Every chess player needs a high-quality answer to 1.e4, and there is nothing more reliable than 1...e5. Black stakes a claim in the centre and prepares to deploy his pieces on good squares. The challenge nowadays is to build a robust repertoire without being overwhelmed by the volume of material and continual advances in opening theory. In Playing 1.e4 e5 - A Classical Repertoire, Nikolaos Ntirlis offers the best of both worlds: a complete repertoire against 1.e4, built on sound positional principles, which does not require excessive memorization. Against the Spanish the author recommends the Breyer System, one of the most stable, computer-proof options at Black's disposal. The Scotch, Italian, Four Knights and various other sidelines and gambits are handled with the same clarity and efficiency.
Nikolaos Ntirlis Livres



Playing 1.d4 d5
- 336pages
- 12 heures de lecture
In Playing 1.d4 d5 – A Classical Repertoire , Nikolaos Ntirlis provides a top-class repertoire for Black after 1.d4 d5 with the Queen's Gambit Declined. This is truly the Rolls Royce of chess openings, having been played with both colors by most World Champions and world-class players for more than a century. As a lover of chess history, Ntirlis has distilled the best ideas from the games of legendary players such as Rubinstein, Capablanca and Alekhine, and updated them using the latest analytical tools that modern technology has to offer. In addition to the classical QGD, Ntirlis offers a complete repertoire against the Catalan, London System, Torre and all other significant alternatives from move 2 onwards. Every chapter begins with a discussion of typical plans, pawn structures and other relevant themes. This book also includes two bonus chapters covering 1.c4 and 1.Nf3, providing a starter repertoire for QGD players against both moves.
The English Opening is a great practical weapon for ambitious chess players of all levels. White dictates the direction of the opening from move 1, aiming for positions where understanding themes and plans is more important than computer analysis. Playing the English provides a complete repertoire with 1.c4, meeting every major option Black may try.