The English Opening (1.c4) is a popular choice at both club and master level, because it is a chess opening that suits all styles. As White you can play aggressively or opt for a more modest strategic approach, depending on what kind of middlegame positions you are looking for. The opening will serve you well in any mood, against any type of opponent, in any tournament situation. For a club player who wants to reap the benefits of this multipurpose opening, understanding is much more important than deep theoretical knowledge. ‘The Full English Opening’ is the first one-volume book that covers all variations. Carsten Hansen dedicates special attention to the transition into the early middlegame. You will learn how to define specific plans, lay out a strategic goal, and find positional and tactical targets. Supported by examples and exercises, you will be able to enjoy the greatest asset of the English Opening: its versatility.

The English Opening, from the Flank Games group, was developed by Howard Staunton. In this opening, white avoids or delays the occupation of the centre with Pawns. Once considered a minor diversion, the English is now one of the main openings and all modern world champions have played it. One of the most famous world champions, Anatoly Karpov, brings his sharp eye and extensive experience to bear in this concise introduction to the opening. Like the previous volumes from Karpov on the Caro-Kann, it is a rich book with terrific insight that is ideal for all players, particularly club players.

An up-to-date and complete coverage of opening systems beginning with 1c4 written by a Soviet grandmaster and acknowledged expert in this line of play. After an apparently modest beginning the game can take either a strategical or tactical path into the middlegame. Whether you are attacking or defending, The English Opening is an attractive choice regardless of your individual style of play.

Grandmaster Simon Williams was taught the English Opening at the age of six and 1 c4 was his weapon of choice until long after he became an International Master. For this new work, he teamed up with acclaimed theoretician International Master Richard Palliser to explore his old favourite. 1 c4 remains an excellent choice for the club and tournament player. This book focuses on the set-up popularised by the sixth world champion, Mikhail Botvinnik, the so-called Botvinnik formation with 2 Nc3, 3 g3, 4 Bg2, 5 e4 and 6 Nge2. This system is compact but still aggressive and rewards an understanding of plans and strategies rather than rote memorisation of moves. In Opening Repertoire: The Iron English leading chess authors Simon Williams and Richard Palliser guide the reader through the complexities of this dynamic variation and carves out a repertoire for White. They examine all aspects of this highly complex opening and provide 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 dynamic and easy-to-play repertoire for White * Complete coverage featuring several new ideas * Take your opponents out of their comfort zone!

Ideal for those wanting to understand the basics of the English Opening. The English is a sophisticated and popular opening system that is suitable for all types of players and can lead to both positional and tactical middlegames. Many of the world s top players, including Kasparov and Kramnik, include the English in their openings weaponry. In this groundbreaking book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald revisits the basic principles behind the English and its many variations. Throughout this easy-to-read guide the reader is aided by a wealth of notes, tips and warnings from the author, while key strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated. This book is ideal for the improving player. * Written by an openings expert * All the important lines are covered * A back-to-basics look at one of the most important openings"

Chess Grandmaster Mihail Marin offers a complete White repertoire with 1.c4, the English Opening, in three volumes. The theory is state-of-the-art with many novelties suggested, but most useful of all are Marin's lucid explanations of how to play the resulting positions.Volume Two covers all Black's replies to 1.c4 except 1...e5 and 1..c5.