Editorial Reviews:
In recent years the Scandinavian Defence (1 e4 d5) has become increasingly popular both at club and grandmaster level. Indeed, it was even used by Viswanathan Anand in his World Championship match against Garry Kasparov! In this book for club and tournament players Grandmaster John Emms explains the strategy and tactics of this dynamic and fashionable opening. Through the use of model games for both sides, the author provides a thorough grounding in the key ideas, so that players can quickly and confidently start to use the Scandinavian in their own games.

Editorial Reviews:
The Caro-Kann Defence has a well-deserved and established reputation as an incredibly solid and, at the same time, dynamic defence to 1 e4. The Caro-Kann appeals to all types of players, but is especially useful to black players who prefer a sound platform on which to build and who are resourceful in both defence and counter-attack. Star players who enjoy using the Caro-Kann include Vishy Anand, Michael Adams and the legendary Anatoly Karpov. In this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster Joe Gallagher goes back to the basics of the Caro-Kann, studying the key principles of its many variations. Throughout the book there is an abundance of notes, tips, warnings and exercises to help the improving player, while important strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated.

Editorial Reviews:
The Najdorf Sicilian is one of the most sharp, dynamic and popular openings that Black can play and is a firm favourite amongst the world's elite players, including world number one Garry Kasparov. From very early on, Black unbalances the game to a reach a position in which one can play for the win without exceptional risk. The soundness of the Najdorf has never been questioned, but some players can be put off by the ever-spiralling amount of theory amassed on this great opening. In Play the Najdorf, however, Grandmaster and openings expert John Emms condenses this mountain to produce a workable black repertoire against all of White's possible options.

Editorial Reviews:
The Sicilian Kan is one of the most flexible and easy to play variations of the entire Sicilian complex. In contrast to opening monsters such as the infamous Dragon and Najdorf Variations, Black players are not forced to memorise massive chunks of opening theory. Success in the Sicilian Kan is more dependent on uunderstanding certain principles and a system of development. Another point in its favour is that even more experienced white players are flummoxed by Black's elastic approach. Recently the Kan has received a seal of approval, with both Kasparov and Kramnik employing it in the last couple of years.

Editorial Reviews:
The Sicilian Defence is Black's most ambitious and popular defence to 1 e4. Finding a suitable weapon against it has taxed many a grandmaster's brain. Should White dive into the labyrinth of mountainous theory and complications, in which the player who knows the latest theoretical wrinkle is likely to prevail, or should White abstain and instead head for the more tranquil waters of the various Anti-Sicilians on offer? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in-between! In this book, Grandmaster Nigel Davies tackles the Open Sicilian head on, but still develops an easyto-use system for White based upon the fianchetto of the king's bishop. Davies arms the readers with an impressive repertoire which enables them to face the Sicilian Defence with renewed confidence.

Editorial Reviews:
The Sicilian Defence is perhaps the most famous opening in the history of chess, and it's certainly the most popular at every level. From the first move Black claims his share in the centre and constructs an asymmetrical pawn structure. Its greatest attraction is that it allows Black to unbalance the position and play for a win, without having to take any unjustified risks. Its many variations range from the super-solid Scheveningen to the dangerous and ultra-sharp Dragon: it should be easy to find one that suits your style. In this user-friendly book, Grandmaster John Emms goes back to basics, studying the fundamental principles of the Sicilian Defence and its many variations.

Editorial Reviews:
Alekhine's Defence is a sharp and often underrated counter to 1 e4. Whether you want to play the Alekhine, or want to know what to do against it as White, this book will be an essential addition to your armoury.

Editorial Reviews:
The Kalashnikov is one of the most modern variations of the Sicilian Defence. As early as move four, Black lashes out in the centre and sets the tone for the rest of the game. Jan Pinski and Jacob Aagaard take a deep look at all the critical ideas and variations of an opening which has received little coverage in chess publishing until now.

Editorial Reviews:
An up-to-date survey of the always popular Main Line Caro-Kann, which remains one of the most dependable ways for Black to meet 1 e4 and plays a key role in the repertoires of such stars as Anatoly Karpov and Jon Speelman. The author looks at the key variations and concepts for both sides and offers plenty of new ideas for those who wish to explore less well-chartered waters.

Editorial Reviews:
A new look at the sharp and dangerous Grand Prix Attack, which is one of White's most aggressive ways of countering the Sicilian Defence. It leads to very complicated play right from the opening moves and contains plenty of pitfalls for the unwary Black player. So whether you play the Sicilian as Black, or need an antidote for White, this book is an essential addition to your armoury.

Editorial Reviews:
The Modern Defence leads to sharp and dynamic positions from the very first moves. Black concedes space in the centre with a view to launching a counter-attack based on his powerful bishop fianchetto. When it works, the Modern Defence is truly a spectacular weapon, and this books will show you how you can put it to use in your own games.

Editorial Reviews:
All chess-players need a reliable defence to 1 e4, preferably one that is fun to play and provides real winning chances. The Sveshnikov Sicilian fits the bill perfectly. Black's active piece-play compensates for his damaged pawn structure, making for an exciting battle. To play the Sveshnikov well requires a good understanding of the themes and a moderate amount of concrete knowledge. This easy guide supplies just that.

Editorial Reviews:
The Classical Sicilian is perhaps the most natural way of treating the Sicilian Defence. Black develops in standard fashion, while inviting White to attack violently or choose a quieter approach. Either way, Black retains the famed Sicilian counterpunch, and this is the reason for its popularity at the highest levels.

Editorial Reviews:
The Najdorf has always been one of the sharpest lines of the Sicilian Defence, where fearless, attacking play is usually rewarded, while even the smallest of errors by either side can be immediately fatal. In this ground-breaking book Danny Gormally explains not only the theory, but also the important concepts behind this popular opening.

Editorial Reviews:
The c3 Sicilian has been one of the most widely played openings among club and tournament players for more than a decade. It leads to dynamic play in which the better prepared player invariably comes out on top. In this handy battle manual Grandmaster Joe Gallagher offers a comprehensive survey of the state of current theory for both White and Black players, explaining the basic elements strategies and tactics for both sides.