by Edward Dearing, 205pp. (Quality Chess 2005)
Many players are attracted to the strategic complexity of 1 d4 openings, but do not know how to deal with the dynamic Grünfeld Defence. In this book IM Edward Dearing suggests the answer is the Modern Exchange Variation, as favoured by Kramnik, Gelfand, Anand and other top grandmasters on numerous occasions.
Challenging the Grünfeld offers the experienced player in-depth coverage of this complex opening, but also gives the less ambitious reader the chance to understand the most important points by playing through the 50 main games and reading the explanations. Dearing skillfully leads the reader through the book by including clear conclusions to every game and chapter.
But Challenging the Grünfeld offers more than just a repertoire for White against this topical system: It is a thorough guide to a very complex opening system, more in the style of old “complete” opening books. Challenging the Grünfeld is essential reading for defenders of this opening system as well as those who want to “challenge the Grünfeld.”
Edward Dearing is a 24-year old International Master who recently represented Scotland at the Chess Olympiad in Calvia, Spain. His previous work Play the Sicilian Dragon was very well received by the chess public and reviewers alike.
