Opening Repertoire 1 e4

by Cyrus Lakdawala

Overview

In 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: 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. 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781944752
Publisher:	Everyman Chess
Publication date:	07/03/2018
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Cyrus Lakdawala is an International Master, a former National Open and American Open Champion, and a six-time State Champion. He has been teaching chess for over 30 years, and coaches some of the top junior players in the U.S.

Table of Contents

About the Author 3

Introduction 5

1 Bishop's Opening 11

2 Sicilian Defence 68

3 French Defence 123

4 Caro-Kann Defence 158

5 Pirc, Modern and Philidor Defences 202

6 Scandinavian Defence 251

7 Alekhine's Defence 294

8 Odds and Ends 321

Index of Variations 332

Index of Complete Games 335

Editorial Reviews

I 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.

ChessCafe.com - Devin Camenares