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.
Grandmaster Milos Pavlovic investigates one of the most popular openings: the King's Indian, with a focus on little explored dynamic ways to counter the basic White system
Opening Originals focuses on both sound and dangerous opening ideas that have escaped wide notice.
The emphasis of the repertoire is to gain space as quickly as possible and set Black the task of finding quick counterplay or face the risk of being overrun. Lakdawala recommends lines with f2-f3 against the Nimzo-Indian, the Petrosian System against the King’s Indian and the Flick Knife (f4 with Bb5+) against the Benoni. With thorough explanations on pawn structures and piece placement, this book provides insight to both strong masters and less experienced players alike. The format is ideal for the chessplayer keen 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.
The repertoire is based around two main themes: 1. The suggested variations for White are ones that rely far more on a generic understanding of strategic ideas rather than the memorisation of reams of opening theory. This explains the choice of the Bishop’s Opening (handled “Lopez-style”) against 1...e5 and the Bb5 variations against the Sicilian Defence. Both these lines are designed to create dynamic and interesting middlegame positions rather than attempting to score a quick knockout victory – a generally overambitious aim that often backfires 2. The variations are chosen so that White can gain space whenever possible. Therefore the Advance Variation is recommended against the French Defence (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5) and also the Caro-Kann Defence (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5). The fact that these lines often create similar middlegame structures is helpful for general comprehension of White’s plans.
International Master Christof Sielecki presents a repertoire for Black based on the Nimzo-Indian and Bogo-Indian defences. The Nimzo-Indian has always enjoyed a reputation as a dynamic, reliable defence against 1 d4 and continues to be as popular as ever at all levels. When White avoids the Nimzo-Indian with 3 Nf3 or 3 g3, however, Black needs to find another solution. Sielecki solves this perennial problem by also offering a repertoire with the Bogo-Indian Defence. In both the Nimzo and the Bogo-Indian, Sielecki focuses on lines in which Black adopts a dark-square strategy. This creates a system-type approach which links the variations to a common theme, making the repertoire much easier to learn and understand. Using illustrative games, Sielecki examines the typical tactics and strategies for both sides, and highlights key move order issues. This book tells you all you need to know about playing the Nimzo and Bogo-Indian.
In this book, International Master Jovanka Houska presents the reader with a complete Caro-Kann repertoire, which is based primarily on her own repertoire she has used with success over many years at international level. Houska provides a comprehensive update on her popular 2007 book Play the Caro-Kann and focuses on key new developments since then. She offers solutions against all of White's main options and efficient methods to deal with tricky sidelines. She examines important tactical and strategic plans for both sides and deals with key move order issues. This book tells you everything you need to know about playing the Caro-Kann.
In this book, International Master David Cummings presents the reader with a complete English repertoire. The English is, by its nature, highly transpositional. Black can opt for a King’s Indian-type set-up, a Queen’s Gambit Declined-type set-up or aim for a reversed Sicilian position. David identifies promising methods to meet all Black’s main options and efficient methods to deal with awkward sidelines. The English often leads to situations where there are opportunities to employ tricky move orders. David explains how to navigate through these successfully and avoid any unfortunate pitfalls. This book tells you everything you need to know about playing the English.
In this book, renowned author Cyrus Lakdawala creates a repertoire for Black and navigates through the main lines of the French, providing the reader with well-researched, fresh and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening, and contains instructive commentary on typical middle-game plans. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn.
The Modern Benoni is just about the most aggressive method that Black can choose to counter White’s 1 d4. In the main line variations Black allows White to have a preponderance of central pawns which, traditionally, grants the first player the advantage. However, in return, Black gains the opportunity for tremendously dynamic counterplay. This places White and under immediate pressure as any inaccurate moves can prove to be disastrous. In this book, FIDE Master John Doknjas examines all aspects of this highly complex opening and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. With thorough variations and explanations on pawn structures and piece placement, this book provides insight for both strong masters and less experienced players alike. The format is ideal for the chessplayer keen 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.
The Modern Defence is an opening that will appeal to player of an experimental nature. Black allows White to establish an apparently impressive position in the centre. The plan is to use this structure as a target – it will be restrained, undermined and eventually destroyed. When this plan works it can succeed beautifully but, naturally, if Black’s play is inaccurate there is a danger of being overwhelmed. For this reason a thorough understanding of the intricacies of this opening is essential. Opening Repertoire: The Modern Defence examines all aspects of this highly complex opening and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. The suggested lines for Black are based around the very latest games and analysis.
The Petroff Defence has traditionally been regarded as a reliable defensive mechanism to counter the aggressive 1.e4. It also has a reputation for being one of the most drawish of all openings and a choice that Black only makes when content to achieve a draw. However, in recent years, this has all changed. A new generation of players, spearheaded by the 2018 World Championship challenger, Fabiano Caruana (whose qualification route was built heavily around the Petroff), are re-interpreting this ancient defence. While recognising the impressive solidity of the Petroff they are honing it into a fine counter-attacking weapon. Opening Repertoire: The Petroff Defence examines all aspects of this highly complex opening and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. The suggested lines for Black are based around the very latest games and analysis.