A Complete Opening Repertoire for Black After 1. E4 E5!

A Complete Opening Repertoire for Black After 1. E4 E5!

Author: Yuriy Krykun

Publisher:

Published: 2020-12-08

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13: 9789492510846

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One of the important issues players face - both relatively inexperienced ones at the beginning of their career as well as seasoned ones as they realize their chess craves change - is choosing an opening repertoire. As a player and a coach, I have seen many approaches to this question, both remarkable and mistaken. Some players believe that the opening is something to ignore, that everything is decided in the middlegame. Others think that studying opening traps is what wins games.Some tend to follow their favorite world-class player''s recommendations, while others like to sidestep well-known opening theory early on, preferring unpopular side-lines.To me, opening choice is about all those decisions. I think that many openings are good; there are some dubious ones, but they can also yield formidable results overall or in specific situations if chosen and handled carefully. I firmly believe that your opening repertoire should mostly be based on your playing style and other personal traits, such as memory and work ethic. It is important to evaluate yourself as well as your strengths and weaknesses properly in order to be able to build the right repertoire that would not only suit you well, but also improve your overall chess.The little detail, though, is in the word "mostly". Namely, I firmly believe that there are a few classical, rock-solid openings with an impeccable reputation, such as 1.e4 e5 as a response to 1.e4 or the Queen''s Gambit and Nimzo as an answer to 1.d4 that players of all styles and standards should try, no matter what their style is. This will enable players to learn, appreciate and practice some of the key chess values, such as the importance of space, lack of weaknesses, bad pieces, and comfortable development and so on - you name it. I, myself, started out as a keen Sicilian player. Just like all youngsters, I cheerfully enjoyed complications, tactical massacres and everything else that the Sicilian is all about. However, as I was developing as a player, my style was changing also. Eventually, I realized I was much more successful with positional play, so it was time to change the outfit - and 1.e4 e5 suited me well. I have used this move as a response to 1.e4 nearly exclusively in recent years, both versus weaker and stronger opposition, with fantastic results. If only other openings would grant me such results as well! I have not only studied these variations myself but have also shown them to numerous private students. To be frank, we have almost always concentrated on White''s most dangerous possibilities, such as the Ruy Lopez, Italian and Scotch. Occasionally, we have also analysed the side-lines - either as a part of preparation for specific opponents or to make sure my students become more universal players and gain more all-round knowledge. Eventually, I realized that the knowledge I gained from 1.e4 e5 can and should be shared with more players, and this is how my book came to life. Of course, the readers will differ, so there is a no "one-size-fits-all" solution. But, I have carefully and diligently tried to achieve the same goal I used when working with my students: to keep my recommendations both theoretically sound as well as practical and accessible. I expect not only titled players but club players and the less experienced readers to equally benefit from this book. So, sometimes you will find razor-sharp novelties, but in many cases, we will rely on positional understanding, typical structures and standard ideas. I believe the opening is not all about memorization, so I have taken a different approach from many authors by keeping the balance between recommending objectively good variations as well as making sure an adequate amount of work will suffice to get you started. You won''t need to spend years studying the material, fearing there is still much more to learn. 1.e4 e5! is not just an opening. It is repertoire that represents our game as a whole. It is something players of all styles will enjoy due to the countless possibilities 1...e5 provides. Hopefully, learning 1...e5 will also make you a better player. And, finally, I hope the book you are now holding in your hands will not only give you joy but illustrate a passion for chess with the variations presented in this work.


Book Synopsis A Complete Opening Repertoire for Black After 1. E4 E5! by : Yuriy Krykun

Download or read book A Complete Opening Repertoire for Black After 1. E4 E5! written by Yuriy Krykun and published by . This book was released on 2020-12-08 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the important issues players face - both relatively inexperienced ones at the beginning of their career as well as seasoned ones as they realize their chess craves change - is choosing an opening repertoire. As a player and a coach, I have seen many approaches to this question, both remarkable and mistaken. Some players believe that the opening is something to ignore, that everything is decided in the middlegame. Others think that studying opening traps is what wins games.Some tend to follow their favorite world-class player''s recommendations, while others like to sidestep well-known opening theory early on, preferring unpopular side-lines.To me, opening choice is about all those decisions. I think that many openings are good; there are some dubious ones, but they can also yield formidable results overall or in specific situations if chosen and handled carefully. I firmly believe that your opening repertoire should mostly be based on your playing style and other personal traits, such as memory and work ethic. It is important to evaluate yourself as well as your strengths and weaknesses properly in order to be able to build the right repertoire that would not only suit you well, but also improve your overall chess.The little detail, though, is in the word "mostly". Namely, I firmly believe that there are a few classical, rock-solid openings with an impeccable reputation, such as 1.e4 e5 as a response to 1.e4 or the Queen''s Gambit and Nimzo as an answer to 1.d4 that players of all styles and standards should try, no matter what their style is. This will enable players to learn, appreciate and practice some of the key chess values, such as the importance of space, lack of weaknesses, bad pieces, and comfortable development and so on - you name it. I, myself, started out as a keen Sicilian player. Just like all youngsters, I cheerfully enjoyed complications, tactical massacres and everything else that the Sicilian is all about. However, as I was developing as a player, my style was changing also. Eventually, I realized I was much more successful with positional play, so it was time to change the outfit - and 1.e4 e5 suited me well. I have used this move as a response to 1.e4 nearly exclusively in recent years, both versus weaker and stronger opposition, with fantastic results. If only other openings would grant me such results as well! I have not only studied these variations myself but have also shown them to numerous private students. To be frank, we have almost always concentrated on White''s most dangerous possibilities, such as the Ruy Lopez, Italian and Scotch. Occasionally, we have also analysed the side-lines - either as a part of preparation for specific opponents or to make sure my students become more universal players and gain more all-round knowledge. Eventually, I realized that the knowledge I gained from 1.e4 e5 can and should be shared with more players, and this is how my book came to life. Of course, the readers will differ, so there is a no "one-size-fits-all" solution. But, I have carefully and diligently tried to achieve the same goal I used when working with my students: to keep my recommendations both theoretically sound as well as practical and accessible. I expect not only titled players but club players and the less experienced readers to equally benefit from this book. So, sometimes you will find razor-sharp novelties, but in many cases, we will rely on positional understanding, typical structures and standard ideas. I believe the opening is not all about memorization, so I have taken a different approach from many authors by keeping the balance between recommending objectively good variations as well as making sure an adequate amount of work will suffice to get you started. You won''t need to spend years studying the material, fearing there is still much more to learn. 1.e4 e5! is not just an opening. It is repertoire that represents our game as a whole. It is something players of all styles will enjoy due to the countless possibilities 1...e5 provides. Hopefully, learning 1...e5 will also make you a better player. And, finally, I hope the book you are now holding in your hands will not only give you joy but illustrate a passion for chess with the variations presented in this work.


A Vigorous Chess Opening Repertoire for Black

A Vigorous Chess Opening Repertoire for Black

Author: Or Cohen

Publisher: New In Chess

Published: 2014-05-22

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 905691524X

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In amateur chess games, the most popular opening move for White is 1.e4, and the most reliable reply for Black is 1..e5, says FIDE Master Or Cohen. In this book, Cohen has created a vibrant and robust opening repertoire for Black after 1…e5, based on the Petroff Defence. Cohen presents inventive ways for Black to fight for the initiative in this dependable opening. He covers the entire spectrum, the main variations as well as the most unexpected and bizarre sidelines. In case White does not allow the Petroff, Cohen offers a set of recommendations for Black that is no less important and principled; his repertoire against the Vienna and the King’s Gambit, for example, is new and explosive. Most amateur White players faced with the Petroff will think that they will have an easy time, based on the peaceful reputation of this great opening among top grandmasters. Black players who have studied Or Cohen’s book will make their life quite miserable. ,


Book Synopsis A Vigorous Chess Opening Repertoire for Black by : Or Cohen

Download or read book A Vigorous Chess Opening Repertoire for Black written by Or Cohen and published by New In Chess. This book was released on 2014-05-22 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In amateur chess games, the most popular opening move for White is 1.e4, and the most reliable reply for Black is 1..e5, says FIDE Master Or Cohen. In this book, Cohen has created a vibrant and robust opening repertoire for Black after 1…e5, based on the Petroff Defence. Cohen presents inventive ways for Black to fight for the initiative in this dependable opening. He covers the entire spectrum, the main variations as well as the most unexpected and bizarre sidelines. In case White does not allow the Petroff, Cohen offers a set of recommendations for Black that is no less important and principled; his repertoire against the Vienna and the King’s Gambit, for example, is new and explosive. Most amateur White players faced with the Petroff will think that they will have an easy time, based on the peaceful reputation of this great opening among top grandmasters. Black players who have studied Or Cohen’s book will make their life quite miserable. ,


Chess Openings for Black Explained

Chess Openings for Black Explained

Author: Lev Alburt

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781889323121

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Shows you how to start your chess games as dynamically and accurately as the greatest grandmasters in the world.


Book Synopsis Chess Openings for Black Explained by : Lev Alburt

Download or read book Chess Openings for Black Explained written by Lev Alburt and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Shows you how to start your chess games as dynamically and accurately as the greatest grandmasters in the world.


Play the Open Games as Black

Play the Open Games as Black

Author: John Emms

Publisher: Gambit Publications

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13:

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This 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, because there have been no good books to assist them. This is a detailed guide, written from Black's viewpoint, to facing such openings as the King's Gambit, Vienna, Scotch, Four Knights, Italian Game, Bishop's opening, and the variety of oddball gambits White can try.


Book Synopsis Play the Open Games as Black by : John Emms

Download or read book Play the Open Games as Black written by John Emms and published by Gambit Publications. This book was released on 2000 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This 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, because there have been no good books to assist them. This is a detailed guide, written from Black's viewpoint, to facing such openings as the King's Gambit, Vienna, Scotch, Four Knights, Italian Game, Bishop's opening, and the variety of oddball gambits White can try.


Fight 1.d4 with the Tarrasch!

Fight 1.d4 with the Tarrasch!

Author: Vassilios Kotronias

Publisher: SCB Distributors

Published: 2019-12-02

Total Pages: 988

ISBN-13: 1949859088

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A Complete Fighting Repertoire against 1.d4! Do you like active piece play? Fighting for the initiative from move one? The Tarrasch Defense just may be what you are looking for. Its advantages include: (1) It can be played against pretty much anything: 1.Nf3, 1.c4, 1.g3, 1.d4. Play 1...e6, 2...d5 and 3...c5 and you are there! (2) It leads most of the time to a typical IQP pawn structure, and it is difficult for White to change the course of the opening. (3) Black’s pieces naturally enjoy open lines and active posts so it’s easy to play the opening moves quickly and successfully! This book is exceptional! Tarrasch exponents have been blessed in the past years with some excellent works, and this book continues this happy trend. It is both a detailed reference manual and a source of inspiration. For example, in the main line 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.g3 Nf6 7.Bg2 Be7 8.0-0 0-0 9.dxc5, I was intrigued to see such interesting analysis of the unusual gambit line 9...d4 as well as the main line 9...Bxc5. I was also very impressed by the work that Vassilios put into the awkward sidelines such as 3.Nf3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5, discovering a wealth of active possibilities in quiet-looking positions. I am certain that this book will become an essential tool both for experienced Tarrasch players and future aficionados! – Grandmaster Matthew Sadler in his Foreword Greek grandmaster Vassilios Kotronias is well-known for his excellent analytical work and writing style which presents the material in a way that is comprehensive and easy to understand. In this book – his first for Russell Enterprises – he offers a thorough system for Black against 1.d4. That includes responses to other systems such as the Colle, Trompowsky, London, etc. So, are you ready to stake your claim as Black, fighting from the first move? The Tarrasch may be just what you are looking for!


Book Synopsis Fight 1.d4 with the Tarrasch! by : Vassilios Kotronias

Download or read book Fight 1.d4 with the Tarrasch! written by Vassilios Kotronias and published by SCB Distributors. This book was released on 2019-12-02 with total page 988 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Complete Fighting Repertoire against 1.d4! Do you like active piece play? Fighting for the initiative from move one? The Tarrasch Defense just may be what you are looking for. Its advantages include: (1) It can be played against pretty much anything: 1.Nf3, 1.c4, 1.g3, 1.d4. Play 1...e6, 2...d5 and 3...c5 and you are there! (2) It leads most of the time to a typical IQP pawn structure, and it is difficult for White to change the course of the opening. (3) Black’s pieces naturally enjoy open lines and active posts so it’s easy to play the opening moves quickly and successfully! This book is exceptional! Tarrasch exponents have been blessed in the past years with some excellent works, and this book continues this happy trend. It is both a detailed reference manual and a source of inspiration. For example, in the main line 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.g3 Nf6 7.Bg2 Be7 8.0-0 0-0 9.dxc5, I was intrigued to see such interesting analysis of the unusual gambit line 9...d4 as well as the main line 9...Bxc5. I was also very impressed by the work that Vassilios put into the awkward sidelines such as 3.Nf3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5, discovering a wealth of active possibilities in quiet-looking positions. I am certain that this book will become an essential tool both for experienced Tarrasch players and future aficionados! – Grandmaster Matthew Sadler in his Foreword Greek grandmaster Vassilios Kotronias is well-known for his excellent analytical work and writing style which presents the material in a way that is comprehensive and easy to understand. In this book – his first for Russell Enterprises – he offers a thorough system for Black against 1.d4. That includes responses to other systems such as the Colle, Trompowsky, London, etc. So, are you ready to stake your claim as Black, fighting from the first move? The Tarrasch may be just what you are looking for!


A Rock-solid Chess Opening Repertoire for Black

A Rock-solid Chess Opening Repertoire for Black

Author: Viacheslav Eingorn

Publisher: Gambit Publications

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781906454319

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Playing as Black in a game of chess can be difficult. Do you simply try to neutralize White's initiative, or go all-out to complicate the game? Either way, there are many pitfalls, and a lot of study may be needed. In this book, Grandmaster Eingorn shows that it is possible both to play solidly, and to take White out of his comfort zone. He recommends ideas and move-orders that are a little off the beaten track, but which he has very carefully worked out over many years of his own practice. The repertoire, based on playing 1...e6, is strikingly creative and will appeal to those who want a stress-free life as Black. You will get every chance to demonstrate your chess skills, and are very unlikely to be blown off the board by a sharp prepared line. All you need is a flexible approach, and a willingness to try out new structures and ideas. Eingorn's subtle move-orders are particularly effective if White refuses to pick up the gauntlet, as Black can then use his delay in playing ...Nf6 to good effect and take the fight directly to his opponent.


Book Synopsis A Rock-solid Chess Opening Repertoire for Black by : Viacheslav Eingorn

Download or read book A Rock-solid Chess Opening Repertoire for Black written by Viacheslav Eingorn and published by Gambit Publications. This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Playing as Black in a game of chess can be difficult. Do you simply try to neutralize White's initiative, or go all-out to complicate the game? Either way, there are many pitfalls, and a lot of study may be needed. In this book, Grandmaster Eingorn shows that it is possible both to play solidly, and to take White out of his comfort zone. He recommends ideas and move-orders that are a little off the beaten track, but which he has very carefully worked out over many years of his own practice. The repertoire, based on playing 1...e6, is strikingly creative and will appeal to those who want a stress-free life as Black. You will get every chance to demonstrate your chess skills, and are very unlikely to be blown off the board by a sharp prepared line. All you need is a flexible approach, and a willingness to try out new structures and ideas. Eingorn's subtle move-orders are particularly effective if White refuses to pick up the gauntlet, as Black can then use his delay in playing ...Nf6 to good effect and take the fight directly to his opponent.


Attack with Black

Attack with Black

Author: Valery Aveskulov

Publisher: Gambit Publications

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781906454395

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Sick of defending with Black? Never found a reliable way to fight for the initiative when White plays 1 d4? Allow Grandmaster Aveskulov to assist. He has put together a sound but ultra-aggressive repertoire based on gambits that have proved their worth in grandmaster play over many years. The Benko Gambit is dreaded by many 1 d4 players. Black gets very active piece-play, and even if White reaches a pawn-up endgame, he is often shocked to find he is worse due to Black's intense positional pressure! If White avoids the Benko, that's when we hit him with the Blumenfeld, sacrificing a pawn to set up a strong pawn-centre and attacking chances. Aveskulov examines all of White's options and move-orders after 1 d4 Nf6, and shows an aggressive reply to each of them. He is never willing to take existing theory on faith, and throughout the book presents an extraordinary wealth of new analysis and ideas. He also explains typical plans in depth, so you will always know how to turn the screw once you have your opponent on the run.


Book Synopsis Attack with Black by : Valery Aveskulov

Download or read book Attack with Black written by Valery Aveskulov and published by Gambit Publications. This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sick of defending with Black? Never found a reliable way to fight for the initiative when White plays 1 d4? Allow Grandmaster Aveskulov to assist. He has put together a sound but ultra-aggressive repertoire based on gambits that have proved their worth in grandmaster play over many years. The Benko Gambit is dreaded by many 1 d4 players. Black gets very active piece-play, and even if White reaches a pawn-up endgame, he is often shocked to find he is worse due to Black's intense positional pressure! If White avoids the Benko, that's when we hit him with the Blumenfeld, sacrificing a pawn to set up a strong pawn-centre and attacking chances. Aveskulov examines all of White's options and move-orders after 1 d4 Nf6, and shows an aggressive reply to each of them. He is never willing to take existing theory on faith, and throughout the book presents an extraordinary wealth of new analysis and ideas. He also explains typical plans in depth, so you will always know how to turn the screw once you have your opponent on the run.


The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played

The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played

Author: Irving Chernev

Publisher: Batsford Books

Published: 2014-11-24

Total Pages: 561

ISBN-13: 1849942633

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One of the game's most admired and respected writers guides you through 62 masterly demonstrations of the basic strategies of winning at chess. Each game provides a classic example of a fundamental problem and its best resolution, described with chess diagrams and Chernev's lively and illuminating notes. The games – by chess greats such as Capablanca, Tarrasch, Fischer, Alekhine, Lasker and Petrosian – are instructive for chess players of all levels. The games turn theory into practice, showing the reader how to attack and manoeuvre to control the board. Chernev runs through the winning strategies, suggests alternative tactics and celebrates the finesse of winning play. This is not only a book of 62 instructive chess games, but also 62 beautiful games to cherish.


Book Synopsis The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played by : Irving Chernev

Download or read book The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played written by Irving Chernev and published by Batsford Books. This book was released on 2014-11-24 with total page 561 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the game's most admired and respected writers guides you through 62 masterly demonstrations of the basic strategies of winning at chess. Each game provides a classic example of a fundamental problem and its best resolution, described with chess diagrams and Chernev's lively and illuminating notes. The games – by chess greats such as Capablanca, Tarrasch, Fischer, Alekhine, Lasker and Petrosian – are instructive for chess players of all levels. The games turn theory into practice, showing the reader how to attack and manoeuvre to control the board. Chernev runs through the winning strategies, suggests alternative tactics and celebrates the finesse of winning play. This is not only a book of 62 instructive chess games, but also 62 beautiful games to cherish.


Back to Basics: Tactics

Back to Basics: Tactics

Author: Dan Heisman

Publisher: SCB Distributors

Published: 2011-02-02

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 1936490145

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Chess Tactics Can Be Fun! This book is an introduction to the various kinds of basic chess tactics. With instructional material, examples, and problems of all types, the subject of chess tactics is covered comprehensively. There are approximately 500 examples ranging from too easy to very difficult! Tactics are usually why most people find chess fun! This book will greatly enhance your enjoyment learning about - and benefiting from - the recurring patterns of tactics. It is well established that the study of basic tactics is probably the single most important thing any beginner can do to improve at chess. This book will help you do that!


Book Synopsis Back to Basics: Tactics by : Dan Heisman

Download or read book Back to Basics: Tactics written by Dan Heisman and published by SCB Distributors. This book was released on 2011-02-02 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chess Tactics Can Be Fun! This book is an introduction to the various kinds of basic chess tactics. With instructional material, examples, and problems of all types, the subject of chess tactics is covered comprehensively. There are approximately 500 examples ranging from too easy to very difficult! Tactics are usually why most people find chess fun! This book will greatly enhance your enjoyment learning about - and benefiting from - the recurring patterns of tactics. It is well established that the study of basic tactics is probably the single most important thing any beginner can do to improve at chess. This book will help you do that!


Fighting Chess with Black

Fighting Chess with Black

Author: Yelena Dembo

Publisher:

Published: 2018-02

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 9781781944615

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Two great books for players who play the Sicilian Defence and King's Indian Defence in one volume. Fighting the anti-King's Indian by Yelena Denbo and Fighting the anti-Sicilians by Richard Palliser. 'I love playing the King's Indian, but no-one ever allows me to reach my favourite opening!' Does this sound like an all too familiar complaint? You will reach your favourite opening in barely half the games you play against 1 d4, and that's why this book is the ideal guide to play against those annoying White systems designed to avoid the main lines: the Trompowsky; the London System; the Torre Attack; the Barry Attack; the Colle System; the Veresov; the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit - the list goes on and on! Yelena Dembo, who as a hardened King's Indian and Grünfeld player has considerable experience facing these irritating openings, deals with them in no uncertain terms, in each case offering Black a no-nonsense solution that enables you to face the future with confidence. The Sicilian Defence is by far Black's most popular answer to 1 e4 at all levels of chess. The reason for this is easy to understand: from the very first move Black unbalances the position and can play for a win without needing to take unjustified risks. This is particularly the case with the Open Sicilian, where Black can take comfort from the knowledge that his superior pawn structure ensures control of the centre and excellent long-term chances. Richard Palliser, a lifelong Sicilian devotee, decides it's time for Black players to finally fight back! Drawing upon his vast experience and understanding of Anti-Sicilians, Palliser creates a dynamic and practical repertoire for Sicilian players to use against these possibilities. In many instances he offers more than one solution for Black - ambitious or solid - and he pays special attention to tricky move orders, weapons that present-day players are likely to use.


Book Synopsis Fighting Chess with Black by : Yelena Dembo

Download or read book Fighting Chess with Black written by Yelena Dembo and published by . This book was released on 2018-02 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Two great books for players who play the Sicilian Defence and King's Indian Defence in one volume. Fighting the anti-King's Indian by Yelena Denbo and Fighting the anti-Sicilians by Richard Palliser. 'I love playing the King's Indian, but no-one ever allows me to reach my favourite opening!' Does this sound like an all too familiar complaint? You will reach your favourite opening in barely half the games you play against 1 d4, and that's why this book is the ideal guide to play against those annoying White systems designed to avoid the main lines: the Trompowsky; the London System; the Torre Attack; the Barry Attack; the Colle System; the Veresov; the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit - the list goes on and on! Yelena Dembo, who as a hardened King's Indian and Grünfeld player has considerable experience facing these irritating openings, deals with them in no uncertain terms, in each case offering Black a no-nonsense solution that enables you to face the future with confidence. The Sicilian Defence is by far Black's most popular answer to 1 e4 at all levels of chess. The reason for this is easy to understand: from the very first move Black unbalances the position and can play for a win without needing to take unjustified risks. This is particularly the case with the Open Sicilian, where Black can take comfort from the knowledge that his superior pawn structure ensures control of the centre and excellent long-term chances. Richard Palliser, a lifelong Sicilian devotee, decides it's time for Black players to finally fight back! Drawing upon his vast experience and understanding of Anti-Sicilians, Palliser creates a dynamic and practical repertoire for Sicilian players to use against these possibilities. In many instances he offers more than one solution for Black - ambitious or solid - and he pays special attention to tricky move orders, weapons that present-day players are likely to use.