If you are ready to play the Ruy Lopez with Black you will also need to be prepared in case White doesn't go for the Ruy and deviates after you have played 1.. e5. In this book world class grandmaster and successful chess author Victor Bologan covers all those lines with a well laid-out, up-to-date, clearly explained and eminently playable set of responses. But he does much more than just provide you with a repertoire. Bologan presents two different options against every variation: a common sense approach and a sharp weapon. He provides an index of strategic ideas: how pawn structures and piece positions define important themes. He offers a quick repertoire: the minimum knowledge required to start with. He clearly lists transposition possibilities and move order opportunities. And he has visually marked all traps and tricks. Victor Bologan has taken the chess opening repertoire book to a next level and has created an unparalleled instrument of chess instruction. Your worries are over if White deviates after 1..e5, because Victor Bologan teaches you everything you need to know. In this book International Master Arthur van de Oudeweetering supplies building blocks for your chess knowledge. In short chapters he presents lots of well-defined subjects, easy to remember because of their specific elements.

Two Solid, Strategically Complex Ways to Meet the Spanish! The Breyer and Zaitsev Variations of the Ruy Lopez are two of the most dynamic lines played today. Examining them from both White and Black’s point of view, Greek grandmaster Vassilios Kotronias discusses their strengths, weaknesses and presents suggested improvements where necessary. The Breyer Variation of the Ruy Lopez is the brainchild of Hungarian hypermodern Gyula Breyer. He suggested the paradoxical knight retreat 9...Nb8 early in the 20th century. Although its soundness has been confirmed in many grandmaster games for over a century, there is surprisingly little which has been written about it. This book has just changed all that. The Zaitsev Variation was one of Anatoly Karpov’s workhorses in his title matches against Garry Kasparov. Formulated by the brilliant theoretician Igor Zaitsev, it can be found in the repertoires of some of the leading grandmasters of our era. As the author notes in his introduction, this is an objective presentation of two excellent opening variations for Black, from which players sitting on either side of the board may profit. The play is strategically complex, tactically rich and will improve you as both a player and connoisseur of the game. Kotronias’ clear writing style, coupled with in depth analysis, makes for a splendid opening manual on two of the most topical – and solid – variations of the Ruy Lopez. Vasilios Kotronias has managed to not only teach us (myself included) some important theory and practice of the Breyer and Zaitsev Systems, but also broaden our horizons to our approach to chess in general. His explanations are quite clear and the lines he provides are logical and concrete. This new book is aimed for all ages and chess levels. Welcome to the fascinating world of Breyer and Zaitsev! – Alexei Shirov, from his Foreword

The Ruy Lopez is perhaps the most classical of all chess openings. It dates back to the 16th century and has featured in the opening repertoire of every modern world champion. It is a highly flexible variation: Bobby Fischer used it to create numerous powerful strategic masterpieces. In the hands of Anatoly Karpov it led to many of his trademark positional squeezes, whereas Garry Kasparov often used it as a springboard for his typically powerful attacks. Opening Repertoire: The Ruy Lopez is a modern examination of this perennial favourite. Joshua Doknjas has put together a repertoire for White based firmly around contemporary trends in the Lopez. He examines all aspects of this highly complex opening and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. * A complete repertoire for White in the Ruy Lopez. * A question and answer approach provides an excellent study method.

Every chess player needs a high-quality answer to 1.e4, and there is nothing more reliable than 1...e5. Black stakes a claim in the centre and prepares to deploy his pieces on good squares. The challenge nowadays is to build a robust repertoire without being overwhelmed by the volume of material and continual advances in opening theory. In Playing 1.e4 e5 - A Classical Repertoire, Nikolaos Ntirlis offers the best of both worlds: a complete repertoire against 1.e4, built on sound positional principles, which does not require excessive memorization. Against the Spanish the author recommends the Breyer System, one of the most stable, computer-proof options at Black's disposal. The Scotch, Italian, Four Knights and various other sidelines and gambits are handled with the same clarity and efficiency.

The King’s Indian Defence is arguably the most ambitious and exciting way to play against 1.d4. Black wants to start an early attack on his opponent’s king, relying on the dynamic potential of his position. The KID has been a favourite of legendary attacking players such as Mikhail Tal, Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov, and remains highly popular at club level. Respected Grandmaster and acknowledged chess opening expert Victor Bologan presents a complete King’s Indian repertoire for Black that is much more than just a lucidly explained and very playable set of responses. In many lines he presents two options to handle the Black position. Bologan’s explanations are accessible for a wide range of players and he provides the reader with a thorough grounding in the strategic and tactical motifs. White players can benefit from this book as well, since he looks at things from both sides. During his research, Bologan has found many new ideas and resources. With this book under your belt you can go to your next tournament with confidence. You will win many exciting games with Bologan’s King’s Indian!

Ideal for those wanting to understand the basics of the Ruy Lopez. The Ruy Lopez is one of the most famous of all chess openings. It has a long and distinguished history and has been played by virtually all of the strongest Grandmasters: Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov, Kramnik, Anand the list goes on! From very early on White activates pieces, takes the initiative and sets about building a dominant centre. In this user-friendly book, author John Shaw goes back to basics, studying the fundamental principles of the Ruy Lopez and its many variations. Throughout the book there are an abundance of notes, tips, warnings and exercises to help the improving player, while key strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated. * User-friendly design to help readers absorb ideas * Concentrates on the key principles of the Ruy Lopez * Ideal for the improving player"

Milos Pavlovic devises a sound and yet ambitious repertoire for Black against the Ruy Lopez, the basis of which is provided by the legendary and ever-popular Marshall Attack.