The English Opening can give rise to a wide variety of pawn structures with both slow, manoeuvering games and open tactical play possible. In this book GM Zenon Franco examines three main groups of structures: the Symmetrical English (1.c4,c5;), the Reversed Sicilian (1.c4,e5;) and the Nimzo-English (1.c4,Nf6; 2.Nc3,e6;). The material is covered in 25 complete, annotated games, selected because they demonstrate typical positions, ideas and tactics in the three main structures discussed. Coverage is balanced with both sides' plans discussed in detail. Each chapter has a summary of key points and the book includes indexes of variations and games. Chapter headings: 1.The Hedgehog, 2.Double Fianchetto, 3.Symmetrical Miscellaneous, 4.Rubinstein System, 5.Reversed Rossolimo, 6.1.c4,e5; Miscellaneous, 7.Nimzo-English and Mikenas Attack. The author is a Grandmaster from Paraguay now living in Spain. Pub. 2006, softback, 111 pages.
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This new repertoire book for White combines analysis of variations with strategic explanation to provide an aggressive treatment of the English Opening. Kosten, himself an experienced English player, recommends 1.c4, 2.g3, and 3.Bg2 as the best move order and sticks to this throughout. The book is in three parts which deal with 1...e5, 1...c5, and 1... others. All Black's major defensive setups are covered. A good introduction for anyone wishing to take up the English Opening concentrating on strategy rather than theory.pub. 1999, softback, 144 pages.
The Hedgehog setup, characterized by Black's pawns on e6 and d6, can arise from many different openings and is not only tough to beat but is a serious winning attempt by Black. Rumanian GM Suba examines the history, current praxis and future trends in the Hedgehog by means of 100 complete, annotated games. As always Suba's style is thought provoking and entertaining. If you need an antidote to combat the super solid English/Catalan brigade this book is for you! pub. 2000, softback, 156 pages.
The 1...e5 variation of the English Opening leads to a diversity of stimulating positions, from wild tactical melees to slow positional battles. In this book, Alexander Raetsky and Maxim Chetverik explain in detail the positional and tactical possibilities for both White and Black after the initial moves 1.c4,e5; 2.Nc3. Using 80 annotated, illustrative games, Raetsky and Chetverik outline the current fashions in both the main variations and the tricky sidelines. Part One examines systems where White plays an early Nf3 including the Four Knights and Three Knights variations. Part Two looks at lines where White plays 3.g3 including the Keres System, Reversed Sicilian and finchetto defences. Part Three wraps up lesser played lines such as 2..Bb4 and 2..d6 as well as lines with an early ..e5 for Black. Includes an index of games but not of opening lines although the contents page suffices in most cases. Both authors are International Masters from Russia. Pub. 2003, softback, 208 pages.
Detailed analysis of the English Opening 1.c4,c5 lines in six chapters. Includes the Anti Benoni, Hedgehog, Double Fianchetto, Modern Variation, Rubinstein Variation and Symmetrical System. Vladimir Bagirov is a Latvian Grandmaster and well known author and chess theorist. Pub. 1995, softback, 223 pages.
Coverage of the 1.c4,c5; system via 52 annotated games (taken mainly from the 1990s or 2000) arranged in seven chapters. IM Cummings examines the Hedgehog, Double Fianchetto Defence, lines with an early d2-d5/..d7-d5, lines with g2-g3, the main line 5.Nf3 and Breaking the Symmetry. Each chapter has an introduction explaining both sides' strategies and a summary of variations for easy reference. The material is presented objectively with equal weight given to White's and Black's chances and the author has concentrated on critical lines and on giving the reader a feel for the recurring themes of the opening. Pub. 2001, softback, 160 pages.
A companion to the same author's well received "English 1..e5", this volume covers all lines stemming from 1.c4, c5. Hansen provides detailed coverage of the Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni and Hedgehog as well as variations such as the Semi-Tarrasch which can arise from this opening. Each chapter contains quick summaries and plenty of analysis allowing either side to play these positions with confidence and understanding. The English Opening can be played sedately or wildly which explains it's wide popularity amongst players of all strengths. Carsten Hansen is a Danish FIDE Master. Pub. 2000, softback, 256 pages.
