by Neil McDonald, 238pp. (2008 Everyman Chess)

 

It's not easy finding a good opening to play against 1 e4, especially if – like the majority of chess players –you don't have endless time available to study the latest theoretical developments. If you choose fashionable openings, it's often a necessity to keep pace with modern theory if you want to succeed with Black.

 

This book provides a solution. Neil McDonald advocates his favorite opening –the very popular French Defence –but chooses a repertoire for Black that requires only the minimum amount of move memorization. The lines he selects are very easy to learn and play - perfect for those who are unwilling to be slaves to opening theory. But there's also something here for more experienced players, as McDonald goes on to offer a second repertoire based on counter-attacking lines against 3 Nc3 and 3 Nd2.

 

·        An easy-to-learn defence against 1 e4

·        Provides solutions to all of White's options

·        Written by a world-renowned expert on the French

·        Ideal for improvers, club players and tournament players