlo search. The highly original analysis has resulted in loads of improvements on existing theory. This is a lucidly explained, ready-to-go and easy-to-digest repertoire with sound, practical lines that do not outdate rapidly and are suitable for masters while perfectly accessible for amateurs.

All the average club player needs is a small and manageable chess opening repertoire. They don't have time and energy to study hundreds of pages of chess opening theory. And why would they? Amateur games are rarely decided in the opening. Understanding structures and finding tactics are much more important.Renowned German chess trainers Erik Zude and Jörg Hickl have created an ideal club player's repertoire for Black. This compact manual presents a set of lines that is conveniently limited in scope, yet varied, solid and complete.The core repertoire is based on lines that the authors have successfully played at (grand)master level for decades: the Antoshin variation of the Philidor Defence against 1.e4 and the Old-Indian Defence against 1.d4. There is only a limited number of plans, ideas and structures that you need to learn, and very few forcing variations.After an initial phase in which Black may at first sight look slightly passive, you will develop your position with a sequence of strong standard moves and start your highly effective counterplay. Zude and Hickl provide common sense guidance, explain all typical characteristics and give practical examples. If you have an Elo rating between 1400 and 2200, you don't need to look further because you can Play 1..d6 Against Everything!

In this original book, Christoph Wisnewski, who is renowned for his innovative and adventurous opening ideas, provides the reader with an ambitious and all-encompassing repertoire for Black against every main line opening that White can play, based on the initial move 1...Nc6. The principal components of this black repertoire are the uncompromising Chigorin Defence, a long-time favourite of the brilliant Russian Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich, and the equally tricky Nimzowitsch Defence, advocated by Britain's first ever Grandmaster, Tony Miles.

This book fills an enormous void in chess literature. There are a countless number of players who are very happy to defend the black side of the Queen's Gambit or play the Nimzo-Indian, Queen's Indian, Bogo-Indian, or Benoni. However, more often than not they have been forced to muddle their way through a whole variety of annoying sidelines White has at his or her disposal, including the dreaded Trompowsky, the tricky Blackmar-Diemer Gambit and the tiresome Colle Variation. Now finally, help is at hand! In this unique book John Cox reveals everything Black players need to know about all of White's offbeat tries, presenting Black with no-nonsense answers to every white option. Readers will be fully armed to deal with anything that White can throw at them. In fact, they will have all the White players running back to the main lines!>Covers all of White's options>Written by an openings expert>Ideal for club and tournament players

Playing blitz is one of the great joys in every chess player’s life. In modern times, faster time controls have become more important than ever. Every day, innumerable numbers of rated blitz and rapid games are being played in online and over-the-board competitions and championships.In blitz, even more than in ‘classical chess’, it is important to make the right decisions quickly and almost instinctively. That is why world-famous opening expert Grandmaster Evgeny Sveshnikov and his son, International Master Vladimir Sveshnikov, have created a chess opening repertoire for club players that is forcing, both narrow and deep, and aggressive.The aim is to be in control as much as possible. You want to be the one who decides which opening is going to be played, you want to dictate the technical and strategic choices. And you want to keep the pressure, increasing your opponent’s chances to stumble.In designing their repertoire, father and son Sveshnikov have made a crucial choice: they do not want you to end up in positions where finding the theoretically best move is all-important, but in positions where it is relatively easy to keep finding the moves with the greatest practical effect and use.If you play the lines the Sveshnikovs have selected, your results will improve. You may even end up playing their variations in ‘slow chess’ as well.

In this book, the first to focus on these issues, Steve Giddins provides common-sense guidance on one of the perennial problems facing chess-players. He tackles questions such as: whether to play main lines, offbeat openings or 'universal' systems; how to avoid being 'move-ordered'; how to use computers; if and when to depart from or change your repertoire. Giddins argues that from novice to grandmaster, a player's basic task when choosing a repertoire is the same: he needs to select openings that suit his playing style and that he can play with confidence. The repertoire should not require more memory work and study than he is capable of, or has time for. The book is rounded off with a look at the use of 'role models' and an investigation of the repertoires of leading players past and present.

This gambit guide is no mere opening book, but also a tactical battle manual. Sharpen your tactics and learn to play dynamic attacking chess while studying the most entertaining gambits. Lines covered include: Evans Gambit, Morra Gambit, Danish Gambit, Cochrane Gambit, Milner-Barry Gambit and more.

Chess had a golden era when The King’s Gambit was the favorite opening of every attacking player. In the glory days of Paul Morphy it was considered almost cowardly to play anything else. Legends such as Spassky and Bronstein kept the flame burning in the 20th century, but its popularity faded as players became distrustful of White’s ultra-aggressive approach. Nevertheless there are honorable exceptions whose games prove that this ancient weapon can still draw blood – Short, Nakamura and Zvjaginsev are world-class players who have used the King’s Gambit successfully. In this groundbreaking work, grandmaster John Shaw shows that the ultimate Romantic chess opening remains relevant and dangerous even in the computer era.

From the Back CoverIn 1995 Garry Kasparov unleashed a daring new weapon, the Evans Gambit (1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 b4). Although this gambit has always been popular with club and tournament players, it was hardly ever seen in modern top-level chess - until Kasparov used it to beat Anand and Piket in crushing style. Neither of these grandmasters managed to survive even 30 moves! Soon afterwards, the Latvian grandmaster Alexei Shirov used it to defeat Jan Timman in a brilliant 28-move victory. The Evans Gambit was back! In this fully revised edition of their 1976 work, Tim Harding and Bernard Cafferty provide a complete survey of the current state of theory and offer numerous new suggestions for analysis and experimentation. Tim Harding is an expert on correspondence chess, and a well-known journalist who now specializes in chess on the Internet. Bernard Cafferty is chess correspondent of The Sunday Times and was editor of the British Chess Magazine from 1981 to 1992.

The Vienna set-up aims for very aggressive play, which often includes sacrifices. But White prefers to be on the safe side, without burning all the bridges and to try to justify his actions from the point of view of positional play as well. At first, he deploys his minor pieces to active positions, then he advances the thematic move f4, castles (usually on the kingside) and begins an attack only after all this. Despite the fact that the move 2.Nc3 has been played for more than a hundred years, there has not been defined a clear-cut scheme for playing this set-up. IM Sergei Soloviov and Grandmaster Roman Ovetchkin had to make decisions how to play with White practically from the first several moves. Should he thrust immediately f4, or begin at first with d3? Should he advance his pawn to f5, or prefer a quick piece development? For example, after 2...Nf6 3.Bc4 Bc5, should White play at first d3, fortifying his e4-pawn? Soloviov and Ovetchkin have come to the conclusion that the move 4.f4!? is more precise.By choosing the Vienna Game, White follows his own line of playing. This does not happen after the move 2.Nf3 when Black can choose then between the numerous variations of the Ruy Lopez (or the rather solid Steinitz Defence Deferred, or the super-solid Berlin Wall, or the shar

The Scotch Game is one of the oldest openings in chess and has a great history, but more recently it was catapulted back into the limelight due to the enterprise of World number one Garry Kasparov, who completely rejuvenated the opening with an abundance of original ideas for White. He utilized the opening in World Championship matches and other elite events, with very successful results. As a direct result of this, the Scotch Game, a dynamic and sharp opening, has once again become popular at all levels of chess.In this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster and openings expert John Emms goes back to basics, studying the essential principles of the Scotch Opening and its numerous variations. Throughout the book there are an abundance of notes, tips, and warnings to guide improving players, while key strategies, ideas, and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated.>User-friendly layout to help readers absorb ideas>Concentrates on the key principles of the Scotch Opening>Ideal for improving players

Grandmaster Neil McDonald examines one of the most important openings of all, the Ruy Lopez. He shares his experience and knowledge, and continually challenges the reader to answer probing questions, thereby encouraging the learning and practising of vital opening skills.

Chess Grandmaster Mihail Marin provides a repertoire for players with the black pieces based on the respected Spanish Opening, or the Ruy Lopez as it is sometimes called. Marin provides all the answers for Black after the opening moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4. This depth of chess expertise has rarely been published for a mass audience before, as grandmasters usually prefer to keep their secrets to themselves. The complexity of the material could have been daunting, but Marin is also a master of explaining profound ideas to a wide audience.

It's not easy finding a good opening to play against 1 e4, especially if you don't have endless time available to study the latest theoretical developments. If you choose fashionable openings, it's often a necessity to keep pace with modern theory if you want to succeed with Black.This book provides a solution. Neil McDonald advocates his favourite opening – the very popular French Defence – but chooses a repertoire for Black that requires only the minimum amount of move memorization. The lines he selects are very easy to learn and play – perfect for those who are unwilling to be slaves to opening theory. But there's also something here for more experienced players, as McDonald goes on to offer a second repertoire based on counter-attacking lines against 3 Nc3 and 3 Nd2.*An easy-to-learn defence against 1 e4*Provides solutions to all of White's options*Written by a world-renowned expert on the French*Ideal for improvers, club players and tournament players

The Caro-Kann is a rare beast among chess openings. While respected as a sound and safe way to start the game, it also avoids symmetry or simplification. This allows Black many ways to keep the game unbalanced and play for a win.Two Norwegian opening experts provide a set of options that take full advantage of this flexibility. In the main line, you are given a choice between the 4...Bf5 and the 5...exf6 systems – but both strictly in their modern dynamic forms! In the latter, Hansen is a world-leading authority, with a wealth of experience to explain the typical mistakes White makes when facing this deceptively tricky line. By studying his material, you will be well ahead of the game in this rapidly-evolving system. For instance, the critical improvements over the Duda-Carlsen game in 2020 were already in Hansen’s files from two years earlier.The other recommended systems for Black are also aggressive and very much the ‘21st-century Caro-Kann’. It’s 3...c5 against the Advance, in which Hansen is also an outstanding specialist. The Panov Attack is answered with ...g6 lines – strategically ideal, and nowadays backed up by amazing modern computer analysis. Against the Two Knights, we are offered an ...exf6 option as well as the ...Bg4 approach. The repertoire is completed with good sensible recommendations against almost every other conceivable move White can throw at the Caro-Kann. This extremely up-to-date book has an innovative structure, with ‘lessons’, model games and theory ‘magnifiers’.

The appeal of the Scandinavian Defence is easy to understand: it is very forcing – Black is virtually guaranteed to get his desired structure. There are no annoying ‘Anti-Scandinavians’ to study!But for many decades the Scandinavian was regarded with some suspicion, as Black apparently loses time recapturing on d5. Modern players have a different view. The great Danish player Bent Larsen kickstarted the revolution with his provocative assertion that it is an improved Caro-Kann (and, not least, beating Karpov with our opening)! But the 21st-century Scandinavian is a different beast altogether; the new main line of the whole opening (3...Qd6) has proven to have great strategic richness, with more than a few tactical tricks lurking just behind the scenes. The Scandinavian has been transformed into an opening that strong grandmasters are willing to use as their main defence, rather than as an occasional surprise weapon.This thoroughly modern guide focuses on these new approaches, while also covering the more traditional main lines. Kasparov guides the reader carefully through each system, explaining his recommendations with wit and clarity. With his help, you will have your opponents wishing there really were some ‘Anti-Scandinavian’ lines!

In this easy-to-read guide, openings expert John Cox goes back to basics, studying the essential principles of Alekhine's Defence and its numerous variations. Throughout the book there are an abundance of notes, tips, and warnings to guide improving playe

The Philidor is a dynamic and underrated answer to White's most popular opening move, 1 e4. Christian Bauer, himself a renowned Philidor expert, uncovers the secrets behind this intriguing opening. Using his own experience and other top-class Philidor games, Bauer identifies both the critical main lines and the tricky sidelines. He also examines the key tactical and strategic ideas for both White and Black, while highlighting crucial issues such as move-order options – a major weapon for the modern Grandmaster.

Everyman Chess present three new books in their highly praised and best-selling Starting Out series. The series continues with coverage of two very popular openings among club and tournament players: the Trompowsky Attack and the Torre Attack. Added to this, there's an updated and largely expanded edition of Starting Out: The Sicilian, the much acclaimed guide to the most popular opening in chess.The Starting Out series has firmly established itself as the leading guide to studying openings for up-and-coming chess players. These books are ideal for enthusiastic players who have little experience of the openings in question and who wish to appreciate the essential principles behind them.

Andrew Martin studies this famous opening in a simplistic way, introducing the crucial initial moves and ideas and taking care to explain the reasoning behind them, something that has sometimes been neglected or taken for granted.

The Sicilian Defense, 1.e4 c5, is one of the most popular chess openings. In this book several chess grandmasters present state-of-the-art analysis of lines where White meets the Sicilian by avoiding the Open variations.The editors, 2007 British Champion Jacob Aagaard and three-time Scottish Champion John Shaw, have recruited a line-up of strong grandmasters to share their expert opinions both on how to play the Sicilian Defense and how to play against it.

The Sicilian Defense is the most popular chess opening at all levels of tournament play from Linares to the local club championship. The Sicilian is played regularly by Kasparov, Anand, Kramnik, Leko, Topalov, and Shirov – that is, the best players in the world.In this book a multinational line-up of leading experts give recommendations against their own pet lines in the Sicilian Defense. This repertoire book recommends the critical main lines and reveals Black’s greatest fears to you. Experts vs. the Sicilian is the no-nonsense opening repertoire for players of all strengths who want to teach the Sicilian players a lesson or two...

Grandmaster John Emms revisits the fundamentals of the c3 Sicilian. He explains in depth the reasoning behind the critical early moves and uses instructive games to demonstrate key plans.

The Sicilian Defence is by far the most popular chess opening. If you play 1 e4 as White, on average you are likely to meet the Sicilian in virtually every other game! You need to be prepared to face the Sicilian at all times, and a ready-to-use repertoire against it is an indispensible weapon.In this book, Gawain Jones confronts the challenge of meeting the Sicilian head on. He has constructed a comprehensive Anti-Sicilian repertoire for White, which is based on lines he has successfully employed at grandmaster level. These are sound, reliable options for White, but don't be fooled – they also contain more than a drop of poison. Variations covered include the popular King's Indian Attack, various Bb5 systems and weapons against Black's offbeat tries.A Grandmaster's repertoire against the SicilianPacked with new ideas and critical analysisHighlights key tactical and positional ideas

Starting Out: Sicilian Grand Prix Attack is a further addition to Everyman's best-selling Starting Out series, which has been acclaimed for its original approach to tackling chess openings. International Master Gawain Jones revisits the fundamentals of th

International Master Richard Palliser studies the Closed Sicilian in a clear-cut way, introducing the crucial initial moves and ideas and taking care to explain the reasoning behind them, something that is sometimes neglected or taken for granted.

The Colle is a solid, reliable system of development based on the popular opening move 1 d4. A major selling point is that although the system is very easy to learn and play it leads to complex, exciting middlegame positions where White often launches a violent attack against Black's king.The Colle is a particular favourite amongst club players, but is often also seen at grandmaster level

The London System is a perennial favourite of club players, as it is a very sound and solid system with a real practical sting. The authors of this new book seek to maximize this sting in two principal ways. Firstly, by explaining in detail the typical plans for White, they help readers to make the most of their chances, whether they are based on a kingside attack, queenside penetration, central play, or transition to a favourable endgame. Secondly, they advocate some subtle move-orders that limit Black's options, and give White possibilities to change the nature of the game and go straight for the kill if Black responds casually or inappropriately. These move-orders have been tested successfully by co-author Kovacevic at grandmaster level, and much of the analysis presented here is of totally new variations, and is previously unpublished. Covers all responses to 1 d4 against which White can use the London System.

Most chess openings have been around for centuries; the first book on the Ruy Lopez was written in 1561. Not so the Jobava System. This is a thoroughly modern opening that has only achieved prominence in the last decade or so. It is named after the Georgian chess visionary Baadur Jobava, a highly imaginative and creative grandmaster. The Jobava System is based around the opening moves 1 d4 d5 2 Nc3 Nf6 3 Bf4. For many years this was considered to be a quiet and unassuming backwater of chess theory. No longer!Thanks to the efforts of Jobava and others this system has been honed into a fierce attacking weapon. As this opening is so new the correct defensive methods are not well understood. This makes the system extremely dynamic and dangerous.In this book, Simon Williams (the Ginger GM) delves deep into the Jobava and offers up a complete repertoire based on this exciting new system. The advantages are clear: There is very little existing theory Black cannot play safely on “auto-pilot” It is fresh and it's fun!Williams is well known for his swashbuckling, attacking play and his entertaining and instructive commentary. He is your ideal guide to the Jobava System.

In this book Grandmaster Sadler explains the ideas behind the Queen's Gambit Declined, one of Black's most dependable replies to the queens pawn. He discusses all of the major variations in popular practice, explaining the key plans and ideas and highlighting important recent developments.

The King's Indian is one of the most exciting defences in chess and is favoured by ambitious and aggressive players. At the highest level it has been a major weapon for World Champions Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov. In this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster Joe Gallagher goes back to the basics of the King's Indian, studying the key principles of its many variations. Throughout the book there are an abundance of notes, tips, warnings and exercises to help the improving player, while important strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated.

Grandmaster John Emms revisits the Nimzo-Indian, his favourite opening for over 30 years. He shares his experience and knowledge, and continually challenges the reader to answer probing questions, thereby encouraging the learning and practising of vital opening skills.

The Queen's Indian is one of Black's most dependable and respected defences to the queen's pawn opening. It's an established favorite amongst world-class Grandmasters such as Vladimir Kramnik, Vishy Anand, Michael Adams, and Judit Polgar, not to mention Anatoly Karpov, who has been a loyal Queen's Indian supporter and theory developer for over three decades. Rather than classically occupying the central squares with pawns, Black adopts a hypermodern approach and endeavors to control this key area with pieces. This procedure leads to rich and varied positions that will appeal to players who like complex play. In this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster and Queen's Indian expert John Emms goes back to basics, studying the essential principles of the Queen's Indian and its numerous variations. Throughout the book there are an abundance of notes, tips, and warnings to guide improving players, while key strategies, ideas, and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated.Highlights include:*User-friendly lay out to help readers absorb ideas*Concentrates on the key principles of the Queen's Indian*Ideal for improving players

The Chigorin Defence (1 d4 d5 2 c4 Nc6) is a dynamic and provocative response to White's 1 d4. Rather than set out a defensive stall with systems based on moves such as ...e6 and ...c6, Black prefers to initiative immediate piece play in the centre. The benefits of this strategy are that Black's queenside pieces, which are often difficult to develop in the Queen's Gambit, participate in the struggle at once. The queen's knight emerges immediately onto an active square and the path is left free for the c8-bishop to develop freely. Naturally there are also drawbacks as Black will not find it easy to establish a foothold in the centre in the early play.The Chigorin is a perfect counterattacking weapon and will appeal to players who like to throw opponents onto their own resources at an early stage. Jimmy Liew identifies and analyses the precise moments when specific theoretical knowledge is required and also discussed plans and strategies in the quieter variations.* Everything you need to know to play the Chigorin with confidence* Emphasis on plans and strategies* Written by an expert in the opening

In this user-friendly book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald goes back to basics, studying the fundamental principles of the Dutch Defence and its many variations. Throughout the book there are an abundance of notes, tips, warnings, and exercises to help improvi

The Benko Gambit, named after the Hungarian player Pal Benko, who pioneered it, has long been a favorite opening of dynamic tournament chess players. This entertaining guide is part of a series that treats openings in a fresh new way. “First Moves” leads you through the basics as you start the gambit. “Tricks and Traps” reveals the secrets of catching out your opponent. And “What’s Hot” divulges the very latest ideas from the champions. A detailed table summarizes the main variations, with assessments.

Sick of defending with Black? Never found a reliable way to fight for the initiative when White plays 1 d4?Allow Grandmaster Aveskulov to assist. He has put together a sound but ultra-aggressive repertoire based on gambits that have proved their worth in grandmaster play over many years. The Benko Gambit is dreaded by many 1 d4 players. Black gets very active piece-play, and even if White reaches a pawn-up endgame, he is often shocked to find he is worse due to Black's intense positional pressure! If White avoids the Benko, that's when we hit him with the Blumenfeld, sacrificing a pawn to set up a strong pawn-centre and attacking chances.Aveskulov examines all of White's options and move-orders after 1 d4 Nf6, and shows an aggressive reply to each of them. He is never willing to take existing theory on faith, and throughout the book presents an extraordinary wealth of new analysis and ideas. He also explains typical plans in depth, so you will always know how to turn the screw once you have your opponent on the run.