Opening Books

Playing the Stonewall Dutch

The Stonewall is the boldest version of the Dutch Defence: with ...f5, ...e6, ...d5 and ...c6 Black throws up a wall of pawns, grabs central space, and clamps down on e4, accepting a slightly awkward light-squared bishop in return for a genuine attacking structure. It has a reputation as dubious — and grandmaster Nikola Sedlak sets out to prove that reputation wrong.

Sedlak plays the Stonewall himself with a healthy plus score, and this book is the distilled result of that experience. He provides a complete Black repertoire against everything White can try: the fianchetto systems with Bf4, the various knight deployments (7.Nbd2, 7.Ne5, 7.Nc3), the 7.b3 and 5.Nh3 set-ups, and the lines where White avoids the fianchetto altogether.

Crucially, he also covers the practical side that most opening books skip: move-order subtleties, how to reach the Stonewall against 1.c4 and 1.Nf3, and the choice between the solid "flexible" Stonewall and the sharper "aggressive" version with ...g5 ideas. A chapter of exercises lets you test the typical attacking patterns.

A combative, opinionated repertoire for club players and above who want a fighting answer to 1.d4 that steers the game onto their own terms.

When Axel Smith was chasing his final GM norm, he decided he needed a change in his White opening repertoire. ​​Instead of his usual approach of memorizing many concrete moves to try to force an advantage, he would focus on pawn structures and typical plans. The result was a repertoire based on a set-up with the moves d4, Nf3, c4 and e3. It helped Axel Smith to the GM title, and led to the creation of e3 Poison.

Every 1.e4 player needs a reliable answer, and few are as principled as 1...e5 — meeting White head-on, claiming the centre, and developing naturally. The challenge today is building a sound Black repertoire on these lines without drowning in theory. That is exactly what Nikolaos Ntirlis sets out to do here, in a book opened by a foreword from grandmaster Parimarjan Negi.

Against the Ruy Lopez — the most important battleground — Ntirlis recommends the Breyer System, one of the most solid and computer-resistant set-ups available to Black, where the knight retreats to b8 and redeploys to d7 behind a flexible pawn structure. The choice reflects the book’s philosophy: lines that rest on understanding and sound structures rather than memorised forcing sequences.

The rest of the repertoire is handled with the same clarity. The Scotch, the Italian and Two Knights, the full range of Four Knights systems, the Bishop’s Opening and Vienna, the Scotch and the King’s Gambit, and the various gambits and sidelines White can throw at 1...e5 are each given a clear recommendation and explanation.

This is a complete, classical Black repertoire after 1.e4 e5, built for players who want a dependable defence they can rely on for years. Best suited to intermediate and advanced players willing to learn ideas as well as moves.

There are hundreds of opening books available, full of deep analysis, but many of them fail to explain the reasons for choosing one computer line over another. And how top players distinguish between good and bad opening lines remains a mystery to most of the chess world. Grandmaster Opening Preparation addresses such questions as how to balance computer preparation with human considerations, along with a wealth of practical advice on how to go about building the opening repertoire which is right for you. The book also provides an in-depth treatment of the evolution in understanding of Isolated Queen’s Pawn positions, which will enable the reader to become more effective in a multitude of openings, with either colour.

Greek grandmaster Vassilios Kotronias is well-known for his excellent analytical work and writing style which presents the material in a way that is comprehensive and easy to understand. In this book – his first for Russell Enterprises – he offers a thorough system for Black against 1.d4. That includes responses to other systems such as the Colle, Trompowsky, London, etc. So, are you ready to stake your claim as Black, fighting from the first move? The Tarrasch may be just what you are looking for!

The 20th Anniversary Edition & International Bestseller! In 1998, the authors set out to demonstrate the viability of the Accelerated Dragon as a weapon for Black, not fearing the Maroczy Bind or any other set-up White can come up with. In the intervening year, the opening has been part of the opening repertoires of world top players such as Carlsen, Ivanchuk, and numerous other top grandmasters. Even though the original material is now older, it is still very instructive and will enhance anyone's general understanding of chess and, specifically, of the Accelerated Dragon. This book contains all the original material of the first edition with some additional main games as well a couple of entirely new segments.

Because of the sheer volume of variations, possible transpositions and ever-changing theory, chess openings can be overwhelming – even intimidating. This book is an introduction to understanding and playing chess openings. The author, Danish Master Carsten Hansen, stresses opening play based on comprehending opening principles as well as useful, fundamental knowledge. With an overview of all the most important opening variations, examples of good and bad opening play, opening traps and problems to solve, chess openings and its major principles are covered thoroughly. Many games are lost as a result of a player’s poor grasp of even the most basic principles of opening play. This book will help you enhance your understanding and give you guidelines on how to best study and play chess openings, reaching good, playable middlegame positions.

Sielecki has created a reliable set of opening lines for chess players of almost all levels. The major objective is to dominate Black from the opening, by simple means. You don’t need to sacrifice anything or memorize long tactical lines. His main concept is for White to play 1.d4, 2.Nf3, 3.g3, 4.Bg2, 5.0-0 and in most cases 6.c4. Sielecki developed this repertoire while working with students who were looking for something that was easy to understand and easy to learn. This new 1.d4 repertoire may be even easier to master than his 1.e4 recommendations, because it is such a coherent system. Sielecki always clearly explains the plans and counterplans and keeps you focussed on what the position requires. Ambitious players rated 1500 or higher will get great value out of studying this extremely accessible book.

The Ruy Lopez is arguably the most classic of chess openings. White immediately starts the battle for the centre, fighting for the initiative. This strategic clarity has made the Ruy Lopez, or Spanish Opening, an eternal favourite with chess players at all levels. Inevitably, this popularity has also led to a wealth of opening theory. In this book, Fabiano Caruana takes you by the hand and lays out a complete and practical White repertoire for club players. He avoids complicated chaotic lines, but doesn’t shy away from sharp battles. Caruana loves to find and use the tactics to punish Black for risky choices. This one-volume and crystal-clear repertoire covers fifteen main variations, from the classical lines to the anti-Marshall (8.a4), and from the Schliemann (3…f5) to the Modern Steinitz. In an easy-to-grasp manner Caruana explains general characteristics, such as permanent weaknesses long-term goals, and is always looking for an advantage for White. The insights of the World #2 in this classic opening, will not only greatly improve your results in the Ruy Lopez, but also sharpen your general chess knowledge. Inspired by Caruana’s ChessBase Series Navigating the Ruy Lopez.

There's no denying that the opening is one of the most daunting phases of the game for newcomers to chess. There are literally hundreds of different opening lines, many with unusual sounding names, and some of these go up to twenty or so moves of theory. What is a chess player supposed to do: memorise countless variations? Don't panic! In Discovering Chess Openings John Emms argues that studying openings doesn't have to be hard work at all - indeed, 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. An appreciation of these principles and their many offshoots will actually allow readers to recreate and discover opening theory, giving them the opportunity to choose the most suitable lines to play in their games.

The London System is a chess opening that is characterized by moves 1.d4 and 2.Nf3 followed by Bf4 and e3. This opening gained a lot of popularity among chess players because it is solid and flexible. By developing the knight on f3 and the pawn on e3, the central pawn structure is solid and well protected, making it difficult for the opponent to create any weaknesses. Such a stable center makes it easier for White to attack and, if needed, defend. The move Bf4 can be followed by a number of different moves, such as Nbd2, e3, c3, dxc5, h3, and in some cases c4, which allows White to adapt to a wide array of specific game situations. This flexibility allows for a number of different plans and possibilities, making it difficult for the opponent to anticipate White’s plan and thus counter it properly.

I have returned to my book from a few years ago, to an opening that at the time was a rare guest among books as a topic – and not only among books, but also in tournament practice. In the intervening years it has become very popular to use this old and somewhat forgotten method of playing and I have found lots of interesting new games.

This time though I have focused mainly on Colle-Zukertort type positions, plus some transpositions to Queen’s Indian-type play, so this is not a repertoire book like the previous one, but rather you can look at it as an opening book. Of course, Slav reactions with ...c6 are covered as well, and also early and quick ...c5 and ...g6 reactions.

Due to increased popularity, I have dived into specifics which we can consider now as a renaissance of this old line.

Another important thing, and it is indeed an especially important detail, is the organization of material into logical sections, because this system is often transpositional. Therefore, it is important to do this because reading this book should be an easy and joyful experience.

There are positions in this book that have stood the test of time, but I have also focused on the most recent ideas as I didn’t want to simply repeat the same ideas as before – I wanted to include as much as possible new plans. I also tested these ideas numerous times in my own practice.

So, what you have here is a completely redesigned and modernized system compared to only a few years ago, when this system was virtually forgotten.

Continuing from Volume 1A (The Catalan), this book completes Boris Avrukh's reworking of his Grandmaster Repertoire series on 1.d4, covering all of Black's remaining answers to the Queen's Gambit across 24 chapters.

The biggest departure from Avrukh's earlier work is in the Queen's Gambit Accepted: he has replaced 3.e3 with the more ambitious 3.e4, applying immediate central pressure rather than the quieter development of his previous recommendation. This requires more theoretical preparation but, as Avrukh argues, pays off in positions White can genuinely enjoy playing.

The Slav Defence takes up the largest section. The core recommendation — 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 — remains, but the coverage has expanded from 95 pages in the original to 203 pages here, reflecting how heavily the theory has developed. The main change is after 4...Bg4, where Avrukh now prefers 5.h3 over his previous 5.Nc3.

The final section covers Black's smaller lines: the Chigorin (now split across two chapters due to new developments), the Albin Counter Gambit, the Tarrasch, and various rare defences including 2...Bf5, 2...Nf6 and 2...c5.

As with Volume 1A, this is an advanced book designed for serious study rather than quick preparation. The two volumes together give White a complete, deeply researched repertoire for 1.d4 against everything Black can play.

This book advocates the 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 move order for Black – with 3.Nc3 Bb4 having been covered in the sister volume Playing the Nimzo-Indian. By waiting for the knight to appear on f3 before transposing to a Queen’s Gambit, Black reduces White’s options.

Spanish GM Renier Castellanos completes his cutting-edge repertoire for Black against 1.d4, with the Vienna Variation (4.Nc3 dxc4) and Catalan (4.g3 dxc4) the biggest topics. This book also provides thorough guidance against all of White’s significant alternatives on moves 2-4.

With thoughtful explanations backed up by precise analysis, Beating the Queen’s Gambit – Indian Style! provides everything you need to handle 1.d4 Nf6 variations where White avoids the Nimzo-Indian Defence.

(FREE RE-DOWNLOADABLE FOR THOSE WHO PURCHASED THE FIRST EDITION) Contrary to what the critical pessimists might say, the Reti opening is an ambitious weapon for White. By avoiding the main theoretical debates, White tries to reach an unbalanced position from an early stage of the game, with many different plans being available.

The King’s Indian Defense and the Grünfeld are two of Black's most ambitious and dynamic responses to 1.d4. Sharp, deeply studied, and rich with counterattacking resources, meeting them well requires more than preparation!

In Grandmaster Repertoire: Volume 2A, Grandmaster Boris Avrukh presents a complete repertoire based on the Fianchetto System — a weapon he has refined and trusted throughout his career at the highest level.

Key Features:

- Complete Fianchetto-based repertoire against the King's Indian and Grünfeld — coherent, deeply analysed, and built for serious tournament play.

- Extensive coverage of the King's Indian across 11 chapters, addressing every major variation Black can employ.

- Original analysis developed in collaboration with GM Boris Gelfand, including fresh ideas in the Grünfeld and critical King's Indian lines

- Fully updated treatment of the 6...Nc6 complex, the Reluctant Benoni, and a tricky 3...c5 move order overlooked in previous coverage

About the Author:

Grandmaster Boris Avrukh is one of the world's leading opening theoreticians, with decades of experience competing and coaching at the highest level. His Grandmaster Repertoire series established him as one of the most trusted voices in opening preparation for serious players worldwide.

In this volume, he distills his decades of experience as a top-tier coach and player to help you navigate the complex trenches of 1.d4 with absolute precision.

Many players approach the opening with a desire to learn sharp lines and out-prepare their opponents. This is an exhausting task, which gets more difficult by the day. However, there is a different strategy which is more practical and designed for longevity. This is to develop an advanced understanding of typical positions. Such a policy is the best approach against different move orders and new ideas.

Milos Pavlovic’s 1 e4 repertoire is based on lines where an understanding of plans and strategic ideas is more important than rote memorisation. The focus is on important positional considerations such as:

* How to make the pieces work most effectively with a given pawn structure

* How to spot weak points and exploit them

* How to limit the opponent’s counterplay

Opening Repertoire: Strategic Play with 1 e4 guides the reader through a complete repertoire for White. Pavlovic examines the key aspects of each line and provides the reader with well-researched and fresh analysis. Every annotated game is a lesson on typical middlegame plans, based on the instructive question-and-answer method.

The major variations are:

* 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 Bb5+

* 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 c3

* 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 e6 3 b3

* 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 g3

* 1 e4 c6 2 Nf3 d5 3 exd5 cxd5 4 Ne5

* 1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 e5

* 1 e4 d5 2 exd5 Qxd5 3 Nf3 (delaying/omitting d4)

* 1 e4 Nf6 2 Nc3

GM Milos Pavlovic has written several opening books where he shares the approach that led him to a world ranking just outside the top 100 at the end of 2003.

The Fully-Fledged French

This is Viktor Moskalenko’s third and most complete book on the opening he is most identified with. His earlier Flexible French (2008) and Even More Flexible French (2015) were international bestsellers — hailed as eye-opening, sparkling, and genuinely fun to read — and this volume brings the whole project fully up to date with countless new improvements, alternatives, and surprise weapons.

It is a complete repertoire for Black after 1.e4 e6, organised by White’s main systems and threaded through with the dynamic, attacking spirit that defines Moskalenko’s approach to the French. The Advance, Tarrasch, Classical and Winawer each get thorough, restructured treatment, and the final part adds five surprise weapons for players who like to take opponents out of their comfort zone.

What keeps Moskalenko’s books beloved is the writing: high-level analysis delivered with a light, enthusiastic touch, the critical ideas and traps clearly flagged, and the French presented as a living, fighting opening rather than a passive defence.

A first-class, current French repertoire for club players and above who want active, double-edged play with Black.

The King's Indian is a hugely popular opening at all levels of chess. Rather than attempting to secure early equality, Black is fighting for the initiative from the very first moves. White is allowed to build up an early central advantage but Black relies on the middlegame, hoping that the central installations that White has constructed will become unwieldy and vulnerable to a devastating counterattack. In many variations, White pursues material or strategic gains but in return Black has tactical and attacking opportunities. The King's Indian Defence appeals to players who arrive at the board prepared for a fight.

The Move by Move series provides an ideal format for the keen chessplayer to improve their game. While reading you are continually challenged to answer probing questions – a method that greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of chess knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study chess while providing the best possible chance to retain what has been learnt.

1.e4 vs Minor Defences

This is the fifth volume of Parimarjan Negi’s celebrated Grandmaster Repertoire — 1.e4 series, and it rounds out the project by tackling everything Black can try besides the Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann and 1...e5. In other words: all the "minor" but pesky defences that a 1.e4 player meets constantly.

Negi supplies a top-class White repertoire against the Alekhine, the Scandinavian, and the Pirc and Modern complexes, plus the various offbeat first moves (1...Nc6, 1...b6 and the like) that try to drag you out of book early. As throughout the series, the recommendations are built on sound main lines and then sharpened with the original ideas of a world-class theoretician.

These openings are often under-prepared by ambitious players precisely because they seem secondary — which is exactly why a serious, well-analysed repertoire against them pays off in practice. Negi leaves no gaps.

Demanding and thorough, this is for strong, ambitious players who want their 1.e4 repertoire to be airtight against everything, not just the main defences. With the rest of the series it forms a complete answer to 1...whatever.

The Scotch Game is the most “open” of all the Open Games. In fact this is the only really Open Game, in its essence, which matches the traditional terminology. The move 3.d2-d4 breaks immediately the symmetry. White tries to occupy the centre and gain additional space. Rapid contact between the opposing forces takes place, in fact much quicker than in the other open (and not only open...) games, which increases the value of every move and requires from both sides tremendous accuracy at a very early stage of the game. Positions with opposite castles arise much more often in the Scotch than in all the other Open Games put together.

This book is a completely new edition of the original The Safest Grünfeld of 2011. I rechecked all the lines and changed my recommendations according to latest developments of theory and my new understanding. Especially the anti-Grünfeld chapters are basically new. In my opinion top players have long lost hope to find advantage in the main lines and try early deviations. Anand chose 3.f3 against Gelfand and 5.Bd2 against Carlsen. So I devoted special attention to the Sämish approach with two different propositions. 3...Nc6 is less studied and probably more rewarding from a practical standpoint, while 3...d5 is in perfect theoretical shape, but requires more memorization. Every too often White players try to avoid the Grünfeld by refraining from d4 or c4. I added an additional chapter on the very topical lately Trompowsky and Barry/Jobava attack. The 7.Bc4 system in the Exchange Variation, and the Russian System have also underwent a major reconstruction.

The French Defence is one of the most solid and strategically rich answers to 1.e4: Black accepts a slightly cramped position in return for a durable pawn structure and clear, long-term plans, usually centred on the counterstrike against White’s d4 and the eventual activation of the famously “bad” light-squared bishop. This book turns that defence into a complete, ready-to-play repertoire for Black.

The coverage is genuinely comprehensive. Every serious White try gets its own treatment: the space-grabbing Advance Variation, the Tarrasch with 3.Nd2, the sharp Steinitz and Classical main lines, the McCutcheon, the trappy Exchange and its symmetrical lines, and the quieter King’s Indian Attack and assorted sidelines. Across twenty-five chapters the reader is given a clear recommendation against each, with the strategic ideas explained rather than just the moves listed.

The emphasis is on understanding the resulting middlegames — the pawn breaks, the typical piece manoeuvres, and the endgames the French so often steers toward — so that you are equipped to play the positions, not merely reach them.

This is a serious, thorough repertoire book aimed at club players and above who want to take up the French as a lifelong weapon, or to deepen a defence they already trust.

The Queen’s Gambit is easily the most talked-about chess opening since the immensely popular Netflix TV series of the same name became a hit. The screen adventures of Beth Harmon have inspired thousands to start playing the Royal Game but didn’t offer any information on this highly popular chess opening. This book fills that gap.

German Grandmaster Michael Prusikin presents a solid but dynamic opening repertoire for Black against the Queen’s Gambit. He wants you to understand rather than memorize what is important. His primary focus is on explaining the relevant pawn structures and the middlegame ideas behind the lines he recommends.

Prusikin deals with every single variation of the Queen’s Gambit in a way that is highly accessible for club players but at the same time surprisingly effective and concise: the Catalan, Tartakower, Carlsbad, London, Colle, Veresov, and all the others. As a bonus, the FIDE Senior Trainer also provides responses to openings such as the Bird, Réti, and Nimzo-Larsen. It may seem unlikely, and yet it is true: in less than 200 pages, Countering the Queen’s Gambit has Black covered for really every first move except 1.e4!

To test your newly acquired insights in the tactical motifs and strategic ideas of the Queen’s Gambit, you are invited to solve 36 exercises in carefully selected key positions from actual games.