Jerzy Konikowski Boeken

What does a chess player need who is familiar with the rules, but often gets into trouble right away in the opening? This question was the starting point for the authors before they began to compile the material for a two-volume work about the English Opening. Volume 1 (published in 2024) deals with the Symmetrical Variation 1.c2-c4 c7-c5 and some rarely played side lines. Volume 2 covers the continuations 1.c4 e5 and 1.c4 Sf6 according to the guidelines of the series read – understand – play. The opening lines are explained in detail, with the authors paying special attention to the presentation of the inherent ideas and plans to ensure that the reader understands them properly instead of just playing moves learned by heart. Even the meaning and purpose of a single move may be explained, insofar as it is important for understanding. Based on the knowledge that the reader will surely acquire by studying this book, he will be able to use the discussed lines with the white and the black pieces in an appropriate way. At the same time, the work offers one or the other new idea that can surprise even an experienced opponent and promises interesting, entertaining and – last but not least – successful chess games. The correctness of the treated lines was checked with the help of leading engines. The symetrical English is available in Volume 1.

The Queenside Fianchetto Factor In the first full book to examine 2.b3 against the Sicilian, French and Caro-Kann, mainlines, interesting sidelines and current theory are reviewed. In addition, what actually happens in modern practice is surveyed. The authors are optimistic for White, and concentrate on the best continuations while trying to be objective. It is in that spirit that they conclude that 2.b3 is sound against the Sicilian, fun against the French, and curious against the Caro-Kann. In all three cases, the objective is to sabotage Black's play, to take him out of his comfort zone. The word "sabotage" has historically derived from throwing a clog into machinery, or in other words, throwing a monkey wrench in the works; here the wrench is a queenside fianchetto. White aims his light-square bishop toward the right flank; he typically delays Ng1-f3 so that he may play Qd1-f3 or advance his f-pawn, and use his light-square bishop to build a full-scale kingside attack. Queenside castling often occurs, hoping for a kingside pawn storm. Yet, despite all these characteristics of 2.b3, White may still retains the option of d2-d4 for a more conventional-looking 1.e4 opening. With 2.b3, you will have one more arrow in your theoretical quiver to battle Black. And, like it or not, Black will be compelled to do deal with the queenside fianchetto factor.

The Sicilian Defense, which is suitable for players of all levels, has long been the most played opening against 1.e2-e4 and its popularity continues to grow. The reason is that sharp and complicated positions arise, which offer black excellent dynamic counter play. In the first part, the author treats all possible deviations before reaching the basic position with 1.e5 c5 2.Kf3 d6 3.d4 etc. ­– such as the Closed Sicilian, the Morra Gambit, the Alapin Variation, the Grand-Prix Attack, the continuation 3.Bb5+ etc. Since it is impossible to accommodate all systems with their extensive and widely ramified lines in a single book, it is limited to one of the most popular systems – the Najdorf Variation, which leads to an uncompromising fight with good black counter chances. The renowned chess author Jerzy Konikowski, a FIDE master and a seasoned player, sheds light on the secrets of the Sicilian Defense. In 18 theoretical chapters and a practical section with 74 fully commented games, he explains the strategic principles and tactical subtlelties. Based on the material offered, the reader can compile a complete personal repertoire against 1.e2-e4.

Each section of a chess game – opening, middlegame and endgame – has a special significance. In the case of a material or positional disadvantage at the beginning of the fight, it's not easy to master the middlegame, and mostly there will be no endgame at all. This means that without convincing play in the opening you will not be successful in chess. For this reason, opening books enjoy great popularity. However, since building an individual opening repertoire requires reviewing a lot of material, it makes sense to look for a time-saving approach like the one offered by this quick course. The author has tried to present all the important openings objectively and without paying particular attention to fashion trends. His work is based on the evaluation of a lot of games from tournament practice, supplemented by many of his own analyzes and those of well-known theorists. It can therefore be assumed that, after studying this book, readers will treat their preferred openings with greater understanding and will be rewarded with corresponding successes. The author, FIDE Master Jerzy Konikowski, is a recognized trainer and chess theorist. His numerous books and articles have been translated into several languages and published in many countries.

What does a chess player need who is familiar with the rules, but often gets into trouble right away in the opening? This question was the starting point for the authors before they began to compile their material. The result is a book that gives explanations to help the reader understand the 'Queen's Gambit' – and instructions to show him how to use it. And no matter if he is little or even completely unfamiliar with opening theory, this book gives him easy access to this difficult and comprehensive field. The ideas and plans behind each line are explained in detail to ensure that the reader understands them properly instead of just playing moves that he has learned by heart. Even the sense and purpose of single moves are ex- plained, if they are not quite obvious. Based on the knowledge that the reader will surely acquire by studying this book, it will be easy to build a game and play interesting, entertaining and – last but not least – successful chess. FM Jerzy Konikowski has published a large number of excellent opening books. Uwe Bekemann is a national master in correspondence chess. He is the author of books on gambits and the co-author of many others.