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 52

    The Tactical Grob
    The Tactical Grob This book is on the chess opening known as Grob's Attack. This chess opening starts with 1. g2-g4 or, in Descriptive Notation, 1. P-KN4. Once thought of as a joke, the Grob Opening is a very dangerous opening to both the white and black sides in chess.
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    The Tactical Grob
    Catalog Code: B0020IS
    Our Price: $19.95

    Gambit Busters
    Take it, Keep it and Win!
    In this book, Sam Collins tackles this subject head on. He explores in depth the basic gambit approaches, the typical mistakes made at all levels, the world-class defensive and counterattacking techniques displayed by the great players, and how you can learn from them. In addition, he covers some key theory of many popular gambits in modern chess. Be bold, be brave and grab those pawns!
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    Gambit Busters
    Take it, Keep it and Win!
    Catalog Code: B0318EM

    Regular Price: $26.95

    Special Price: $10.78


    Grob's Angriff - GERMAN EDITION
    This is Henry Grob's groundbreaking work written in German on the move 1. g2-g4. The Grob opening is a very dangerous opening to both the white and black sides in chess.
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    Grob's Angriff - GERMAN EDITION
    Catalog Code: B0023IS
    Our Price: $19.95

    Dangerous Weapons - Caro-Kann
    Dazzle Your Opponents
    Are you tired of playing the same old openings again and again? Perhaps it's time for a change: choose Dangerous Weapons and amaze your opponents with new and exciting opening ideas! In this book, three opening specialists get together to take a revolutionary look at the Caro-Kann. In doing so they take the road less travelled and concentrate on fresh or little-explored variations - selecting a wealth of 'dangerous' options for both colours.
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    Dangerous Weapons - Caro-Kann
    Dazzle Your Opponents
    Catalog Code: B0309EM
    Our Price: $24.95

    The Wonderful Winawer
    Strategic Ideas & Surprise Weapons for Dynamic Chess Players
    The widely-played Winawer Variation has been called 'the jewel in the crown of the French Defence'. It is easy to see why. This is an opening for players who love a real fight. Black immediately attacks White's centre and the resulting positional dynamics offer chances to both sides.
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    The Wonderful Winawer
    Strategic Ideas & Surprise Weapons for Dynamic Chess Players
    Catalog Code: B0094NIC
    Our Price: $23.95

    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

    Attacking Chess - The King's Indian - VOLUME 1
    The King's Indian remains a hugely popular opening - unsurprising given the attacking opportunities it offers. In many of the ultra-sharp main lines, White wins the queenside battle but this often turns out to be a Pyrrhic victory as Black wins the war by checkmating on the kingside! Black is hunting the enemy king and - in practical play - this gives him a psychological edge.
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    Attacking Chess - The King's Indian - VOLUME 1
    Catalog Code: B0316EM
    Our Price: $28.95

    EBOOK - Attacking Chess - The King's Indian - VOLUME 1
    ng's Indian remains a hugely popular opening - unsurprising given the attacking opportunities it offers. In many of the ultra-sharp main lines, White wins the queenside battle but this often turns out to be a Pyrrhic victory as Black wins the war by checkmating on the kingside! Black is hunting the enemy king and - in practical play - this gives him a psychological edge.
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    EBOOK - Attacking Chess - The King's Indian - VOLUME 1
    Catalog Code: E-B0316EM
    Our Price: $19.95

    Play the Dutch
    An Opening Repertoire for Black Based on the Leningrad Variation
    There's no doubt that the Dutch Defence is one of Black's most enterprising answers to 1 d4. Black strives to unbalance the position by creating an asymmetrical pawn structure on the very first move, giving himself every opportunity to fight for the initiative from the outset. It's no surprise that the Dutch particularly appeals to ambitious players who relish a complicated battle.
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    Play the Dutch
    An Opening Repertoire for Black Based on the Leningrad Variation
    Catalog Code: B0311EM
    Our Price: $26.95

    The Complete c3 Sicilian
    The Alapin Variation by it's Greatest Expert
    It is not difficult to understand why the Alapin Sicilian is such a popular opening with amateur and professional chess players all over the world. Against Black’s most dangerous reply to 1.e4 it simply offers everything you need if you are looking for a reliable scheme that does not take much time to learn.
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    The Complete c3 Sicilian
    The Alapin Variation by it's Greatest Expert
    Catalog Code: B0096NIC
    Our Price: $35.95

    How to play against 1. d4
    Finding a suitable defence to 1 d4 isn't an easy task, especially if you don't have endless time available to study all the latest theoretical developments. If you choose fashionable openings, it's imperative to keep pace with modern theory if you want to succeed with Black.
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    How to play against 1. d4
    Catalog Code: B0314EM
    Our Price: $26.95

    NIC Yearbook 95 - HARDCOVER EDITION
    Alexander Grischuk - Gimme Your Poisoned Pawn, Baby!
    New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest news in chess openings, and each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashion, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons.
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    NIC Yearbook 95 - HARDCOVER EDITION
    Alexander Grischuk - Gimme Your Poisoned Pawn, Baby!
    Catalog Code: B0095HYB
    Our Price: $38.95

    NIC Yearbook 95 - PAPERBACK EDITION
    Alexander Grischuk - Gimme Your Poisoned Pawn, Baby!
    New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest news in chess openings, and each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashion, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons.
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    NIC Yearbook 95 - PAPERBACK EDITION
    Alexander Grischuk - Gimme Your Poisoned Pawn, Baby!
    Catalog Code: B0095PYB
    Our Price: $29.95

    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

    Play the London System
    It's no secret why the London System is such a popular opening, especially at club level. White's development plan is very easy to learn, and it can be employed against virtually any defence. What's more, depending on mood, style or opponent, White can choose either to attack directly or to instigate a more positional strategy. Many players admit they hate facing the London System, which is surely another good reason to play it!
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    Play the London System
    Catalog Code: B0306EM
    Our Price: $26.95

    Beating 1. e4 e5
    A Repertoire for White in the Open Games
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    Beating 1. e4 e5
    A Repertoire for White in the Open Games
    Catalog Code: B0313EM
    Our Price: $26.95

    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

    Chess Opening Essentials - VOLUME 4
    1. c4 / 1. Nf3 / Other First Moves
    Chess Opening Essentials is an accessible primer and a reference book at the same time. It gives a flavor of how every opening works and explains the similarities with other openings as well as the differences. In addition, it also points at the various middlegame plans that apply after the opening has ended.
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    Chess Opening Essentials - VOLUME 4
    1. c4 / 1. Nf3 / Other First Moves
    Catalog Code: B0089NIC
    Our Price: $28.95

    NIC Yearbook 94 - HARDCOVER EDITION
    Magnus Carlsen's Midas Touch in the Scotch
    New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest news in chess openings, and each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashion, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons.
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    NIC Yearbook 94 - HARDCOVER EDITION
    Magnus Carlsen's Midas Touch in the Scotch
    Catalog Code: B0094HYB
    Our Price: $38.95

    NIC Yearbook 94 - PAPERBACK EDITION
    Magnus Carlsen's Midas Touch in the Scotch
    New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest news in chess openings, and each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashion, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons.
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    NIC Yearbook 94 - PAPERBACK EDITION
    Magnus Carlsen's Midas Touch in the Scotch
    Catalog Code: B0094PYB
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Modern Philidor Defence
    he Modern Philidor Defence consists of seven chapters, dealing with different move-orders. Each chapter comprises of a "Quick Repertoire" then a thorough theoretical study in the part "Step by Step"and "Complete Games". In order to include a system in your opening repertoire, it would be sufficient for you to read the review and see the games and this should not take too much of your time. After this, you can start playing this opening in friendly games at your club, or on the Internet.
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    The Modern Philidor Defence
    Catalog Code: B0061EU
    Our Price: $26.95

    Mastering the Chess Openings - VOLUME 4
    Gambits - Preparation - Fianchettoes - Symmetry
    In this highly-acclaimed and popular series, John Watson helps chess-players achieve a more holistic and insightful view of the openings. He explains not only the ideas and strategies behind specific openings, but also the interconnections of chess openings taken as a whole. By presenting the common threads that underlie opening play, Watson provides a permanent basis for playing openings of any type.
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    Mastering the Chess Openings - VOLUME 4
    Gambits - Preparation - Fianchettoes - Symmetry
    Catalog Code: B0162GB
    Our Price: $29.95

    Alekhine Alert
    A Repertoire for Black Against 1. e4
    Former US Open Champion Timothy Taylor takes a contemporary look at one of Black's most ambitious counters to 1 e4, the Alekhine Defence. This is a sharp opening in which Black attacks from the very beginning, luring White's central pawns forward in the expectation of destroying them later on.
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    Alekhine Alert
    A Repertoire for Black Against 1. e4
    Catalog Code: B0301EM
    Our Price: $27.95

    Starting Out - Open Games
    'Open Games' refer to a myriad of openings arising after the ever-popular 1 e4 e5: the Italian Game, the Scotch, The Two Knights Defence, the King's Gambit, the Evans Gambit, the Bishop's Opening, the Four Knights, the Petroff and much more besides.
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    Starting Out - Open Games
    Catalog Code: B0276EM
    Our Price: $27.95

    A Killer Chess Opening Repertoire
    An Easy-to-Learn Repertoire for the Chessboard Assassin
    Bored with the same old openings? Worried about having to learn too much theory? Then this book will come as a godsend. Aaron Summerscale presents a set of exceptionally dangerous opening weapons for White. Each recommended line is based on a solid positional foundation, yet also promises long-term (and short-term!) attacking chances.
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    A Killer Chess Opening Repertoire
    An Easy-to-Learn Repertoire for the Chessboard Assassin
    Catalog Code: B0159GB
    Our Price: $19.75

    Understanding The Marshall Attack
    A Layman's Guide to the Supergrandmasters' Favourite Gambit
    The Marshall Attack is a chess opening like no other. Rather than subjecting himself to the 'Spanish torture' so typical in the Ruy Lopez, Black simply gives away a centre pawn. But in return, he gets long-term attacking chances and activity that can persist well into the endgame.
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    Understanding The Marshall Attack
    A Layman's Guide to the Supergrandmasters' Favourite Gambit
    Catalog Code: B0160GB
    Our Price: $23.95

    Starting Out - The Reti
    The Reti is a popular opening at all levels of chess. The great advantage it possesses over other openings is that it's a thematic system which can be adopted against many different defences, and because of this it's a firm favourite amongst those who prefer the understanding of ideas over dry memorization of moves.
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    Starting Out - The Reti
    Catalog Code: B0295EM
    Our Price: $26.95

    Wojo's Weapons - VOLUME 1
    Winning with White
    The late Aleksander Wojtkiewicz, known as "Wojo" to his fans and followers, was one of the most feared players of the White pieces in the U.S. tournament circuit. Using his dynamic, Catalan-based opening repertoire, the "Polish Magician" won hundreds of tournaments from the 1990's until his untimely death in 2006. Now, Wojtkiewicz experts IM Dean Ippolito and NM Jonathan Hilton have joined forces to produce the definitive "how-to" manual for learning Wojo's repertoire with White after 1.Nf3 d5.
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    Wojo's Weapons - VOLUME 1
    Winning with White
    Catalog Code: B0049EU
    Our Price: $29.95

    The Moscow & Anti-Moscow Variations
    An Insider's View
    The positions arising in the Moscow variation and the Anti-Moscow variation are in principle so different that I have decided to arrange the material in the two parts of the book in different fashion too. The part of the book, which deals with the analysis of the plans and possibilities in the much calmer Moscow variation can be compared to a thorough guide of the series "street by street".
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    The Moscow & Anti-Moscow Variations
    An Insider's View
    Catalog Code: B0052EU
    Our Price: $29.95

    Squeezing the Gambits
    The Benko, Budapest, Albin and Blumenfield
    This book aims to teach you how to put Black into a positional squeeze in the most popular gambits against 1.d4. It offers a White repertoire based on understanding and not on memorisation of long variations.

    Georgiev preaches a solid strategic approach which allows to decrease the role of computer assisted home analysis and will serve you for many years.
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    Squeezing the Gambits
    The Benko, Budapest, Albin and Blumenfield
    Catalog Code: B0053EU
    Our Price: $28.95

    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

    Play the 4. f3 Nimzo-Indian
    The Most Aggressive Response to the Nimzo Explained by One of it's Leading Exponents
    The Nimzo-Indian is an extremely popular and reliable defence, upon which most world champions have relied at some point in their careers. Black controls the vital e4-square with his pieces, and retains total flexibility with his central pawns. By playing 4. f3, White challenges Black's idea head-on. Either Black grants White control of e4, or else he must commit his pawn to d5, whereupon White can begin concrete action in the center.
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    Play the 4. f3 Nimzo-Indian
    The Most Aggressive Response to the Nimzo Explained by One of it's Leading Exponents
    Catalog Code: B0035GB
    Our Price: $14.95

    The Meran System
    Unravels the Mysteries of a Rich and Complex Chess Opening
    The Meran is an opening rich in both strategy and tactics, making it ideal for players seeking to win with either colour. It occupies an important place in the repertoires of many of the world's top players, with Anand, Kramnik, Kasparov and Karpov regularly taking one side or the other.
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    The Meran System
    Unravels the Mysteries of a Rich and Complex Chess Opening
    Catalog Code: B0006GB

    Regular Price: $21.95

    Special Price: $8.78


    Play the Open Games as Black
    What to Do When White Avoids the Ruy Lopez
    his book fills a gaping chasm in chess literature. For years, those who wish to take on the black side of the Ruy Lopez have had to muddle their way through against the variety of alternative openings at White's disposal. This book gives a choice of systems for Black, to counter anything White might try in order to avoid the Ruy Lopez - the Scotch, King's Gambit, Italian Game, Four Knights, etc.
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    Play the Open Games as Black
    What to Do When White Avoids the Ruy Lopez
    Catalog Code: B0015GB
    Our Price: $23.95

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