Why is this repertoire called simple? For the simple reason that the variations are straightforward, easy to remember and require little or no maintenance. International Master Christof Sielecki has created a reliable set of lines for chess players of almost all levels. The major objective is to dominate Black in the opening, by simple means. You don’t need to sacrifice anything or memorize long tactical lines. Unless Black plays something stupid, when tactics are the simplest punishment. Sielecki developed this repertoire working with students who were looking for something that was easy to understand and to learn. Most of the lines he selected are occasionally played by grandmasters, but on the whole they lie outside the mainstream of opening theory. That means that there is hardly any need to monitor theoretical developments. Sielecki always clearly explains the plans and counterplans and keeps you focussed on what the position requires. Ambitious players rated 1500 or higher will get great value out of studying this extremely accessible book.

A highly adventurous repertoire designed to meet 1 e4 with 1...e5 and take the initiative! The main problem Black faces in answering 1 e4 with 1...e5 is the plethora of opening systems available to White: the Ruy Lopez, Giuoco Piano, Scotch, Ponziani, King’s Gambit, Vienna, Bishop’s Opening and so on. Each is likely to be White’s pet line, which usually means conducting the chess battle on the opponent’s turf. One solution is to study the main lines of all these openings and hope to remember what to do if they appear on the board. Another, more enterprising approach is to turn the tables and make White fight on your territory. Adopting the latter course, CC-SIM Jonathan Tait shares their investigations into a myriad of disregarded, “disreputable” responses, which can set White thinking as early as move three. These lines are greatly under-estimated by contemporary theory and include weird and wonderful variations such as the Calabrese Counter-Gambit (1 e4 e5 2 Bc4 f5), the Wagenbach Defence to the King’s Gambit (1 e4 e5 2 f4 exf4 3 Nf3 h5), the Romanishin Three Knights (1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 Bc5), the Two Knights Ulvestad Variation (1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Nf6 4 Ng5 d5 5 exd5 b5) and ultra-sharp lines of the Jaenisch Gambit (1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 f5). The theory of the variations in this book is generally poorly understood. This has made them successful at all forms of play, including against online computer-assisted assault.

James Rizzitano's goal in this book is to provide you with a one-volume, theoretically sound, dynamic opening repertoire beginning with 1 e4. Studying the choices of the current top players, he identifies these secrets of their success: Play openings where you have a relatively safe king. Take the bishop-pair in a semi-open position if it is offered to you. Avoid creating unnecessary weaknesses in your own position. Accept questionable gambits and material sacrifices. Absorb any space advantage conceded by the opponent. His choice of lines to recommend is based on these principles, and supported by detailed work with the current top computer engines. While serious work on chess openings confirms the basic truth that White can't simply force a large advantage from the start position, we can greatly narrow Black's path to safety, and tilt the practical struggle in our favour. To have a chance of half a point, our opponents will need to solve difficult tactical and strategic problems deep into the middlegame. The main lines recommended are: Giuoco Piano (via Bishop's Opening move-order) Modern Advance Caro-Kann Tarrasch French Rossolimo and Moscow Sicilians, and 2...e6 3 c3 Traditional main lines vs Scandinavian and Alekhine Tricky piece-play options against the Pirc and Modern International Master James Rizzitano dominated New England chess from 1976 to 1989, winning 157 of 336 events in which he competed. His career highlights include victories over Alburt, Benjamin, Benko, Christiansen, Dlugy, I.Gurevich, and Wolff. In more recent years Rizzitano made a return to competitive chess, and has written five books for Gambit, including How to Beat 1 d4 and Play the Najdorf Sicilian.

The Portuguese Variation (after 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Bg4) ranks as Black's most combative system in the Center Counter Defense, closely allied to the Icelandic gambit (1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.c4 e6, also covered here!). In the Portuguese, Black offers a pawn for rapid development and the chance to exploit weak squares in the enemy camp. The resulting play is sharp and trappy, with plenty of "coffeehouse" flavor for those wishing to mix it up as Black. An added benefit is the newness of the line, which came into prominence only in the early 1990s. Therefore many players of White can still be caught unaware, falling victim to an early knockout. No mere surprise weapon, however, the Portuguese has been tested in the fire of world class tournament chess. Proof of the line's vitality is it's adoption by aggressive Grandmasters such as Spraggett, Hodgson, Shirov and Hebden.This book is the first devoted exclusively to the Portuguese Variation. In a research tour de force, NM Selby Anderson has assembled all relevant games and articles, then fed it to top chess engines like Fritz and Chess Machine. Consequently, the high percentage of original analysis found here stands in stark contrast to the typical opening monograph. Players of any level will appreciate the author's light and witty approach all the while dispensing lethal doses of tactical toxins. Pity the poor player who stumbles into the Portuguese without this book!

The Dragon is one of the most thrilling chess openings and a favorite of attacking players. But can this sharp and provocative system still be played in the modern era? GM Gawain Jones says "Yes!" In this two-volume work, the world's strongest Dragon specialist guides you through the Black repertoire he has played successfully against world-class opposition. Drawing on his deep understanding as a lifelong Dragon exponent, Jones explains the key concepts and supports his recommendations with cutting-edge analysis. This volume deals with the 9.Bc4 and 9.g4 variations of the Yugoslav Attack.

Every chessplayer who meets 1.e4 with 1...e5 needs a reliable response to the Ruy Lopez, and The Berlin Defence is an ideal solution. Ever since Kramnik used it to shut down Kasparov's best efforts in their 2000 World Championship match, many top players have successfully employed the "Berlin Wall". GM Michael Roiz presents a complete repertoire for Black after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6, offering top-class antidotes to anything White may try.

The Anand Files offers a detailed insight into the strategies Viswanathan Anand used to win three World Championship chess matches. It takes the reader behind the scenes to show the inner workings of Team Anand, including pre-game planning and preparing opening novelties. The reader will gain a deep understanding of how top chess players work on their game and deal with the stress of elite competition. Over a hundred color photographs illustrate the story.

The Philidor Defense is a most popular opening at all levels. In this first book Sergio brings a no-nonsense opening repertoire for players of all strenghts. You will find this book nor only a useful handy guide but find it also loaded with an indispensable source of inspiring ideas.