Playing 1.e4

by John Shaw

In this, the last of three volumes on 1.e4, GM John Shaw completes his state-of-the-art chess opening repertoire for White by tackling the biggest challenge of the main lines of the Sicilian Defense. Just like the other two books in the series, this book is based upon a foundation of tried and tested main lines, boosted by a number of innovative suggestions that will cause no end of trouble to your opponents. Including the Dragon, Taimanov, Sveshnikov and concluding with the nefarious Najdorf, this book provides everything you need to face all the major Sicilian systems with confidence. Review of the author's previous
“A fantastic publication that is clearly the result of a tremendous amount of work by Shaw, for which he deserves immense credit.” GM David Smerdon , ChessVibes, reviewing The King's Gambit

Genres: Chess

456 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2018

Reviews

[Justin Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the two main options ("Playing 1.e4" or "Dismantling the Sicilian") this book is better. It is more up-to-date; it is easier to follow; it provides a clearer and more concise set of recommendations (supported by extensive analysis): "The Repertoire." In fact, the book starts with a brief introduction to The Repertoire, which includes a specific recommended response to each main line of the Sicilian defense (e.g., Four Knights, Dragon, Najdorf). Each subsequent chapter then unpacks the analysis behind The Repertoire for each Sicilian main line, and extends the recommended response, both in terms of detail and depth.