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.

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Items 1 to 36 of 72

    Schliemann's Defense
    The Schliemann Defense is one of the most difficult and dangerous defenses in chess that Black has available. It starts with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 !!!!

    This is not considered a Gambit because it would be useless for White to take the pawn with 4. exf5. Passive Defense is likely to give White a bad game. So, White must counter with 4. Nc3.

    There are now two main branches. This book was previously published as a two volume work. However, most players of the Schliemann prefer the second and more risky line, so the two volumes have been combined into one book here.

    This is an update with the latest new games and analysis on the two main branches of the Schliemann Defense. These branches arise after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. Nc3 fxe4 5. Nxe4. The more conservative move favored by most strong players was 5. …. Nf6. The more dangerous and risky line is 5. …. d5, allowing 6. Nxe5 dxe4 7. Nxc6 Qg5. This was thought to have been refuted but now grandmasters and others have proven that it is perfectly playable.
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    Schliemann's Defense

    Catalog Code: B0197IS
    Our Price: $19.95

    Theory of Chess Openings - Open Games
    Paul Keres. The theory of chess openings. In two books. Open debuts. Tallinn Estonian state. ed. 1949, 1952. 288 p. Before applying the novelty in the opening, make sure you did not write about it. Keres, half a century ago! In depth study, this work has no equal. Materials offered in the book are systematic sampling, and of course, a critical treatment of the vast material that the theory and practice of chess found mostly in the last half century, and which, taken together, form what is generally accepted to call "opening theory." 48).
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    Theory of Chess Openings - Open Games

    Catalog Code: B0202IS
    Our Price: $25.95

    Dreispringerspiel bis Königsgambit - GERMAN EDITION
    Moderne Theorie der Schacheröffnungen
    Three Knights Game, Four Knights, Italian game, Two Knights, Russian Defence, Vienna Game, including the King's Gambit A new opening book by Keres - which for many chess fans the big event! No doubt rightly, for the well-known Soviet chess grandmaster knows not only how to explain the current state of opening theory, but he has enriched himself with important ideas in the theory of many openings. His basic opening works therefore receive the most recognition worldwide.
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    Dreispringerspiel bis Königsgambit - GERMAN EDITION

    Moderne Theorie der Schacheröffnungen
    Catalog Code: B0190IS
    Our Price: $25.95

    The Dynamic Benko Gambit
    An Attacking Repertoire for Black
    The Benko Gambit is a great opening for those who like active play. Black sacrifices a pawn in order to activate his pieces on the queenside, and generally gains enduring pressure.
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    The Dynamic Benko Gambit

    An Attacking Repertoire for Black
    Catalog Code: B0121NIC
    Our Price: $32.95

    The Powerful Catalan
    A Complete Repertoire For White
    In this book top Grandmaster Victor Bologan presents a complete repertoire for White. He covers all of Black’s options as well as possible transpositions to other openings.
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    The Powerful Catalan

    A Complete Repertoire For White
    Catalog Code: B0122NIC
    Our Price: $29.95

    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

    Chess Archives
    Chess Archives was published monthly by a team of Dutch chess opening analysts, headed by former World Champion Dr. Max Euwe. If a new opening trick or trap were discovered, one could be sure it would appear soon in Chess Archives. Readers of established books like Modern Chess Openings could have an unpleasant surprise when a line the were playing had been refuted by new discoveries. That was unlikely to happen to any reader of Chess Archives because the new issues would always contain the latest stuff.
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    Chess Archives

    Catalog Code: B0194IS
    Our Price: $29.95

    Janowski - Indian Defence
    1d4 Nf6 2 c4 d6 3 Nc3 Bf5
    The Janowski-Indian (1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 d6 3 Nc3 Bf5) has enjoyed the patronage of such strong chess players as Mikhail Tal, Jan Timman, Bent Larsen, Larry Christiansen, John Fedorowicz and Kamran Shirazi.
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    Janowski - Indian Defence

    1d4 Nf6 2 c4 d6 3 Nc3 Bf5
    Catalog Code: B0165IS
    Our Price: $9.95

    The Sharpest Sicilian 2012
    Five years after the first edition, the book was completely rewritten and redesigned. While remaining true to the original structure, this new edition underwent major changes.
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    The Sharpest Sicilian 2012

    Catalog Code: B0045EU
    Our Price: $27.95

    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

    The Nimzo-Indian - Move by Move
    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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    The Nimzo-Indian - Move by Move

    Catalog Code: B0355EM
    Our Price: $29.95

    Attack with Black
    A Ukrainian Champion Provides a Blockbuster Repertoire with the Benko and Blumenfeld Gambits
    Aveskulov examines all of White's options and move-orders after 1 d4 Nf6, and shows an aggressive reply to each of them.
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    Attack with Black

    A Ukrainian Champion Provides a Blockbuster Repertoire with the Benko and Blumenfeld Gambits
    Catalog Code: B0182GB
    Our Price: $22.95

    EBOOK - The Nimzo-Indian - Move by Move
    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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    EBOOK - The Nimzo-Indian - Move by Move

    Catalog Code: E-B0355EM
    Our Price: $19.95

    Play the French - 4th EDITION
    The wait is over. Finally it's here... the much anticipated 4th edition of John Watson's Play the French – the must-have book for all French Defence players for over 20 years!
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    Play the French - 4th EDITION

    Catalog Code: B0354EM
    Our Price: $29.95

    Mission - Checkmate! with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
    This is a book for chess players who love to play for checkmate from the very first move.
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    Mission - Checkmate! with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit

    Catalog Code: B0152IS
    Our Price: $14.95

    The English - Move by Move
    This series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening 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 any chess opening and at the same time improve your general chess skills and knowledge.
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    The English - Move by Move

    Catalog Code: B0348EM
    Our Price: $27.95

    Chess Developments - The Pirc
    In this book, James Vigus examines the most theoretically important and instructive Pirc games since the publication of his highly acclaimed The Pirc in Black and White, highlighting the main developments and novelties for both sides. Studying this book will provide you with vital information on a popular opening.
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    Chess Developments - The Pirc

    Catalog Code: B0349EM
    Our Price: $26.95

    The Modern French
    A Complete Guide for Black
    This is a complete and up-to-date work for players of all levels, and contains brand-new concepts in topical modern lines such as the Steinitz, McCutcheon and Morozevich Variations.
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    The Modern French

    A Complete Guide for Black
    Catalog Code: B0116NIC
    Our Price: $32.95

    A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White
    A Complete Plan of Attack with 1. d4 and 2. c4
    Such has been the acclaim for John Watson's ground-breaking works on modern chess strategy and his insightful opening books, that it is only natural that he now presents a strategic opening repertoire.
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    A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White

    A Complete Plan of Attack with 1. d4 and 2. c4
    Catalog Code: B0181GB
    Our Price: $26.95

    Modern Stonewall Dutch

    Publisher: ISHI Press
    Author: Eric Schiller
    Year of Publication: 2012 (Reprint) Pages: 160
    Notation Type: Algebraic (AN)


    Book Description At the time of the first edition, this opening was just becoming popular in Grandmaster chess. It soon became a hot item and for this edition we had over 20,000 games in our database. Champions of the defense include Grandmasters Agdestein, Dolmatov, Gleizerov (more than 100 games!), Glek, Karlsson, Moskalenko, Nikolic, Ulibin, and Vaisser. The theory is now pretty well established. I recommend that you start by studying the Overview below and looking at the games cited in the next paragraphs. I have concentrated on the lines most frequently seen in high level games. The opening is so absurdly transpositional that there is no way to organize it exhaustively. The most important thing is to note where the pieces usually land. About the Author(s) Eric Schiller (born March 20, 1955 in New York City) is an American chess player, trainer, arbiter and one of the most prolific authors of books on chess in the 20th century. In 1974, Schiller was the Illinois Junior Champion. Schiller played for the University of Chicago team several times at the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship. He was an organizer of the Hawaii International chess festivals 1994-98 including 1998 US Open California Champion 1995. Later that year, he appeared as a chess adviser for the music group Phish on some of the stops for their "Chess Tour" where they played an ongoing game of two chess moves per tour stop and some "band vs. audience" partial games as part of their stage performance. Schiller was an arbiter at several notable games and championships including the FIDE World Chess Championship 2000. While Vladimir Kramnik and Garry Kasparov opted not to participate in the event, they had both endorsed Schiller for this sensitive role during the planning stages. As of April 2009, Schiller has a FIDE rating of 2166. He is also an International Arbiter and International Trainer. Schiller's expertise and publications in the Flohr-Zaitsev Variation made him a sought-after expert when Gary Kasparov used that opening at the second game at the World Chess Championship 1990.
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    Modern Stonewall Dutch

    Catalog Code: B0144IS
    Our Price: $14.95

    Who's Afraid of the King's Gambit - 3RD EDITION
    In many conversations with chess players, it can be noted that there is a reluctance to answer 1. e4 with 1. . . . e5 based on an irrational fear of some deviations from the standard Spanish or Italian play.
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    Who's Afraid of the King's Gambit - 3RD EDITION

    Catalog Code: B0143IS
    Our Price: $12.95

    The Four Knights - Move by Move
    The Four Knights is an opening with a long and distinguished history. Despite its deceptively quiet appearance, it can lead to extremely sharp play
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    The Four Knights - Move by Move

    Catalog Code: B0350EM
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Torre Attack - Move by Move
    This new series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge.
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    The Torre Attack - Move by Move

    Catalog Code: B0351EM
    Our Price: $28.95

    The Strategic Nimzo-Indian - VOLUME 1
    A Complete Guide to the Rubinstein Variation
    The Nimzo-Indian Defence continues to be one of the most important chess openings, both at club level and with top players. In recent years it has undergone a number of significant changes and it's high time for a thorough look at the current state of affairs. Top grandmaster Ivan Sokolov is the perfect authority to do so.
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    The Strategic Nimzo-Indian - VOLUME 1

    A Complete Guide to the Rubinstein Variation
    Catalog Code: B0114NIC
    Our Price: $29.95

    Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Bogoljubow Variation
    The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit is rarely seen at the chess master level but is popular and successful among amateur players. It was played by Grandmaster Efim Bogoljubow who played two matches for the World Chess Championship and who said "When I am white I win because I am white. When I am black I win because I am Bogoljubov.
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    Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Bogoljubow Variation

    Catalog Code: B0142IS
    Our Price: $12.95

    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

    How to Play the Torre Attack
    This new edition is greatly expanded by over 100 games with commentary.
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    How to Play the Torre Attack

    Catalog Code: B0140IS
    Our Price: $25.95

    Mastering Opening Strategy
    Just like his previous book, Mastering Opening Strategy is a product of Hellsten's many years' work as a full-time chess teacher and is specifically designed as part of a structured training programme to improve strategic thinking.
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    Mastering Opening Strategy

    Catalog Code: B0344EM
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Sicilian Taimanov - Move by Move
    In this book, John Emms examines his favorite Sicilian variation, which is one of Black's most reliable answers to 1 e4. He shares his knowledge from over 15 years studying and playing the Sicilian Taimanov at grandmaster level, examines the opening from both sides of the board and offers answers to the all the key questions.
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    The Sicilian Taimanov - Move by Move

    Catalog Code: B0346EM
    Our Price: $29.95

    EBOOK - Mastering Opening Strategy
    Just like his previous book, Mastering Opening Strategy is a product of Hellsten's many years' work as a full-time chess teacher and is specifically designed as part of a structured training programme to improve strategic thinking.
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    EBOOK - Mastering Opening Strategy

    Catalog Code: E-B0344EM
    Our Price: $19.95

    Garry Kasparov's Opening Repertoire
    This work has been updated in 2012 to include all of the latest World Chess Championship matches by Garry Kasparov.
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    Garry Kasparov's Opening Repertoire

    Catalog Code: B0137IS
    Our Price: $19.95

    The Sicilian Scheveningen - Move by Move
    This new series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Moveformat greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge.
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    The Sicilian Scheveningen - Move by Move

    Catalog Code: B0345EM
    Our Price: $27.95

    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

    How to Play the the Dilworth Attack
    In this, the first ever monograph devoted to the line, noted author Eric Schiller explains all of the critical ideas in the opening and endgame, and provides many examples of each from tournament play.
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    How to Play the the Dilworth Attack

    Catalog Code: B0135IS
    Our Price: $14.95

    Slay the Sicilian!
    Former US Open Champion Timothy Taylor presents a repertoire for White against the most popular opening in chess – the Sicilian Defence. Taylor's repertoire is based first and foremost on the Open Sicilian, which is regarded as White's most ambitious and challenging response to the Sicilian.
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    Slay the Sicilian!

    Catalog Code: B0347EM
    Our Price: $29.95

    Gruenfeld Defense Russian Variations
    This little book is designed to give you all you need to pray the white side of the Russian Variations. It includes only those lines which are best for White.
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    Gruenfeld Defense Russian Variations

    Catalog Code: B0134IS
    Our Price: $14.95

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