The Nimzo-Larsen Attack 1.b3 remains a relatively unexplored opening system with plenty of scope for creativity and new ideas. Russian IM Ilya Odessky's book is brimming with ideas, suggestions and unanswered questions which offer food for thought as he explains his fascination with 1.b3. In 23 highly idiosyncratic and entertaining chapters Odessky examines Black's main responses, ,1..e5; 1..d5; 1..Nf6; and Dutch Systems involving ..f5; at some point. He devotes three chapters to examples of former World Champion Tigran Petrosian's games with 1.b3, which involve some highly original strategies. Odessky's book contains a balance of text explanation, analysis and part or full games illustrating 1.b3 in action. He maintains an objective view throughout, not trying to claim that White is better after move 1! Ilya Odessky is a Russian International Master, chess coach and author of a book on the English Defence which bears a strong resemblance to the Nimzo-Larsen Attack.
Pub. 2008, softback, 258 pages. 


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This is book two of a five book series featuring a White repertoire built around 1.Nf3 and based on systems used by ex World Champion Vladimir Kramnik. Here ex FIDE World Champion Alexander Khalifman concentrates on systems arising after 1.Nf3,Nf6; 2.c4, analysing the Black replies 2..e6; 2..b6; 2..Nc6; 2..c5; and other less common systems in fourteen chapters. White always prefers the move 2.c4 to the alternative 2.d4 in this repertoire. As usual the analysis is detailed and of high quality. This is a completely re-written 2nd edition of volume 2 containing over 110 additional pages of analysis. Book 3 covers the Maroczy Bind, English 1..c5, Modern and Dutch defences. Books 4 & 5 examine the Queen's Gambit, Slav and Semi Slav.
Pub. 2008, softback, 352 pages. 
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A highly entertaining and thorough analysis of the opening variation 1.d4,e6; 2.c4,b6; The main focus of attention is 3.e4 with which White attempts to crush Black. However, as Odessky shows, things are far from clear. The main point of Black's opening is that White is forced to think for himself and is also faced with specific tactical challenges from an early stage. The repertoire is illustrated through a mixture of text and annotated games. The author, not relying on his own store of words, constantly invokes the classics, citing them right, left and centre. Characters from world literature and even departed personalities strive to take an active part in the analysis of variations! Ilia Odessky is a journalist and International Chess Master.
Pub. 2008, hardback, 270 pages. 


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I.M. Craig Pritchett provides an active repertoire for White based on lines with an early Nf3 and d4 rather than the slower g3, d3 systems. The two main sections of the book look at Black's responses 1..e5; and 1..c5. The 1..e5; section examines both the Four Knights and Reversed Sicilian systems, as well as Black alternatives after 1.c4,e5; 2.Nc3, whilst the 1..c5; section covers the Symmetrical Four Knights, 3..d5; the Hedgehog and Indian set-ups. Transpositions into major d pawn openings such as the Dutch, Slav, King's Indian and Queen's Gambit are not included. The repertoire is based around 30 annotated key games with summaries of best play at the end of each chapter. This is a repertoire with club players new to the English in mind or former 1.e4 players who want to play the English in an open, attacking manner. Craig Pritchett is a Scottish International Master and is currently director of Schools Chess Development for Chess Scotland.
Pub. 2007, softback, 189 pages. 


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In 1998 a slim volume by International Master John Donaldson explored the crafting of a sophisticated but easily assimilated group of interrelated opening strategies intending to establish small but lasting advantages. The result, A Strategic Opening Repertoire, was an instant success. Now this second edition, revised by Danish FM Carsten Hansen with the assistance of John Donaldson, is greatly expanded - twice the size - with many more games and detailed explanations.

The lines presented here - based on 1.Nf3, 2.c4 and 3.g3 - will serve a player well throughout his career as they are based on solid positional ideas with an emphasis on understanding rather than memorizing. They will not fail because of one sharp novelty. The aim of playing 1.Nf3 is to head for queenside openings that restrict Black's counterplay. And using this repertoire, you will invariably find yourself on more familiar ground than your opponent, you will have less to learn, you will acquire a set of strategically connected and understandable ideas and you will have the home-court advantage
Pub. 2007, softback, 272 pages. View contents


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