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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.
Play the King's Indian
A Complete Repertoire for Black in the Most Dynamic of Openings
A Complete Repertoire for Black in the Most Dynamic of Openings
The King's Indian has always been one of the sharpest, most complex and popular openings that Black can play; it still provides the setting for many encounters at the elite level of Grandmaster chess. Straight from the start, Black fights for the initiative and in many variations, while White pursues material gains, it is Black who has the psychological advantage of trying checkmate the opponent's king.
Play the King's Indian
A Complete Repertoire for Black in the Most Dynamic of Openings
Catalog Code: B0290EM
Our Price: $24.95
Starting Out - Grunfeld
The Grunfeld is an energetic and popular defense to queen's pawn openings and is a favorite of the world number one Garry Kasparov. From the start of the game Black allows White to build an apparently strong centre but then attacks it with all his forces. Play can become extremely sharp and theoretical and this opening very much appeals to dynamic players.
Starting Out - Grunfeld
Catalog Code: B0274EM
Our Price: $24.95
Tactics in the Chess Opening - VOLUME 1
Sicilian Defence
Sicilian Defence
Every chess player loves to win, but nothing compares to winning with a flourish. How happy we are when the tactics work and we decide a game with a cunning trick, a devilish trap or a delightful coup de grace.
Tactics in the Chess Opening - VOLUME 1
Sicilian Defence
Catalog Code: B0001TITO
Regular Price: $21.95
Special Price: $8.78
Encyclopedia of Chess Openings - BOOK B
The fourth thoroughly revised and updated edition of the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, Volume B, brings an additional 104 pages of brand new material.
Encyclopedia of Chess Openings - BOOK B
Catalog Code: B0002ECO
Our Price: $39.95
Secrets of Opening Surprises - VOLUME 2
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 2
No Time to Study Opening Theory? Shock Your Opponent with an SOS!
Catalog Code: B0002SOS
Our Price: $21.95
Encyclopedia of Chess Openings - BOOK D
The fourth thoroughly revised and updated edition of the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings, Volume D, brings an additional 56 pages of brand new material on 1. d4 d5 & 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 followed by 3...d5: Queen's Gambit (Slav, QG Accepted, Orthodox, Tarrasch, Tartakower, etc.), Gruenfeld, Queen's Pawn, etc.
Encyclopedia of Chess Openings - BOOK D
Catalog Code: B0004ECO
Our Price: $39.95
Starting Out - Queen's Indian
The Queen's Indian is one of Blacks most dependable and respected defences to the queen's pawn opening. Is an established favourite amongst world-class grandmasters such as Vladimir Kramnik, Vishy Anand, Michael Adams and Judit Polgar, not to mention Anatoly Karpov, who has been a loyal Queen's Indian supporter and theory developer for over three decades.
Starting Out - Queen's Indian
Catalog Code: B0011EM
Our Price: $24.95
Opening For White According to Anand 1. e4 - VOLUME III
The third volume of the popular series "Opening for White according to Anand -1.e4" deals with the Caro Kann Defence. It has the reputation as the opening of the chess-academics. Capablanca, Botvinnik, Petrosian and Karpov - this list of great chess-champions that have been life-long devotees of the Caro-Kann Defence can be easily extended.
Opening For White According to Anand 1. e4 - VOLUME III
Catalog Code: B0022EU
Our Price: $28.95
Controversial Samisch King's Indian
The Samisch variation is commonly recognized as being the sharpest way of meeting the popular King's Indian Defence, although in its modern use by White, one is just as likely to see positional queenside play as any deadly assault on the black king. In this innovative opening book, Grandmaster Chris War takes a look at its transformation over time.
Controversial Samisch King's Indian
Catalog Code: B0041BT
Our Price: $9.95
Two Knights Defence
In this book, openings theoretician Jan Pinski guides the reader through both the well-trodden paths of the main lines plus the less fashionable side variations of this most complex opening. Using illustrative games, Pinski studies the key ideas and tactics for both Black and White.
Two Knights Defence
Catalog Code: B0057EM
Our Price: $24.95
Main Line Ruy Lopez
The Ruy Lopez (also known as the Spanish Game) is an extremely popular opening and one of the oldest in the history of chess. It has been played by virtually all the greats of the game, providing the battle scene for many world championship clashes involving the likes of Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov and Kramnik. Now, for the first time in many years, Grandmaster Glenn Flear investigates the main line of the Lopez, outlining the crucial ideas and tactics for both White and Black.
Main Line Ruy Lopez
Catalog Code: B0122EM
Regular Price: $24.95
Special Price: $9.98
Offbeat King's Indian
Lesser Known Tries to Counter this Most Popular of Defences
Lesser Known Tries to Counter this Most Popular of Defences
The King's Indian is one of the most exciting and complex defences that black can employ against the queen's pawn opening. The main lines of the King's Indian are very sharp and tactical but they are also incredibly theoretical in nature it can be a full time job simply keeping up with the latest developments and fashion. So it is not surprising that many playing white choose to look elsewhere for something to counter this popular opening. In Offbeat King's Indian distinguished openings expert Krzysztof Panczyk studies unusual and less theoretical systems for white, ones that are tricky and are likely to throw the King's Indian player off his or her stride early on in the game. Variations investigated include lines with an early Bd3, ones with Nge2,l and ones involving a swift Bg5. By studying this new book, white players can arm themselves with a while new weaponry of lines against the King's Indian, while those playing Black can look closely for the recommended antidotes.
Offbeat King's Indian
Lesser Known Tries to Counter this Most Popular of Defences
Catalog Code: B0167EM
Regular Price: $19.95
Special Price: $7.98
Scandinavian
From a theoretical backwater to a fully blown main line opening, the rise of the Scandinavian Defence (1. e4 d5) has been nothing short of meteoric. Over the past fifteen years the Scandinavian has become more and more popular both at club and Grandmaster level. It even managed to obtain an ultimate seal of approval when Vishy Anand employed it in his World Championship match with Garry Kasparov!
Scandinavian
Catalog Code: B0172EM
Our Price: $24.95
Counter-Gambits
Black to Play and Win
Black to Play and Win
Publisher: Dover
Author: T. D. Harding
Year of Publication: 2001 Pages: 208
Notation Type: Algebraic (AN)
Book Description As noted British chess author T. D. Harding explains in the preface to Counter Gambits: Black to Play and Win, the aim of this book is to show you how to win games with Black. The method? Calculated aggression, right from move one! To offset the distinct advantage White is thought to have because it moves first, Black can engage in dynamic counterplay to avoid those openings that give White the opportunity of early exchanges. Following a brief explanation of symbols, this excellent guide covers such topics as dynamic counterplay, counter-gambits in open games, Black sacrifices in the half-open games, counters to the Queen's Gambit, Indian counter-gambits, and an index to openings and variations. Seventy-seven games, including ten new to this edition, are fully annotated, while more are found in the theoretical notes, with commentary. Among the counter-gambits used in the quest for dynamic counterplay are the Budapest, Blumenfeld, Falkbeer, and Latvian — all illustrated in great detail. A new update "Update 2001," written especially for this edition, examines developments in the field since this book was first published in the 1970s. Players at all skill levels — beginner to advanced — are sure to benefit from this expert analysis of gambits and counter-gambits.
Counter-Gambits
Black to Play and Win
Catalog Code: B0047DV
Our Price: $8.95
The French - Tarrasch Variation
Comprehensive Coverage of an Important Modern Chess Opening
Comprehensive Coverage of an Important Modern Chess Opening
This book continues the coverage of the French Defence that was begun by Pedersen in The Main Line French: 3 Nc3. It is essential reading for all those who play the French, and for those who meet it with the popular and flexible Tarrasch Variation.
The French - Tarrasch Variation
Comprehensive Coverage of an Important Modern Chess Opening
Catalog Code: B0028GB
Our Price: $14.95
The Sicilian Sozin
A Life-Long Sozin Devotee Explains the Subtleties of this Aggressive System for White
A Life-Long Sozin Devotee Explains the Subtleties of this Aggressive System for White
This book presents in detail the theory of the Sozin in all its forms, including the razor-sharp Velimirovic Attack.
The Sicilian Sozin
A Life-Long Sozin Devotee Explains the Subtleties of this Aggressive System for White
Catalog Code: B0042GB
Our Price: $14.95
The Symmetrical English
Authoritative Coverage of a Massive Opening Complex, Including the Hedgehog and Anti-Benoni
Authoritative Coverage of a Massive Opening Complex, Including the Hedgehog and Anti-Benoni
The Symmetrical systems of the English Opening constitute a large and important area of modern chess opening theory. The strategic variety to be found within this book is staggering: from the sedate Symmetrical Variation to the wild gambit lines of the Anti-Benoni, and almost everything in between! This book provides detailed coverage of the theory of all lines stemming from 1 c4 c5.
The Symmetrical English
Authoritative Coverage of a Massive Opening Complex, Including the Hedgehog and Anti-Benoni
Catalog Code: B0045GB
Our Price: $22.95
Attacking with 1. e4
Fed up with having to learn so much theory? Struggling to keep up with all the latest developments? Then this book will be the answer to all your problems. Grandmaster John Emms offers a new arsenal of opening weapons with which to attack your unsuspecting opponents. Starting with the move 1 e4, the reader is armed with systems against all possible black defenses.
Attacking with 1. e4
Catalog Code: B0061EM
Our Price: $24.95
The Queen's Gambit and Catalan for Black
A Grandmaster Explains a Solid and Dependable Repertoire
A Grandmaster Explains a Solid and Dependable Repertoire
Every chess-player needs a reliable defence against the Queen's Pawn Opening. The fundamental question is whether to go all-out for counterplay, which may involve a great deal of risk, or to adopt a more solid, classical approach, and first carefully neutralize White's initiative. This book shows the potential of the latter approach. By defending the Queen's Gambit Declined, Black puts a firm road-block in the way of White's ambitions.
The Queen's Gambit and Catalan for Black
A Grandmaster Explains a Solid and Dependable Repertoire
Catalog Code: B0068GB
Regular Price: $21.95
Special Price: $8.78
French Classical
The French Classical (1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6) leads to the type of dynamic, unbalanced positions which appeal to grandmaster and club player alike. Black is prepared to concede space in the center with a view to striking back at his opponent at the earliest opportunity.
French Classical
Catalog Code: B0086EM
Our Price: $19.95
The Petroff
A Detailed Account of the Solid Opening Favoured by Vladimir Kramnik and Other Super-Grandmasters
A Detailed Account of the Solid Opening Favoured by Vladimir Kramnik and Other Super-Grandmasters
The Petroff has for a long time been regarded as a very solid defence. Black avoids the perils of the Scotch, the Italian Game and above all the dreaded Ruy Lopez, and instead opts to neutralize White's initiative with active piece-play. In the Petroff, it is quite common for Black to launch an early counterattack, often gambiting a pawn to do so. For many years, the Petroff enjoyed a steady following, with Karpov, Ivanchuk, Timman, Anand and in particular Yusupov among its supporters at the top level.
The Petroff
A Detailed Account of the Solid Opening Favoured by Vladimir Kramnik and Other Super-Grandmasters
Catalog Code: B0089GB
Our Price: $21.95
Offbeat Spanish
Meeting the Spanish without 3... A6
Meeting the Spanish without 3... A6
Glenn Flear studies a wide variety of ambitious and offbeat answers for those playing against the Spanish. From the super solid Berlin (as used so successfully by Vladimir Kramnik in his world championship match against Garry Kasparov) to the uncompromising Schliemann, there's enough choice here for any prospective black player facing the Spanish. On the other hand, this book is also perfect for white players looking for the best way to deal with those avoiding the main lines.
Offbeat Spanish
Meeting the Spanish without 3... A6
Catalog Code: B0179EM
Regular Price: $19.95
Special Price: $7.98
Classical Nimzo-Indian
The Ever-Popular 4. Qc2
The Ever-Popular 4. Qc2
The 4 Qc2 (or the Classical Variation, as it's commonly known) represents one of White's main choices against the ever-reliable Nimzo-Indian Defence. Ideas and strategies for both white and black players are explained. All the major variations are covered and Lalic updates the theory of these ever-developing lines.
Classical Nimzo-Indian
The Ever-Popular 4. Qc2
Catalog Code: B0201EM
Regular Price: $19.95
Special Price: $7.98
Dutch Stonewall
The Stonewall is an ideal choice for those players who are keen to avoid the reams of theory that surround more popular openings such as the King's Indian and Nimzo-Indian Defenses. By playing the Stonewall, Black stakes an immediate claim in the center and lays the foundations for a potentially dangerous kingside attack.
Dutch Stonewall
Catalog Code: B0234EM
Our Price: $24.95
Understanding Chess Move by Move
A Top-Class Grandmaster Explains Step-By-Step How Chess Games are Won
A Top-Class Grandmaster Explains Step-By-Step How Chess Games are Won
Publisher: Gambit
Author: John Nunn
Year of Publication: 2008 Pages: 240
Notation Type: Figurine (FN)
Book Description John Nunn is one of the most highly regarded chess writers in the world. He has carefully selected thirty modern games to help the reader understand the most important aspects of chess and to illustrate modern chess principles in action. Virtually every move is explained using words that everyone can understand. Jargon is avoided as far as possible. Almost all the examples are taken from the 1990s and show how key ideas are handled by the grandmasters of today. The emphasis is on general principles that readers will be able to use in their own games, and detailed analysis is only given where it is necessary. Each game contains many lessons, but to guide the reader through the most important ideas in each phase of the game, the thirty games are grouped thematically into those highlighting opening, middlegame and endgame themes. About the Author(s) John Nunn is a grandmaster from England. He has won four individual gold medals and three team silver medals at Chess Olympiads. In the Chess World Cup of 1988/9, he finished sixth overall, ahead of several former World Champions. He is arguably the most highly acclaimed chess writer in the world, with two of his books receiving the prestigious British Chess Federation Book of the Year Award.
Understanding Chess Move by Move
A Top-Class Grandmaster Explains Step-By-Step How Chess Games are Won
Catalog Code: B0086GB
Our Price: $22.95
Sicilian ...e6 and ...d6 Systems
The variations of the Sicilian in which Black sets up a pawn centre with ...e6 and ...d6 have been popularized by such fighting players as Kasparov and Andersson. The play can become extremely sharp and many lines have been analyzed to move 20. This comprehensive work provides everything the modern tournament player needs to know about the Scheveningen and only a Grandmaster of the calibre of Kasparov can provide the strategy explanation necessary for an opening of this complexity.
Sicilian ...e6 and ...d6 Systems
Catalog Code: B0013AC
Our Price: $14.95
Sicilian - Paulsen
The Paulsen System of the Sicilian challenges one of the common perceptions of the Sicilian Defense: That there is no safe way to play the Sicilian. The Paulsen System is generally regarded as one of the most solid, safe ways to play the Sicilian against 1.e4, while also giving plenty of opportunities for counter-attack. This flexible system can allow Black to arrange his pieces in several different ways. Taimanov shows us how to handle each variation that White can throw at you, and gives many fragments of important games.
Sicilian - Paulsen
Catalog Code: B0082BT
Our Price: $19.95
