There is no more annoying way to lose than being caught in an opponent’s prepared trap before the game has really started. In the hope that forewarned is forearmed, Steve Giddins offers some topical and plausible traps all of which have occurred in top level chess. The traps are arranged by opening and, for each, the moves of the relevant game are given together with three diagrams. Giddins has collected these traps from a wide variety of sources and concentrates on those which arise incidentallly as a result of good moves. In this way, even if the trap is avoided, the trapper is left with a sound position. Since many of the illustrative trap games are complete this book also acts as a collection of miniatures. pub. 1998, softback, 112 pages.
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This book offers a detailed repertoire for White against five Black defences involving a fianchettoed bishop on g7. These are the King's Indian, Grunfeld, Benko, Benoni and Modern Defences. The repertoire is geared towards posing unconventional problems for Black in somewhat atypical positions for each defence. In each chapter Grivas explores some typical endgames for the defence in question before moving on to exploring the theory behind the attacking systems he has chosen. A deeply researched repertoire book which is not dependent upon the latest trends in opening theory. Author Efstratios Grivas is a Greek Grandmaster, FIDE Senior Trainer and International Arbiter. Pub. 2006, softback, 191 pages.
This book is based on Mednis' 1990s Chess Life Magazine column which examined some long-lived opening systems from a strategic perspective. Chapters include 1.e4 for the Active, Sensible Player, Symmetrical Grunfeld - Making Something out of Nothing, A Solid Repertoire for Black, Minority Attack as a White/Black Weapon and White/Black Sacrifices the Exchange. There is also material on The Stonewall set-up, and the bishop v knight argument. Contains some interesting repertoire ideas together with references for further study if desired. Pub. 2002, softback, 159 pages.
This expanded version of the cult classic "Black is OK!" is just as emphatic in it's claims and unique in it's design as the original. The basic idea is that Black shouldn't just strive for equality from the opening but play as actively as White and try just as hard to win. In between sharing some striking and original ideas for Black in various openings Adorjan reproduces letters and articles written by other players commenting on his theories and his own replies to these. This is without doubt one of the most entertaining chess books around offering a philosophy of hope for all players of the Black pieces. Andras Adorjan is a Hungarian Grandmaster and former World Championship candidate who has acted as trainer to both Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko. Pub. 2004, softback, 224 pages.
With the aid of 88 illusrative games GM Jim Plaskett shows how disaster can strike early in the game for a variety of reasons. With chapters on Poisoned Pawns, Trapping the Queen and Castling Into It amongst others Plaskett explains, in a lighthearted commentary, some of the pitfalls to be wary of in the opening. This is both an entertaining and instructive book with plenty of diagrams and indexes of openings and players. Pub. 2005, softback, 144 pages.
* 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* A tool for club players to test and review their opening repertoire
Chess Opening Essentials offers a mixture of explanation, analysis and sample games to help the reader understand the basics of each of the different e-pawn openings. It gives a flavour of how every opening works and explains the similarities with other openings as well as the differences. In addition, it also points at the various middlegame plans that apply after the opening has ended.
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.
Chess Opening Essentials helps you to get out of any opening in good shape. This thorough, understandable, and very readable manual gives you a foundation on which to build your repertoire on.
* Comprehensive: covers all main variations likely to arise* Easy-to-use: important moves and key positions are highlighted in colour* Long-lasting: it doesn’t outdate because it is about basics - not the latest fashions* Complete: explains the plans and counterplans for both Black and White* Down-to-earth: simple, verbal introductions (not a database dump full of dead trees)* Convenient: every opening is illustrated with a number of instructive games* Prize-winning: received the Golden Award of the Italian Chess Federation Pub. 2007, softback, 358 pages.
This is an excellent introduction to the principles of opening play including development, attacking the castled and centralized king, gambits, game analysis and more. Basman shows how to apply these principles in five different openings, the Giuoco Piano, Sicilian Dragon, Queen's Gambit, Nimzo-Indian and Morra Gambit which form the basis for an opening repertoire. Pub. 1987, softback, 262 pages.
This concise version of the renowned Modern Chess Openings concentrates on the most useful and instructive lines of play which the improving player needs to know early on. After an initial chapter which explains the guiding principles of successful opening play the format is similar to that of MCO with tables of variations and annotations at key points. All the major opening systems are covered in enough depth to get the reader up and running in any particular opening. Nick de Firmian is a Grandmaster and openings expert having developed the openings book for supercomputer Deep Blue in 1997. Pub. 2003, softback, 256 pages.
The author is an chess opening trendsetter. Throughout his career, he has introduced many novel concepts in the openings, and some of the systems he has introduced have gone on to become absolute main lines, such as the Rb1 Exchange Grünfeld. Here he explains opening play from a modern viewpoint, explaining notable ideas from modern praxis.
The broad topics he discusses include Experiments in the Opening, Disturbing the Equilibrium, Strategic Planning, The Modern Game of Chess and Opening Structures. He follows this up with a section of examples from modern practice, and theoretical articles on several of the opening lines that he has pioneered, taking us through the creative process, and the highs and lows of the practical testing and refinement of the ideas.
Viacheslav Eingorn is a grandmaster from Ukraine. He played regularly and successfully in the Top League of the USSR Championship in the 1980s. Pub. 2006, softback, 159 pages.
This beginner's guide to chess openings focuses on the strategy of opening play rather than giving an in-depth analysis of each opening system. Grandmaster John Emms explains important concepts such as piece development, the centre, king safety and pawn play, showing how these elements come into play in diverse opening systems. Each idea is illustrated with examples from play and explanation from the author. A final chapter "Chess Openings in Practice" shows typical lines of play and positions arising from some of today's most important opening systems. John Emms is an English Grandmaster and author of several chess books. He collaborated on the influential book Nunn's Chess Openings. pub. 2006, softback, 248 pages.
Ideas and analysis of the Macho Grob (1..g5), Polish Defence (1..b5), St George (1..a6) and Vulture/Woozle. Also includes Games that Shook the World and Fantastic Defences. Tim Harding has based his analysis on articles in the Myers Opening Bulletin. Pub. 1989, softback, 137 pages.
An interesting look at gambit play in chess both ancient and modern. I.M. Angus Dunnington splits his study into the key areas of Time, Open Lines, The Initiative, Outposts, Disruption and Structure using illustrative games from all eras to show these ideas in action. Do you have the nerve to gamble when it comes to practical play? Do you know when it’s right to sacrifice and when it’s better to err on the side of caution? Dunnington aims to answer these questions by a close analysis of the games in this book. He explores the key aspects of successful gambit play, whilst also underlining the reasons why some gambits work while others flounder. The book contains some handy hints for those wishing to sharpen up their opening play. Pub. 2003, softback, 128 pages.
Estrin offers a selction of gambit lines for both sides in some well known opening systems. Most of the openings begin 1.e4,e5; but there are also gambits in the French Defence, Alekhine's Defence, Queen's Gambit and others. He contends that only by playing gambits will the reader understand that the attacking chances generated almost always compensate for the material sacrificed. Pub. 1982, softback, 92 pages.
In this, the first part of a new autobiographical series, Garry Kasparov looks at opening developments in the 1970s when he was an up and coming young player. In the aftermath of Bobby Fischer's triumph in Reykjavik there was an explosion in the number of chess tournaments taking place and also in the number of new opening ideas being tested. Previously shunned systems such as the Sveshnikov Sicilian and Hedgehog setup were tested at the top level and a re-evaluation of many opening "tabiyas" was undertaken. By the end of the 1970s opening theory had advanced dramatically and the basis of modern chess (i.e. concrete analysis and constant innovation) was set in place. In this book Kasparov analyses 113 of the key games which formed part of this opening revolution. In 23 chapters, covering a wide range of openings, he explains the evolution of ideas in each system by careful examination of Grandmaster games. A final chapter contains the thoughts of 28 leading players from the era on the most important developments of the 1970s. Garry Kasparov was World Chess Champion from 1985 to 2000 and is now a renowned commentator and author on the game. Pub. 2007, hardback, 416 pages.
This unique approach to studying the opening takes the form of a series of question and answer lessons given by veteran GM Noah Tall to young amateur Pat Sayre covering all aspects of strategy and tactics. Rules (and their exceptions) are illustrated in the many grandmaster games contained in the text and the book is packed with famous grandmaster sayings as well as advice on repertoire ideas, low maintenance openings and systems that are due for rejuvenation. Chapters with titles such as White to Play and Lose, Openings - Think, Give and Take, Decisions, De-booked, Materialism etc. give an idea of the concept led approach that the book adopts. The varied presentation with caricatures, sketches and shaded boxes make this book ideal for younger players and adults alike. Andrew Soltis is a US Grandmaster and well known chess author. Pub. 2002, sofback, 240 pages.
An algebraic reprint of Mednis' classic introduction to opening strategy. The book is aimed at the occasional or improving player who has little time to memorize opening theory and simply requires some sound principles upon which to base their early play. Mednis shows how to select good opening moves, even in unfamiliar positions, by application of the three primary principles of opening play. Chapters include What is the Opening?, Evaluation of Moves: The Practical Approach, Sicilian Defense Basic Principle & Advanced Play, Queen's Gambit Basic Principles & Advanced Play, Pawn Play and Bad Moves: How Not to Play Them. Includes plenty of examples from actual play. Pub. 2002, softback, 144 pages.
Fine’s classic treatise aimed at teaching understanding of the openings remains the best book of it’s type ever written. Grandmaster Fine gives a detailed explanation of the principles which underlie each opening, together with examples of the main lines of play so that the reader will be at home in any opening encountered in tournament play. pub. 1989, softback, 192 pages.
Ward begins with an explanation of the fundamental principles of opening play before embarking on a trek through the jungle of different systems, giving typical lines of play from each opening. Highlighted tips, traps and hints on both the opening and general play abound throughout. All opening systems receive brief covered in this work for beginner to intermediate players.pub. 2000, softback, 143 pages.
Which openings should you play? In this instructive book Jeremy Silman shows how the play develops in a wide range of openings and offers practical advice on opening selection. In part one he describes "The Fight For The Center" and shows, with examples, how this is conducted in each major opening. Part two is concerned with how to buld an opening repertoire based on your style. A good primer and general openings book. Jeremy Silman is a former U.S. Champion and well known chess coach and author. Pub. 1992, softback, 103 pages.
This is the first part of a major two volume work on chess openings which emphasises the ideas, strategies and connection between various different chess openings. Volume one is devoted to e-pawn openings and aims to give players of all strengths an idea of the way each opening is played, what to aim for and what can go wrong. In the first three chapters of the book Watson explains the Nature of Chess Openings, Opening Ideas and Positional Features and the Significance of Structure. The rest of the book is devoted to an examination of various e-pawn openings; their ideas, themes and an explanation of the most important lines of play in each opening. The two main sections cover open games and semi-open games and the extent to which pawn structures from different openings can overlap is also discussed. The book is not comprehensive in that only certain openings and variations are discussed. The emphasis is on providing a good grounding in opening play rather than an encyclopaedic coverage of variations. International Master John Watson is one of the world's most respected writers on chess. In 1999, Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy won the British Chess Federation Book of the Year Award and the United States Chess Federation Fred Cramer Award for Best Book. Pub. 2006, softback, 335 pages.
In the second and final volume of this series, John Watson concentrates on the queen's pawn (d pawn) openings. As with volume one the emphasis is on explanation of the underlying ideas and strategies behind each opening system and the various plans available to each side. By using key games and verbal explanations Watson shows how the theory of each opening has developed with time and why certain lines are nowadays more popular than others. The book is aimed at club and tournament players and offers enough information to enable a player to take up an opening, without being a comprehensive reference on d pawn openings. More coverage is given to popular openings that have stood the test of time but many sidelines are covered in the nine chapters: 1 Introduction to 1 d4 and the Closed Games, 2 Queen’s Gambit Declined, 3 Slav and Semi-Slav, 4 Introduction to the Indian Defences, 5 Nimzo-Indian Defence, 6 Queen’s Indian Defence, 7 King’s Indian Defence, 8 Grünfeld Defence, 9 Modern Benoni.
International Master John Watson is one of the world's most respected writers on chess. In 1999, Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy won the British Chess Federation Book of the Year Award and the United States Chess Federation Fred Cramer Award for Best Book. Pub. 2007, softback, 319 pages.
This book offers an introduction to all the common opening systems by using an original format of overview plus illustrative games for each opening. Jacobs has prepared a dossier on each opening asking questions such as "What is White's Strategy", "What is Black's Strategy", How Popular Is It", "Tactical/Strategic/Dynamic?" before giving two or three thematic, illustrative games in each system. There are tips and warnings throughout advising of plans that must be watched for or should be done. If you are a club player who doesn't have time to study in depth or a new player seeking to find which openings are suitable for you then this book is aimed at you. Pub. 2002, softback, 176 pages.
Avoiding the pitfalls of sharp opening systems can be vital for the health of your game. Pandolfini's book is designed to inspire tactical awareness in the opening, especially in younger players. He includes over 200 traps, spanning all the major opening systems, arranged by opening and each has a diagram of the critical position for you to solve. The moves leading up to the trap and an explanation of why the disaster happened accompanies each diagram along with related tactics from other opening systems. Pub. 1993, softback, 254 pages.
In this book Grandmaster Edmar Mednis provides a thorough grounding in the principles of opening play. He begins with an explanation of the basics of opening strategy and covers a wide range of subjects that are of particular significance to club and tournament players. Pub. 1997, softback, 159 pages.
The world's top trainer, Mark Dvoretsky, and one of his best-known pupils, grandmaster Artur Yusupov, present a five-volume series based on courses given to talented young players throughout the world. The books contain contributions by other leading trainers and grandmasters, as well as games by pupils who have attended the courses. This second volume explains the basic principles of the opening, discusses how to build an opening repertoire and produce opening novelties, and explores the connection between the opening and the later stages - the middlegame and the endgame. Please note: the series "School of Future Champions" is a re-translation of a series of books which was originally published by Batsford. Pub. 2007, softback, 277 pages.
After the success of volume 1 of SOS the publisher has decided to make this a periodical published every six months. Volume two contains some tricky and unusual opening ideas advocated by leading international players with which you can spice up your tournament and match play.
Contents:1 Jeroen Bosch: The SOS Files2 Ian Rogers: Refining Fischer's Plan3 Alexander Beliavsky: Destroying the Benoni Wall4 Maxim Notkin: When I was Young5 Jeroen Bosch: Morozevich's Pet Line in the Albin6 Michal Krasenkow: The Dutch in the English?7 Dorian Rogozenko: Follow the Experts8 Jeroen Bosch: Let’s wait and see: 3...h6 in the French9 Sergei Movsesian: Play like a Beginner10 Dimitri Reinderman: The Haberditz Variation11 Jeroen Bosch: Get the Edge on the Budapest12 Igor Glek: Gambit Lines in the Glek Variation13 Jeroen Bosch: Beating the Van Geet14 Dorian Rogozenko: A Latvian Speciality vs the Dragon15 Mihai Grunberg: It is Better Playing White16 Glenn Flear: The Solid but Tricky Fianchetto Spanish17 Jonathan Rowson: The Improved Nadanianpub. 2004, softback, 141 pages.
SOS volume 3 offers you some strikingly original ideas in a wide variety of openings including the French, QGA, Slav, Sicilian, Grunfeld, Reti, Scotch and others. With contributing authors such as Mikhail Gurevich, Alexander Beliavsky, David Navara, Oleg Chernikov, Adrian Mikhalchishin, Carlos Matamoros, Ian Rogers, Karel van der Weide, Jeroen Bosch, Dorian Rogozenko, Mark Bluvshtein, Glenn Flear and Oleg Romanishin you can be sure of finding some high class opening novelties in these pages. Get this and outsmart your opponent today!
Contents:Mikhail Gurevich - Portisch's Ingenious IdeaJeroen Bosch - A Flank Attack in the GrünfeldOleg Romanishin - Catch-as-catch-Kan?David Navara - The Paulsen Attack in the PetroffDorian Rogozenko - Let's wait together in the SlavJeroen Bosch - Surprise in the ScotchMark Bluvshtein - Out of the French BookAlexander Beliavsky - Volga Gambit with 4.Nd2Oleg Chernikov - Provocation in the Rauzer: 6...g6Ian Rogers - Caro-Kann Fantasy VariationJeroen Bosch - A Central Thrust in the RetiKarel van der Weide - A French NimzowitschGlenn Flear - Protecting the Gambit Pawn in the QGAJeroen Bosch - Evans Gambit: Stoneware DefenceAdrian Mikhalchishin - A Sozin Opening SurpriseMikhail Gurevich - English or Sicilian Reversed Pub. 2005, softback, 143 pages.
SOS volume 4 offers you some strikingly original ideas in a wide variety of openings including the Scandinavian, French, Dutch Stonewall, Sicilian, King's Gambit, Reti, Scotch and others. With contributing authors such as Jaan Ehlvest, Igor Glek, Adrian Mikhalchishin, Jeroen Bosch, Dorian Rogozenko and Glenn Flear you can be sure of finding some high class opening novelties in these pages. Get this and outsmart your opponent today!
Contents:Jeroen Bosch - The SOS FilesArtur Kogan - A Surprising ScandinavianJeroen Bosch - The Alapin OpeningSergey Volkov - Attacking the Slav StonewallJaan Ehlvest - The Dutch BenoniJeroen Bosch - The Katalymov VariationGlenn Flear - The Other Long DiagonalAdrian Mikhalchishin - Following Smyslov and RétiDimitri Reinderman - King’s Gambit Vienna 1903Jeroen Bosch - Move-order Your Sicilian OpponentDorian Rogozenko - An Indian SOS, Part IDorian Rogozenko - An Indian SOS, Part IIGlenn Flear - Patzer Sees a CheckAdrian Mikhalchishin - The Bellon GambitJeroen Bosch - Kozul’s SOS against the RossolimoIgor Glek & Elena Sedina - Alekhine’s BlunderMikhail Gurevich - Flexibility Zone Pub. 2006, softback, 143 pages.
Volume 5 of this popular series brings you some astounding new ideas in seventeen different openings. With contributors such as Sergey Tiviakov, Dorian Rogozenko, Hikaru Nakamura and many other GMs and IMs you can be assured that these surprise weapons will pack plenty of punch and will not easily be countered. All these SOS ideas feature new moves early in the game so you will get plenty of chance to employ them in your play. They are illustrated through a combination of complete games and analysis to give you a solid understanding of both the theory and practice of these novelties. Editor Jeroen Bosch is an International Master and a prolific chess writer.
ContentsJeroen Bosch - The SOS FilesLubos Kavalek - Closed Sicilian: Vinohrady VariationNigel Povah - The Deferred Staunton GambitJeroen Bosch - Zviagintsev’s Sicilian SurpriseIgor Glek - English Opening: Chebanenko’s 3...h6Adrian Mikhalchishin - The Romanishin GambitDorian Rogozenko - A Spanish Surprise from RomanishinTibor Karolyi - The Nadanian AttackStefan Loeffler - Sacrificing a Tempo in the SlavJeroen Bosch - SOS in the Ruy Lopez ExchangeAdrian Mikhalchishin - Nimzo-Indian Vitolinsh GambitMark van der Werf - Bishop First: 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4Jeroen Bosch - Surprise in the NajdorfIan Rogers - Thinking Sideways: 1.d4 c6 2.c4 b5Jeroen Bosch - Rubinstein’s Anti-Meran VariationSergey Tiviakov - English Four Knights - 4.d4 e4!?Hikaru Nakamura - Attacking the Sicilian Centre pub. 2006, softback, 143 pages.
The highly acclaimed SOS series provides intermediate chess players with perfectly playable, easily digestible opening ideas: deviations from main line opening theory in a very early stage of the game (usually before move six). Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of the chess opening will be able to apply these SOS-ideas in an actual game. There is no need to study large quantities of stuffy theory, but there is an almost immediate return on the investment of a limited amount of time. Readers of SOS will baffle their opponents, gain crucial time, and stand a good chance to get an advantage in the game.
Contents:Jeroen Bosch - The SOS FilesIan Rogers - Triple Trouble for the GrunfeldJeroen Bosch - Sicilian: the Aussie AttackErwin l'Ami - No Panov: Play an Early Queen MoveDonaldson and Silman - 3.h4 in the Hyper-Accelerated DragonArthur Kogan - The Tarzan AttackJeroen Bosch - Making Short Work of the NajdorfAdrian Mikhalchishin - The Dory DefenceGlenn Flear - Bishops First Please!Jeroen Bosch - The Chigorin AttackArthur Kogan - The Queen's Grunfeld Line (Part I)Arthur Kogan - The Queen's Grunfeld Line (Part II)Adrian Mikhalchishin - A Spanish SOSJeroen Bosch - The French Advance with 5..a6Dorian Rogozenko - A Slav SurpriseSergey Tiviakov - Scandinavian with 3...Qd6John van der Wiel - Caro-Kann with a Slav Touch. Pub. 2007, softback, 143 pages.
SOS brings you a wide variety of unusual opening ideas. They may seem outrageous at first sight, but have proven to be perfectly playable. An SOS deviates very early from the regular lines in a mainstream opening, usually even before move six! That is why it is so easy to actually bring the variation on the board. You will baffle your opponent without having studied large quantities of stuffy theory.
A quick look at the SOS's in vol. 7Jeroen Bosch - The SOS FilesJohn van der Wiel - A Harmless Little Bishop MoveJeroen Bosch - Sicilian: the O'Kelly VariationGlenn Flear - Really Accepting the QGAFriso Nijboer - The Shirov Gambit versus the PhilidorDorian Rogozenko - Early Surprise in a Classical NimzoAdrian Mikhalchishin - The Caro-Kann of Bukhuti GurgenidzeJeroen Bosch - Bayonet Blow in the BogoArthur Kogan - Inspiration versus the DragonJeroen Bosch - Chasing the "Trompowsky" BishopDimitri Reinderman - Edgy Knight against the BirdGlenn Flear - The Semi-Slav with 6.a3Alexander Finkel - Modern for Advanced PlayersJeroen Bosch - Taimanov’s Surprise Sac in the KanAdrian Mikhalchishin - Anti-Grünfeld and Anti-VolgaIgor Glek & J.-O. Leconte - French: the Gledhill AttackHikaru Nakamura - Not Going for Scholar’s Matepub. 2007, softback, 143 pages.
Readers of this series can ignore large areas of the ever expanding chess opening theory. They can concentrate on these surprising ideas, because SOS variations deviate very early from the regular lines in mainstream openings. Ideal for players who don’t have enough time to keep abreast with main line theory.
Contents: 1 Jeroen Bosch - The SOS Files 2 Ruben Felgaer - Meeting the Caro-Kann with 2.Ne2 3 Dimitri Reinderman - The Meszaros Variation of the Sicilian 4 Jeroen Bosch - SOS versus Anti-Berlin 5 Alexander Finkel - SOS versus the Paulsen 6 Mazé & Cornette - Nimzo-Indian with 6...Qe8!? 7 Arthur Kogan - The Budapest Gambit Can Still Surprise! 8 Jeroen Bosch - French Prophylaxis 9 Adrian Mikhalchishin - Caro-Kann: Dementiev Variation10 Dimitri Reinderman - The Porcupine Variation11 Jeroen Bosch - Gajewski’s Incredible Spanish Novelty12 Arthur Kogan - Play the Spielmann Attack13 Alexander Finkel - An Old Idea in the Modern Defence14 Jeroen Bosch - A Modest Indian15 Igor Glek - A 19th Century Weapon versus the French16 Leonid Gofshtein - A Dynamic Ruy Lopez Surprise17 Dorian Rogozenko - Kamsky’s ‘Spare’ Slav18 Who is Who? - Authors and their SubjectsPub. 2008, softback, 143 pages.
A look at some of the more interesting and obscure lines of play which may be employed in the Alekhine, Caro-Kann, French, Pirc, Czech, Nimzovich and Scandinavian defences. This is not a systematic treatment of the openings but a collection of games, mostly recent, which have captured the author's imagination. You can't learn the theory of an opening from this book but you can absorb some interesting ideas for use in your own games. In this posthumously published work the late Hungarian GM Attila Schneider's annotations combine instructive comments with his own unique sense of humour to create an entertaining read. Pub. 2003, softback, 322 pages.
Successful tournament players understand the theme of their opening and carry this through to the middlegame and, if necessary, the endgame! Here GM Mednis has selected 30 instructive games with 1.d4 and annotated them extensively to reveal the ideas which underlie these systems of play. All d-pawn openings are covered but the variations selected are those which reveal the structural elements of the position most clearly. Essential reading for 1.d4 players.pub. 1999, softback, algebraic, 249 pages.
Every chess player loves to win early in the game with a deadly combination or a cunning trap. On the other hand, nobody wants to be tricked by his opponent before the game has really started. The popular series Tactics in the Chess Opening teaches how to recognize opportunities to attack early in the game. You will also learn how to avoid standard pitfalls in the opening. This book explains, in around 230 carefully selected and annotated games, all the tactical themes and typical traps of the main lines in the Indian Defences and related systems like the Catalan Opening and the Benoni Defence. After studying these brilliant surprise attacks, or just enjoying them, the adventurous chess player will win more games. Sipke Ernst is one of Holland's youngest Grandmasters and Geert van der Stricht is an International Master from Belgium and a former national champion. Pub. 2007, softback, 236pp
This book covers all the tactical themes and typical traps in the main lines of the English, the Dutch and the Reti, as well as a few interesting ideas in the Nimzowitsch Defence, Owen's defence, the Chigorin, Albin Counter-Gambit, Bird's Opening, Larsen's Opening and other flank attacks. They are explained in more than 200 carefully selected and annotated short games. The series "Tactics in the Chess Opening" teaches how to recognise opportunities to attack early in the game and how to avoid standard pitfalls in the opening. It will help the adventurous player win more games. This is 6th and the final volume in a series covering the entire opening spectrum. It is a guide for further study and for setting up an opening repertoire. Sipke Ernst is one of Holland's youngest Grandmasters. Geert van der Stricht is an International Master from Belgium and a former national champion. Pub. 2007, softback, 230 pages.
Many opening positions in chess can be reached by a variety of move orders - but only with the consent of both players! In this book Grandmaster Andrew Soltis examines how move order transpositions can be used by both sides to avoid certain lines of play or positions. In a book which covers all the major opening systems he shows how you can often transpose moves to reach the type of position you want but which your opponent does not. The seven chapters cover Double KP Openings, Ruy Lopez, Sicilian Defence, Semi-Open Games, Double QP Openings, Indians and Dutch and Flank Openings. Andrew Soltis is a popular chess writer and International Grandmaster. Pub. 2007, softback, 218 pages.
Everyone likes to catch their opponent in a cunning opening trap and so, for this book, IM Andras Meszaros has collected 250 deadly traps which have occurred in over the board games. He explains and annotates each game, showing how the trap arises and demonstrating many interesting side-lines in passing. The games, with their traps, are arranged in order of opening played (ECO code). An introductory chapter shows some typical opening trap motifs to look out for in your games. The final, brief, chapter demonstrates some ideas in the author's own Meszaros variation of the Sicilian. The book includes an index of themes and players. Pub. 2006, softback, 227 pages.
An opening primer which surveys all the chess openings giving verbal explanations of the typical plans behind each opening together with examples of the most important lines of play which illustrate how both sides can attempt to implement their ideas. The book is based on the author's experience as a chess coach in which he often has to teach openings which he doesn't play to his students. The approach closely mirrors the notes he makes for himself in these cases. Because of the number of openings covered there isn't room for large amounts of theory or analysis but the book should appeal to improving players who want to get a feel for an opening and see which openings lead to the sort of positions they feel comfortable playing. International Master Sam Collins has represented Ireland in three Olympiads and is a chess coach who has lectured at Berkeley Chess School in California. Pub. 2005, softback, 224 pages.
A good openings primer aimed at beginners and younger players. In Yasser Seirawan’s entertaining, easy-to-follow style, you are introduced to the basic principles of opening play. He then goes through all the major chess openings explaining the ideas behind them and showing sample lines of play for both White and Black. He also includes a glossary of chess terminology useful for beginners. Palestinian born Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan is a four time U.S. Champion and author of several popular teaching books. Pub. 2003, softback, 270 pages.
A repertoire book for white featuring five different first moves! 1.b4, 1.b3, 1.Nc3, 1.f4 and 1.g3 are the main features with a brief look at other first moves confined to chapter six. With so many openings to cover in one book Dunnington confines himself to explaining the main strategic ideas of each opening and illustrates these with complete, annotated games (there are 21 in all). This book will appeal to players who are looking for alternatives to play against a well booked-up opponent.pub. 2000, softback, 144 pages.
105 annotated games played by 15 World Champions show how each has interpreted various openings and how the handling of those openings has changed over the years. The main chapters are arranged by opening and the use of complete games gives the reader a chance to see opening strategies carried through to the middlegame. Includes over 100 openings, 500 diagrams and informatin on the champions' favourite first moves and defences. Theis second edition is updated to include Vladimir Kramnik amongst the champions featured. Pub. 2002, softback, 384 pages.
The book begins with a look at the repertoires of all the World Champions and then systematically analyses and explains over 100 different openings using example games from the play of World Champions. A good opening primer with 102 annotated games. pub. 1997, softback, 373 pages.
