Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, prolific chess author Cyrus Lakdawala recommends a repertoire for White players who like to open 1 e4. The repertoire is based around two main themes: ----- 1. The suggested variations for White are ones that rely far more on a generic understanding of strategic ideas rather than the memorisation of reams of opening theory. This explains the choice of the Bishop's Opening (handled "Lopez-style") against 1...e5 and the Bb5 variations against the Sicilian Defence. Both these lines are designed to create dynamic and interesting middlegame positions rather than attempting to score a quick knockout victory - a generally overambitious aim that often backfires. ----- 2. The variations are chosen so that White can gain space whenever possible. Therefore the Advance Variation is recommended against the French Defence (1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 e5) and also the Caro-Kann Defence (1 e4 c6 2 d4 d5 3 e5). The fact that these lines often create similar middlegame structures is helpful for general comprehension of White's plans. ----- If you want to develop your repertoire with 1 e4 then this is the book for you. ------ * Everything you need to know to open 1 e4 with confidence --- * Solid, reliable systems that do not require a mass of memorisation --- * Written by one of the world's leading chess authors.
Trade ReviewI have been a fairly consistent 1.e4 player myself, although I usually opt for variations that are more open, dynamic, and risky than those suggested by Lakdawala in this book. Of the parts that overlapped with my existing repertoire, I was generally pleased and in agreement with the recommended lines (his assessment of the Frankenstein-Dracula variation, for example). I mostly enjoyed reading the book, picking up a few new ideas for lines I haven’t tried often. Other parts of the book, such as the sharp and in-depth coverage in the Scandinavian Defence, were even more useful. Overall, however, it seems that players in the 1500-1900 range (for reference, I am about 2050) that are looking for an accessible guide to these openings, rather than a truly deep theoretical work, would benefit most from this book. --- Devin Camenares at ChessCafe.com
