The Symmetrical systems of the English Opening constitute a large and important area of modern chess opening theory. The strategic variety to be found within this book is staggering: from the sedate Symmetrical Variation to the wild gambit lines of the Anti-Benoni, and almost everything in between! Hansen provides detailed coverage of the theory of all lines stemming from 1 c4 c5, including many variations that often arise from different openings entirely, such as the SemiTarrasch or when White avoids a Benko or Benoni. A particular highlight is the discussion of the Hedgehog, which is a popular workhorse for many tournament players, as it enables Black to play for a win without taking undue risks. Throughout the book, Hansen shows that in many lines regarded by a lot of players as boring and uninteresting, there is plenty of scope to liven the game up, as long as one is familiar with the subtleties.

A chess book on the openings, aimed at a club audience.

The English Opening is one of the most flexible and dynamic ways for White to begin the game, and it is no accident that it features in the repertoires of many leading grandmasters, including World Champion Garry Kasparov. The Latvian grandmaster Vladimir Bagirov has worked through an immense amount of practical material to produce a thoroughly professional and up-to-date guide to the most topical variations of this popular opening. This volume covers all defenses where Black answers 1 c4 with the symmetrical 1...c5. The companion volume English Opening: Classical and Indian deals with all variations where Black defends with 1...e5 or 1...Nf6.

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.

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!

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.

This book provides coverage of the symmetrical variation of the symmetrical variation in algebraic notation of the English opening from all lines after 1 c4 c5. The work contains significant developments since the author's earlier work English I...P-QB4.