Keep it Simple: 1.e4: A Solid and Straightforward Chess Opening Repertoire for White

by Christof Sielecki

Why is this opening repertoire called simple? For the simple reason that the variations are straightforward and easy to remember, and require little or no maintenance.

International Master Christof Sielecki has created a reliable set of opening lines for chess players of almost all levels. The major objective is to dominate Black from the opening, by simple means. You don’t need to sacrifice anything or memorize long tactical lines. Unless Black plays something stupid, when tactics are the simplest punishment.

Sielecki developed this repertoire working with students who were looking for something that was easy to understand and easy to learn. Most of the lines he selected are occasionally played by grandmasters, but on the whole they lie outside the mainstream of opening theory. That means that there is hardly any need to monitor theoretical developments.

Sielecki always clearly explains the plans and counterplans and keeps you focussed on what the position requires. Ambitious players rated 1500 or higher will get great value out of studying this extremely accessible book.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction

886 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2018

Reviews

[Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very reasonable 1.e4 rep, generally espousing a positional rather than tactical approach whenever possible (e.g. no gambits). In my opinion however, this is hardly a universal panacea. My approach with 1.e4 reps is to pick and choose lines which feel comfortable to me, which means investigating several kinds of choices as advocated by different reputable authors. I suggest aspiring 1.e4 players to do the same rather than relying on only one suggestion. Sielecki doesn't go into a lot of details as far as potential variations go, but sticks to 'keep it simple' basics, which should be plenty to get one started playing these lines. A nice bonus is Sielecki includes 30 annotated games covering the lines he is recommending. His annotations go through the opening, into the middlegame and into the ending, which to my mind is a more valuable than merely covering the opening segment, as you get to see how the subsequent play is affected by opening ideas. These annotated games are not overburdened with multiple variations, which can become a distraction in this level of book.

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un buen libro para aprender lo básico de las aperturas que inician por el peon de rey, aunque se queda un poco corto en el juego medio, pero te da la oportunidad de llevar tus piezas a una posición que te deja con ventaja ante tu rival.

[Jennifer McNay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and clear

Very clearly written. Simple solid lines which give some scope for advantage. I like all the books and videos by Christof. He makes chess simple!