CHESS OPENING BOOKS

The first phase of a chess game is known as the Chess Opening. It is during this phase of the chess game that the initial moves are made. Similarly, those moves are commonly referred to in the chess world as the “Chess Opening”. While there are literally billions of possible positions after the first 4 moves have been made in a game of chess (288 billion to be exact), only a small number of these chess openings have been studied by chess professionals and chess computers and deemed to be sound for practical play.

To help differentiate one chess opening from another, each chess opening is given a unique name to identify it. While it is common for a chess opening to be named after the player/s that introduced them to popular play, including the Benko Gambit (after Grandmaster Pal Benko), the Sicilian Najdorf (named after Grandmaster Miguel Najdorf) and the Philidor Defense (named after Francois-Andre Danican Philidor), this is not always the case Some chess openings are named after the locations and/or cultures in which they originated, including the London System, the French Defense, the Sicilian Defense, The English Opening and the Vienna Game. While others are named after the pieces that are moved during that opening, including the Queen’s Pawn Gambit and the King’s Indian Defense.

There are 6 basic objectives during the chess opening. They are Piece Development, Control of the Center of the Board, King Safety, Prevention of Pawn Weakness, Piece Coordination and to Create positions in which the player is more comfortable than the opponent.

    Grandmaster Repertoire 12 - The Modern Benoni
    The Modern Benoni arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6. It leads to unbalanced structures and exciting play, so it has naturally been a favourite of ambitious attacking players such as Tal, Fischer and, more recently, Topalov, Ivanchuk and Gashimov.
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    Grandmaster Repertoire 12 - The Modern Benoni

    Catalog Code: B0075QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Grandmaster Repertoire 13 - The Open Spanish
    Tired of Bad Positions? Try the Main Lines!
    Grandmaster Repertoire 13 – The Open Spanish provides a complete repertoire for Black after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6, based on the Open Variation which occurs after 5.0–0 Nxe4. Black’s system is built on the principles of fast and active development, and fighting for the initiative whenever the opportunity arises.
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    Grandmaster Repertoire 13 - The Open Spanish

    Tired of Bad Positions? Try the Main Lines!
    Catalog Code: B0073QT
    Our Price: $39.95

    Grandmaster Repertoire 11 - Beating 1.d4 Sidelines
    Grandmaster Repertoire 11 – Beating 1.d4 Sidelines provides a sound and active repertoire against virtually every non-standard opening line at White’s disposal after both 1.d4 d5 and 1.d4 Nf6.
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    Grandmaster Repertoire 11 - Beating 1.d4 Sidelines

    Catalog Code: B0071QT
    Our Price: $34.95

    Playing 1. d4 - The Indian Defences
    A Grandmaster's Guide
    Chess players are offered an ambitious repertoire for White with 1.d4 in two volumes, with this book covering all lines except 1...d5. The repertoire is based on classical lines and inspired by Botvinnik’s approach.
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    Playing 1. d4 - The Indian Defences

    A Grandmaster's Guide
    Catalog Code: B0070QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Mayhem in the Morra
    1... c5 Wiped Off the Map! - Sicilian Refuted!
    Esserman is the world's leading expert on the Morra Gambit and he shares all his secrets and many novelties in a lively witty style. The Morra leads to exciting gambit play, so some players decline the offer with 3...Nf6 - Esserman also shows how White can attack this cautious defence.
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    Mayhem in the Morra

    1... c5 Wiped Off the Map! - Sicilian Refuted!
    Catalog Code: B0065QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Alterman Gambit Guide - Black Gambits - VOLUME 2
    This volume deals with various openings after 1.e4 e5, and lines covered include: Marshall Attack, Traxler variation, Frankenstein-Dracula variation, Falkbeer Counter-Gambit and more.
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    The Alterman Gambit Guide - Black Gambits - VOLUME 2

    Catalog Code: B0063QT
    Our Price: $25.95

    Playing 1.d4 - The Queen's Gambit
    This book offers White an easy to remember aggressive repertoire, based on occupying the centre and then expanding. Schandorff presents the ideas and information in an accessible and entertaining style.
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    Playing 1.d4 - The Queen's Gambit

    Catalog Code: B0067QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Tarrasch Defense - Grandmaster Repertoire 10
    The Tarrasch Defense arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3._c3 c5 and leads to wildly complex and dynamic play. With deep analysis and countless novelties, Ntirlis and Aagaard have revived the coolest classical chess opening for use by grandmasters and amateurs in the 21st century.
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    The Tarrasch Defense - Grandmaster Repertoire 10

    Catalog Code: B0064QT
    Our Price: $34.95

    The Grunfeld Defence - Grandmaster Repertoire 8 - VOLUME 1
    Grandmaster Repertoire is a series of high quality chess books based on the main lines, written by strong grandmasters. The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship. Grandmaster Repertoire 8 - The Grünfeld Defence offers a repertoire for Black against 1.d4.
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    The Grunfeld Defence - Grandmaster Repertoire 8 - VOLUME 1

    Catalog Code: B0050QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Experts on the Anti-Sicilian
    The Sicilian Defense, 1.e4 c5, is one of the popular chess openings. In this book several chess grandmasters present state-of-the-art analysis of lines where White meets the Sicilian by avoiding the Open variations.
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    Experts on the Anti-Sicilian

    Catalog Code: B0052QT
    Our Price: $32.95

    The Grunfeld Defence - Grandmaster Repertoire 9 - VOLUME 2
    The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship. Grandmaster Repertoire 8 - The Grünfeld Defence offers a repertoire for Black against 1.d4. Avrukh's two previous Grandmaster Repertoire books for White received universal rave reviews and have been hugely influential on chess players all over the world, including at the very highest level.
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    The Grunfeld Defence - Grandmaster Repertoire 9 - VOLUME 2

    Catalog Code: B0060QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Alterman Gambit Guide - Black Gambits - VOLUME 1
    The Alterman Gambit Guide: Black Gambits 1 is both an opening book and an instructional manual. Sharpen your tactics and learn to play dynamic attacking chess while studying the most entertaining gambits.
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    Alterman Gambit Guide - Black Gambits - VOLUME 1

    Catalog Code: B0055QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Cutting Edge - VOLUME 2 - The Najdorf Sicilian 6. Be3
    This book is part of a new series from Quality Chess examining the cutting edge of opening theory. The idea is to identify the most important theoretical battlegrounds and then analyse as deeply as possible in search of improvements. Thus the reader will be ahead of the current state-of-the-art, rather than lagging behind trying to memorize old games.
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    The Cutting Edge - VOLUME 2 - The Najdorf Sicilian 6. Be3

    Catalog Code: B0046QT

    Regular Price: $29.95

    Special Price: $11.98


    The English Opening - Grandmaster Repertoire 4 - VOLUME 2
    Grandmaster Repertoire is a new series of high quality books based on the main lines, written by strong grandmasters. The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship.
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    The English Opening - Grandmaster Repertoire 4 - VOLUME 2

    Catalog Code: B0042QT
    Our Price: $34.95

    The English Opening - Grandmaster Repertoire 5 - VOLUME 3
    Grandmaster Repertoire is a new series of high quality books based on the main lines, written by strong grandmasters. The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship. Grandmaster Repertoire provides a repertoire to last a lifetime.
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    The English Opening - Grandmaster Repertoire 5 - VOLUME 3

    Catalog Code: B0044QT
    Our Price: $34.95

    The Caro-Kann - Grandmaster Repertoire 7
    In chess, the Caro-Kann opening is one of Black's most reliable answers to 1.e4. It is a regular favorite of elite players, who know that computer-aided preparation now threatens the sharpest lines of the Sicilian or Ruy Lopez (at the very least with a forced draw).

    The Caro-Kann is less susceptible to such forcing lines - Black sets out to equalize in the opening, and win the game later. Grandmaster Lars Schandorff reveals a bulletproof chess opening repertoire and lucidly explains how Black should play the middle and endgame
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    The Caro-Kann - Grandmaster Repertoire 7

    Catalog Code: B0037QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Play the Scandinavian
    After one move of the Scandinavian opening, 1. e4 d5, Black decides where the battle will be fought - a significant gain for any competitive player. Grandmaster Christian Bauer is one of the world's leading experts on the Scandinavian and in this book he reveals the secrets of his over-the-board success. Bauer focuses particularly on 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5, the established main line of the Scandinavian.
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    Play the Scandinavian

    Catalog Code: B0043QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Sicilian Defense - Grandmaster Repertoire 6
    Grandmaster Repertoire is a new series of high quality chess books based on the main lines, written by strong grandmasters. The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship. Grandmaster Repertoire provides a repertoire to last a lifetime.
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    The Sicilian Defense - Grandmaster Repertoire 6

    Catalog Code: B0039QT
    Our Price: $34.95

    1. d4 - Grandmaster Repertoire 2 - VOLUME 2
    "Grandmaster Repertoire" is a new series of high quality chess books based on the main lines, written by strong grandmasters. The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship.
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    1. d4 - Grandmaster Repertoire 2 - VOLUME 2

    Catalog Code: B0033QT
    Our Price: $34.95

    The English Opening - Grandmaster Repertoire 3 - VOLUME 1
    Grandmaster Repertoire is a new series of high quality books based on the main lines, written by strong grandmasters. The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship.
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    The English Opening - Grandmaster Repertoire 3 - VOLUME 1

    Catalog Code: B0020QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Beat the KID
    The King's Indian Defence is one of Black's most ambitious and popular replies to 1.d4 so White needs to be well prepared. Jan Markos shows the way with three separate repertoires for White. Each of the lines he explains has a different style, ranging from solidly positional to wildly attacking.
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    Beat the KID

    Catalog Code: B0003QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    1. d4 - Grandmaster Repertoire 1 - VOLUME 1
    "Grandmaster Repertoire" is a new series of high quality chess books based on the main lines, written by strong grandmasters. The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship.
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    1. d4 - Grandmaster Repertoire 1 - VOLUME 1

    Catalog Code: B0026QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Berlin Wall
    The Berlin variation of the Spanish Opening is one of the best and most popular openings among world-class chess players because there are relatively few forcing lines. Black can play a completely sound chess opening based on understanding, rather than memorising theory.
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    The Berlin Wall

    Catalog Code: B0019QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    222 Opening Traps After 1. d4
    Traps lurk in every stage of a chess game, but they occur especially often in the opening. In this instructional volume, the two internationally recognized masters of the game cover the traps that can be expected after the double advance of the white d-pawn. For every possible opening after 1.d4. including the Queen's Gambit or the King's Indian Defense - there are explanatory texts detailing the most typical trap motifs.
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    222 Opening Traps After 1. d4

    Catalog Code: B0010OE
    Our Price: $29.95

    Beating The Open Games
    In this book Marin reveals his own opening repertoire, which he prepared for high-level international competition. But besides giving concrete answers to any worries players might have about facing the Open Games, Marin uses his renowned writing skills to lucidly convey the main strategic ideas.
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    Beating The Open Games

    Catalog Code: B0001QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Play the Semi-Slav
    The Semi-Slav is one of the most popular replies to 1.d4, especially in top level chess

    American IM and theoretical expert David Vigorito provides a full repertoire for Black with two options against the main lines. If you want to play this topical opening you cannot do without this book.
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    Play the Semi-Slav

    Catalog Code: B0010QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Secrets of Opening Preparation
    Dvoretsky School of Future Chess Champions - VOLUME 2
    This helpful chess handbook discusses how to build an opening repertoire and produce opening novelties. Additionally, it explores the connection between the opening and the later stages of the middlegame and the endgame.
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    Secrets of Opening Preparation

    Dvoretsky School of Future Chess Champions - VOLUME 2
    Catalog Code: B0007OE
    Our Price: $39.95

    A Spanish Repertoire for Black
    As the title suggests, the repertoire is based on the respected Spanish Opening, or the Ruy Lopez, as it is commonly called in the United States. In his previous book, Beating the Open Games, Grandmaster Mihail Marin dealt with White's options up to 3.Bb5. Now Marin provides all the answers for Black after 4.Ba4.
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    A Spanish Repertoire for Black

    Catalog Code: B0008QT
    Our Price: $29.95

    Experts vs. The Sicilian
    Updated and Revised
    The Sicilian Defence is the most popular opening at all levels of tournament play from Linares to the local club championship. The Sicilian is played regularly by Kasparov, Anand, Kramnik, Leko, Topalov, and Shirov - a.k.a. the best players in the world. In this book a multinational line-up of leading experts give recommendations against their own pet lines in the Sicilian Defence. This repertoire book recommends the critical main lines and reveals Black's greatest fears to you. Experts vs. the Sicilian is the no-nonsense opening repertoire for players of all strengths who want to teach the Sicilian players a lesson or two...
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    Experts vs. The Sicilian

    Updated and Revised
    Catalog Code: B0002QT
    Our Price: $27.95

    Spanish Exchange Variation
    A Fischer Favorite - White Repertoire for Tournament Players
    The Spanish Exchange Variation lets you play one of the major chess openings, the Ruy Lopez, without the risk of drowning in the huge flow of information now available to the modern chess-player. White's play in this opening is often very thematic, thus an understanding of the typical positions is more important than concrete knowledge of variations.
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    Spanish Exchange Variation

    A Fischer Favorite - White Repertoire for Tournament Players
    Catalog Code: B0012OE
    Our Price: $29.95

    Leningrad System
    A Complete Weapon Against 1. d4
    The Leningrad System is one of the sharpest and most interesting replies to 1. d4. Since this typical set-up is also playable against the flank openings 1. c4 and 1. Nf3, it provides the Black player with a genuine universal weapon.
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    Leningrad System

    A Complete Weapon Against 1. d4
    Catalog Code: B0017OE
    Our Price: $34.95

    Challenging the Grunfeld
    The young Scottish IM delivers a profound yet entertaining survey of the statistically most dangerous line against the Grunfeld Defence: the Modern Exchange Variation with 8.Rb1. Dearing has achieved the very difficult balance between analytical depth and general explanation which is seldom achieved even by seasoned writers.
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    Challenging the Grunfeld

    Catalog Code: B0011QT
    Our Price: $24.95

    Tiger's Modern
    In this book Swedish grandmaster Tiger Hillarp Persson presents his own favourite defence against 1.e4, the Modern Defence with a6. With his trademark laidback approach, he explains the different White replies to his system. His repertoire is based on deep understanding, common themes, and interesting games, rather than simply theory to be memorized.
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    Tiger's Modern

    Catalog Code: B0021QT
    Our Price: $24.95

    The Sveshnikov Reloaded
    Over the last ten years the Sveshnikov variation of the Sicilian Defence has become an immensely popular opening, played regularly at all levels. Top players of various styles have used it frequently, including Kramnik, Leko, Shirov and Kasparov.

    In this book Romanian grandmaster Dorian Rogozenko describes the current conditions surrounding this important opening. He comprehensively reviews modern practice and adds his own original analysis and conclusions.
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    The Sveshnikov Reloaded

    Catalog Code: B0027QT

    Regular Price: $25.95

    Special Price: $10.38


    Opening Developments
    School of Chess Excellence - VOLUME 4
    The fourth in Mark Dvoretsky's School of Chess Excellence series, this book analyzes opening problems that players may face in any game. As always, there are numerous examples to help illustrate the best choices to make for chess success.
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    Opening Developments

    School of Chess Excellence - VOLUME 4
    Catalog Code: B0004OE
    Our Price: $34.95

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