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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.
Secrets of Opening Surprises - VOLUME 11
No Time to Study Opening Theory? Shock Your Opponent with an SOS!
No Time to Study Opening Theory? Shock Your Opponent with an SOS!
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. Appears twice a year. Ready-to-go chess opening ideas.
Secrets of Opening Surprises - VOLUME 11
No Time to Study Opening Theory? Shock Your Opponent with an SOS!
Catalog Code: B0011SOS
Our Price: $21.95
Starting Out - The Scandinavian
In recent years the Scandinavian has been catapulted into the limelight, and it has now firmly established itself as an opening to be reckoned with. Why has it become popular? Because it's easy to play!
Starting Out - The Scandinavian
Catalog Code: B0283EM
Our Price: $25.95
Opening for White According to Anand 1.e4 - Volume 12
This book covers the Rauzer variation of the Sicilian.
Opening for White According to Anand 1.e4 - Volume 12
Catalog Code: B0092EU
Our Price: $31.95
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.
The English Opening - Grandmaster Repertoire 3 - VOLUME 1
Catalog Code: B0020QT
Our Price: $29.95
1. b4
Theory & Practice of the Sokolsky
Theory & Practice of the Sokolsky
his book, packed with fresh analysis and 95 illustrative games, clearly shows that White can look forward to a rewarding albeit complex or unusual struggle. There's no need to dwell on the usual platitudes applied interchangeably to unorthodox openings, like "a good psychological choice to get your opponent into unfamiliar territory."
1. b4
Theory & Practice of the Sokolsky
Catalog Code: B0026RE
Our Price: $29.95
The Budapest Gambit
The Budapest Gambit is an ambitious and adventurous opening for Black, who offers a pawn as early as the second move in return for active and rapid development. It has always been a particular favorite at club level, where it still provides a surprise weapon, but it has also been utilized with success by top-class Grandmasters.
The Budapest Gambit
Catalog Code: B0281EM
Our Price: $24.95
The Classical King's Indian Uncovered
Most experts agree that the Classical Variation is the critical test of the King's Indian. Pulling no punches, White questions Black's entire strategy and seeks nothing less than a direct refutation; it could be said that the reputation of the King's Indian rests entirely on the assessments of this hotly debated subject.
The Classical King's Indian Uncovered
Catalog Code: B0282EM
Our Price: $25.95
How to Open a Chess Game
This is one of the most interesting, most unusual and most instructive chess books ever written. Seven of the World's Strongest Chess Grandmasters were each asked to write down their thoughts about how a serious chess amateur might best approach the problem of, very simply, "opening" a chess game?
How to Open a Chess Game
Catalog Code: B0074IS
Our Price: $25.95
Play the Catalan
The Catalan is a sophisticated and wide-ranging opening system which is popular at all levels of chess. In recent years it has been catapulted into the limelight by Vladimir Kramnik, who has revitalized it with many new ideas and has utilized it with great success against the world's strongest players - on occasion making it look like a forced win for White!
Play the Catalan
Catalog Code: B0270EM
Our Price: $24.95
The New Sicilian Dragon
Grandmaster and well-known Sicilian Dragon expert Simon Williams takes a totally fresh look at this famous opening. Concentrating on his favorite Dragadorf Variation, Williams constructs a cutting-edge repertoire for Black, one which is perfect for the modern Dragon player who wishes to cause his opponents maximum problems in the opening.
The New Sicilian Dragon
Catalog Code: B0271EM
Our Price: $24.95
The King's Indian
A Complete Black Repertoire
A Complete Black Repertoire
The King's Indian Defence is probably the most romantic response to 1.d4. It has survived the test of time and has been played at the highest level even to the present day. Black gives his opponent complete freedom of choice in how to control the center and just develops quietly within his King's Indian household, relying on his powerful fianchettoed bishop.
The King's Indian
A Complete Black Repertoire
Catalog Code: B0075EU
Our Price: $33.95
Fighting The Ruy Lopez
The Ruy Lopez is incredibly common at all levels of chess, and everyone who plays 1. e4 e5 as Black needs to have a reliable antidote to this powerful opening. In this book, Milos Pavlovic provides the answer, devising a sound and yet ambitious repertoire for Black, the basis of which is provided by the legendary and ever-popular Marshall Attack.
Fighting The Ruy Lopez
Catalog Code: B0262EM
Our Price: $25.95
Dangerous Weapons - Pirc and Modern
Dazzle Your Opponents!
Dazzle Your Opponents!
Do you need a well-deserved break from your normal chess openings? Are you tired of constantly having to keep up with modern chess theory? Or perhaps you simply wish to try out something new and inspiring, but cannot decide amongst the numerous choices available? Look no further for the answer! In "Dangerous Weapons: The Pirc and Modern", prominent opening specialists take a revolutionary look at two popular and closely related openings.
Dangerous Weapons - Pirc and Modern
Dazzle Your Opponents!
Catalog Code: B0263EM
Our Price: $24.95
Seven Ways to Smash the Sicilian
One of the main reasons the Sicilian is the most popular opening is that is it promotes such bold and aggressive chess. But as White it's not enough just to attack; you must do so in the right way, using the appropriate weapons. In this book Yury Lapshun and Nick Conticello introduce, categorize and analyse the "Seven Deadly Sacrifices" White has at his disposal.
Seven Ways to Smash the Sicilian
Catalog Code: B0264EM
Regular Price: $24.95
Special Price: $9.98
Starting Out - The Sicilian - 2ND EDITION
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.
Starting Out - The Sicilian - 2ND EDITION
Catalog Code: B0019EM
Our Price: $24.95
Dangerous Weapons - Anti-Sicilian
Dazzle Your Opponents!
Dazzle Your Opponents!
In Dangerous Weapons: Anti-Sicilians, prominent opening specialists John Emms, Richard Palliser and Peter Wells take a revolutionary look at a popular group of openings - the Anti-Sicilians.
Dangerous Weapons - Anti-Sicilian
Dazzle Your Opponents!
Catalog Code: B0267EM
Our Price: $24.95
Chess Opening Essentials - VOLUME 2
1. d4 d5 / 1. d4 Various / Queen's Gambits
1. d4 d5 / 1. d4 Various / Queen's Gambits
This volume 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, and is a tool for club players to test and review their opening repertoire, as well as a reference book to which advanced players keep returning.
Chess Opening Essentials - VOLUME 2
1. d4 d5 / 1. d4 Various / Queen's Gambits
Catalog Code: B0024NIC
Our Price: $32.95
Chess Opening Essentials - VOLUME 3
The Complete Indian Defenses
The Complete Indian Defenses
This volume 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, is a tool for club players to test and review their opening repertoire, as well as a reference book to which advanced players keep returning.
Chess Opening Essentials - VOLUME 3
The Complete Indian Defenses
Catalog Code: B0025NIC
Our Price: $32.95
Chess Explained - The Grunfeld
A Guide to a Dynamic Counterattacking Opening
A Guide to a Dynamic Counterattacking Opening
Chess Explained books provide an understanding of an opening and the middlegames to which it leads, enabling you to find the right moves and plans in your own games. It is as if you were sitting at the board with a chess coach answering your questions about the plans for both sides, the ideas behind particular moves, and what specific knowledge you need to have. The Grunfeld Defense is one of the most aggressive openings at Black's disposal.
Chess Explained - The Grunfeld
A Guide to a Dynamic Counterattacking Opening
Catalog Code: B0049GB
Our Price: $24.95
Chess Explained - The Main Line Slav
Exploring the Dynamics of an Intricate and Robust Opening
Exploring the Dynamics of an Intricate and Robust Opening
Chess Explained books provide an understanding of an opening and the middlegames to which it leads, enabling you to find the right moves and plans in your own games. It is as if you were sitting at the board with a chess coach answering your questions about the plans for both sides, the ideas behind particular moves, and what specific knowledge you need to have. The Main-Line Slav is one of the key battlegrounds of modern chess, with adherents among all levels of chess-players.
Chess Explained - The Main Line Slav
Exploring the Dynamics of an Intricate and Robust Opening
Catalog Code: B0048GB
Our Price: $24.95
Play the Queen's Indian
The Queen's Indian is a dynamic and flexible way to meet 1 d4, and it leads to complex and intricate positions rich in ideas both sides. Such is the high regard for the Quee''s Indian that virtually all the world's top players have utilized it at one time or another.
In this book, Andrew Greet presents a complete repertoire for Black. He reveals his secrets, offers answers against all of White's possibilities, and highlights the principal tactical and positional plans.
In this book, Andrew Greet presents a complete repertoire for Black. He reveals his secrets, offers answers against all of White's possibilities, and highlights the principal tactical and positional plans.
Play the Queen's Indian
Catalog Code: B0289EM
Our Price: $24.95
How To Play the Sicilian Defense
This book explains the ideas behind the Sicilian Defense and gives the reader many useful rules of thumb as a guide to playing all the standard types of positions that arise in the Sicilian. Any player who reads and understands the ideas explained in this book will be assured of scoring many more points in Sicilian Defense games.
How To Play the Sicilian Defense
Catalog Code: B0038IS
Our Price: $25.95
How to Play the King's Indian Defence
This follow-up to the successful chess book How to Play the Sicilian Defence, by the same authors, explains the basic principles of the King's Indian without involving the reader in reams of analysis. Many useful rules and guidelines are given, enabling the reader to understand the ideas behind the opening and the standard types of position which arise.
How to Play the King's Indian Defence
Catalog Code: B0039IS
Our Price: $19.95
How to Win in the Chess Openings
From a Three Time US Open Champion
From a Three Time US Open Champion
International Master Al Horowitz goes through every major chess opening system and provides just one line of play for White, one line of play for Black, and the reason for each move by White or Black. This book will not show the reader how to win every game, but it will provide an easy route which will enable the player to get a reasonable, playable position out of the opening with good winning chances, even against the strongest opponents, without having to memorize a bunch of opening lines.
How to Win in the Chess Openings
From a Three Time US Open Champion
Catalog Code: B0044IS
Our Price: $24.95
Sacrifices in the Sicilian
The Sicilian Defense is the most exciting of all chess openings and the most popular at all levels of play. The attacking and tactical possibilities of the Sicilian are numerous. There are many sacrificial ideas that occur time and again in the Sicilian, and it is the task of this book to clarify and analyze them
Sacrifices in the Sicilian
Catalog Code: B0070IS
Our Price: $25.95
Win With The Stonewall Dutch
Rock Solid or Flexible - Your Choice!
Rock Solid or Flexible - Your Choice!
The Stonewall Dutch is a traditional favourite amongst club players, as it offers Black ready-made attacking plans on the kingside. As Grandmaster Bent Larsen has noted, the Dutch also has the tendency to 'bring out the coward' in opponents, giving it an added practical sting. However, up until the late 1980s, the Stonewall wasn't fully trusted at grandmaster level, despite its earlier use by Alekhine and Botvinnik. Black's attacking plans were too one-sided, and White's methods too well worked out.
Win With The Stonewall Dutch
Rock Solid or Flexible - Your Choice!
Catalog Code: B0137GB
Our Price: $29.95
Secrets of Opening Surprises - VOLUME 10
No Time to Study Opening Theory? Shock Your Opponent with an SOS!
No Time to Study Opening Theory? Shock Your Opponent with an SOS!
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. Appears twice a year. Ready-to-go chess opening ideas.
Secrets of Opening Surprises - VOLUME 10
No Time to Study Opening Theory? Shock Your Opponent with an SOS!
Catalog Code: B0010SOS
Our Price: $21.95
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.
Beat the KID
Catalog Code: B0003QT
Our Price: $29.95
The Black Lion
The Chess Predator's Choice Against Both 1. e4 and 1. d4
The Chess Predator's Choice Against Both 1. e4 and 1. d4
More than 85% of all chess games start with either 1.e4 or 1.d4. The Black Lion presents a flexible, logical and sensible way for Black to meet both of these moves. This robust, multipurpose opening system looks quiet, like a sleeping lion - hence the name. But when this predator is provoked, and the game heats up, Black eats its prey in an extremely swift and efficient way.
The Black Lion
The Chess Predator's Choice Against Both 1. e4 and 1. d4
Catalog Code: b0062NIC
Our Price: $27.95
How to Play Against 1. e4
It's not easy finding a good opening to play against 1 e4, especially if you don't have endless time available to study the latest theoretical developments. If you choose fashionable openings, it's often a necessity to keep pace with modern theory if you want to succeed with Black. This book provides a solution. Neil McDonald advocates his favorite opening - the very popular French Defence - but chooses a repertoire for Black that requires only the minimum amount of move memorization.
How to Play Against 1. e4
Catalog Code: B0174EM
Our Price: $24.95
Chess Openings for Black Explained
A Complete Repertoire
A Complete Repertoire
Chess Openings for Black, Explained gives you a complete repertoire of carefully selected, interrelated openings. Three-time U.S. champion and master teacher Lev Alburt, along with his grandmaster co-authors, provides everything you need to know to defend with confidence against each and every one of White's first moves.
Chess Openings for Black Explained
A Complete Repertoire
Catalog Code: B0009LV
Our Price: $29.95
Ten Ways to Succeed in the Opening
First published in 2001 and recently reprinted in 2009 this book is one of three designed for young players. The other two are Ten Ways to Succeed in the Middle Game, and Ten Ways to Succeed in the Endgame.
Ten Ways to Succeed in the Opening
Catalog Code: B0001PA
Our Price: $9.95
Play 2... Nf6 in the Sicilian
Nimzowitsch-Rubinstein Variation
Nimzowitsch-Rubinstein Variation
On the map of modern chess theory there is a 'blank spot' - The Nimzowitsch-Rubinstein Variation of the Sicilian Defence (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6) Everyone has heard of it, but no one really knows anything about it. The literature devoted to this topic is extremely scanty. Two or three articles, a few brochures, one ancient monograph (in German) - and that's all. The book of international master Grigory Bogdanovisch fills this gap. The author, a recognized expert on the Variation, has summarized and fully systemized his many years of experience in the given field.
Play 2... Nf6 in the Sicilian
Nimzowitsch-Rubinstein Variation
Catalog Code: B0050EU
Our Price: $28.95
King's Gambit
The present book by Nikolai Kalinichenko, an international grandmaster in correspondence play, gives a systematic analysis of the King's Gambit using more than 300 annotated games, classic and modern, providing the reader with a sound knowledge of all the standard variations, together with their typical strategic and tactical ideas.
King's Gambit
Catalog Code: B0051EU
Our Price: $28.95
Starting Out - The Trompowsky
The Trompowsky Attack is well known as an ambitious and aggressive opening. Initially an offbeat line favoured by club players, in recent history it has undergone somewhat of a transformation. Thanks to the efforts and innovations of Grandmasters such as Mickey Adams and Julian Hodgson, it has been fine-tuned into a powerful attacking weapon, and today it is seen as an important mainline opening in its own right.
Starting Out - The Trompowsky
Catalog Code: B0296EM
Our Price: $24.95
