Ebooks

The Scandinavian - A Complete Chess Opening Repertoire Against 1.e4
Zhigen Lin (FIDE rating: 2146, ACF rating: 2256)
Class D to Master $19
Heavily Annotated

The Scandinavian Defense is favored by a large number of GMs and has often been employed as a surprise weapon by some high-class GMs, for example by Indian GM Vishy Anand, the current world champion, against GM Garry Kasparov in their 1995 PCA World Championship match (also known as the Classical World Chess Championship). Anand managed to equalize in the opening, but he faltered later on. Perhaps the greatest exponent of the Scandinavian was Australian GM Ian Rogers, who rocked the chess world with it in the 1980s. Danish GM Bent Larsen also made many significant contributions to the Scandinavian. This ebook recommends the traditional main line 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5. All the analysis in this ebook has been computer-checked by Rybka.

Ebooks by Chessworks, FM Eric Schiller

The ebooks below are on sale for $9.50 each.
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A repertoire for Black after 1.e4 e5. This database contains practical and sound lines for every variation - now including the Spanish Ruy Lopez. Kaidanov swept the U.S. playing field with 1.e4 e5 and now you can learn these defensive systems faster than with any other method.

King and Pawn Part I
FM Chuck Schulien
Class D to Expert $25
Heavily Annotated

The essential endgame lessons. Every tournament player should know each of these endings by heart. Presented as a series of 60 lessons, this database of over 4,000 positions is by far the fastest way to learn this important knowledge. Bookup's transposition feature works wonders in tying the endgame analysis together. The commentary is geared towards the beginning student so anyone can pick up the concepts quickly.

The second edition of a complete repertoire for White against any defense, based on the setup of d4, Nf3 and Bf4. Over 10,000 positions, the London II covers every Black try from the Indian defenses to the Dutch. This is a practical opening used by today's top grandmasters but it is still quite easy to learn. Over 500 recent London games are also included in PGN format.

The Sämisch Seminar II
FM Chuck Schulien
Class A to International Master $29
Heavily Annotated

The second edition of Chuck Schulien's seminar on the Bg5 variation of the Sämisch which appears in lines of the King's Indian defense and the Benoni. Cutting edge theory in a topical line. The Bg5 Sämisch is the recommended way to play in GM Barlov's White is Better! 1.d4

Fifty annotated master games demonstrate various defensive motifs such as exchanging to obtain drawn endgames, closing lines, combining for perpetual check and using tactics to force the exchange of attacking pieces. The thinking of a defensive master comes to life on your screen. The games are grouped by the motif.

Extensive analysis of the endgames of Akiba Rubinstein, an endgame genius. Examples are given in every type of endgame setting. More advanced than the King and Pawn Part I.

A study of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish) classical variation. Over 7,000 positions - more than enough instruction to allow you to play this grandmaster opening.

A repertoire for Black after 1.d4 d5. Using the Queen's Gambit Accepted as the main line, this book has suggestions for every possibility, even for the London System and the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Over 10,000 positions provide you with all the instruction you'll need to defend the black side of 1.d4.

An attacking opening gambit for White against the Sicilian defense. This opening still claims points from Grandmasters and its tactical nature will test your skills at every turn. Over 11,000 positions, this book is a fantastic resource for the club player who faces the Sicilian.

Over 7,000 positions cover the fundamental endgame techniques that every master knows and every class player must learn. The perfect complement to King & Pawn I and great preparation for The Rubinstein Collection.

Over 17,000 positions and 248 games. Learn the strategy behind this aggressive yet solid counterattacking defense to 1.e4. The lines chosen have stood the test of time, but we have added the most recent games and ideas as well. You choose how dangerous the position gets!

Barking Dog Tactics - Volume 2
FM Chuck Schulien
Class D to Master $10 each
Heavily Annotated

Tactics studies done in Bookup style! Each volume has 100 tactical exercises with the correct -- and incorrect -- solutions "deleted." You solve the problems by adding in the correct move. If it transposes to the correct analysis, you win. If it transposes to an incorrect solution you might be warned immediately or the author may lead you further astray to show you why your plan doesn't work. These studies are masterfully done by one of America's best chess teachers.

Annotated games from each of the World Championship matches including in-depth coverage of Kasparov-Anand.

Tim McGrew, Blackmar-Diemer Gambit theoretician and ChessCafe.com columnist, shows how to create gambit play against the French Defense. 6,600 positions.

Advance Caro-Kann Short Variation
FM Eric Schiller
7,725 Positions

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Nf3

This quiet chess opening surged in prominence after Nigel Short began to use it effectively. It has the advantage of being very easy to play for White, but at the same time it is not so difficult for Black to defend. Black will play ...e6, ...c5 and has a number of ways of developing knights. White will maintain a spatial advantage, but will have to keep an eye on d4, which can become weak after ...c5 and ...cxd4.

Albin Countergambit
FM Eric Schiller
15,334 Positions

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5

The Albin countergambit chess opening was rather popular at the end of the 19th century. It is a fighting defense which borders on respectability. The game usually becomes a tactical brawl with flank attacks, so the better prepared player often has a big advantage. As with most gambits, the idea is to develop quickly, castle, and attack!

Anti-Sicilian Nyezhmetdinov
FM Eric Schiller
24,024 Positions

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

In this chess opening, Black has explored a wide range of plans in response to 3.Bb5. 3...g6 is held to be the best. In fact, Black can probably equalize with most of them, but White still maintains chances of building a strong attack, and the endgames are not at all unpleasant for White.

Cambridge Springs
FM Eric Schiller
13,539 Positions

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5

This is the starting position of the Cambridge Springs Variation, which has seen its popularity wax and wane throughout the 20th Century. At present this chess opening is considered fully playable, since White's gambit approach with 7.cxd5 seems to have been defused.

Classical Caro-Kann
FM Eric Schiller
35,385 Positions

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5

Sergeant, writing in 1919, described our line as an "old continuation,
now generally abandoned in favour of Kt-B3."

Classical Tarrasch
FM Eric Schiller
17,312 Positions

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5

This is the canonical starting position of the Tarrasch. This chess opening ebook concentrates on the main lines of the Classical Variation, where White fianchettoes and castles kingside. This can be reached via either 4.cxd5, which allows the Schara Gambit 4...cxd4!?, or 4.Nf3. 4.e3 leads to the Symmetrical Variation, while other moves allow Black to capture at d4 and then harass the queen via ...Nc6.

Dutch Modern Stonewall
FM Eric Schiller
13,853 Positions

1.d4 e6 2.Nf3 f5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d5 5.O-O c6 6.c4 Bd6

This is the tabiyah, or main starting point of the variation. As you can see, in this chess opening White has a huge range of possibilities and each move order contains a degree of finesse. There are plenty of transpositions to watch out for (aren't you glad you own Bookup!)
The important question for White is what to do about the dark-squared bishop. The fianchetto is the most common approach, with Bf4 a close second. A third plan is to place the bishop at g5, eventually to capture at f6. This idea is often combined with the deployment of the knight at c3.

English Keres Parma
FM Eric Schiller
2,914 Positions

1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.g3 e6 5.Bg2 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.O-O Be7 8.d4

Black has several methods of reaching the Keres-Parma, but most common are 1...c5, 1...Nf6, and 1...e6. This is one of the most fundamental positions in the Keres-Parma Variation. Black chooses where the exchange of knights will take place, at c3 or d5.

Evans Gambit
FM Eric Schiller
18,210 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4

This is the starting position of the Evans Gambit. This ancient line is still considered viable for White, though Black can equalize with careful play, either by accepting or declining the gambit.

Four Knights
FM Eric Schiller
14,552 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5

This is the starting position of the Spanish Four Knights. Usually Black maintains the symmetry with 4...Bb4 but not always. Most of the alternatives are playable, but one should avoid the bizarre Bd6.

French Defense Steinitz
FM Eric Schiller
76,415 Positions

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5

The Steinitz Variation is once again a popular reaction to the Classical
French. It has the advantage of avoiding the MacCutcheon Variation (4.Bg5
Bb4!?) and has been renewed thanks to innovative ideas by some of the
leading players of our time. This ebook explores the chess opening with an
eye toward finding the best moves for White, but all options for both
sides will be presented.

French MacCutcheon - for White
FM Eric Schiller
1,241 Positions

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bb4 5.Ne2

This ebook focuses on the MacCutcheon with 4...Bb4. This chess opening is an aggressive system for Black, which demands precise handling by White. This is not the most common system against the MacCutcheon, but it is one of the most promising.

French Winawer Bd2
FM Eric Schiller
13,012 Positions

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bd2

This move introduces a variation which is not well known to most players. It is extremely tactical and there are many long forcing variations, but there are also some deceptively quiet endgame positions which arise early in the opening. I have been playing this line for many years and find it a most comfortable alternative to the megatheoretical 4.e5.

Greco White Repertoire
FM Eric Schiller
2,448 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Bc4

After 1.e4 e5, we have an Open Game. White normally continues with 2.Nf3, but this requires preparation against many different defenses as Black. Since we will be examining plans for White involving an early Bc4, I suggest that you adopt that on the second move. Nevertheless, you can use three different move orders (2.Nf3, 2.Bc4, 2.d4), potentially confusing your opponent. The only drawback to the 2.d4 move order is that you have to know the lines of the Goring Gambit, into which the opening can easily transpose. Of course you can always back out into the Scotch Game, though those timid waters are not in the spirit of our aggressive opening repertoire.

King's Indian Exchange Variation
FM Eric Schiller
4,775 Positions

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 9.Bg5

This is the normal starting position of the main lines of the Exchange Variation. White will try to exploit the advantage in space and better placed pieces in a rather quiet endgame. Black has tried five different defensive schemes. Mednis dismisses 9...c6, but that is one of Black's best options, and is now considered the best line.

King's Indian Four Pawns Attack
FM Eric Schiller
22,830 Positions

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 O-O 5.f4 d6 6.Nf3

This is the basic starting position of the Four Pawns Attack.
6...c5 used to be considered almost obligatory, but thanks to Kasparov, 6...Na6 is now the focus of a great deal of attention, and is the defense recommended by many authorities, including Kasparov, Keene and KID specialist John Watson.

King's Indian Steiner Attack
FM Eric Schiller
21,926 Positions

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Bg5

This is the start of the Steiner Variation. It is a blend of the Saemisch and Averbakh approaches, and can be reached via many different move orders. Note that ...h6 and ...a6 can be played at any time, and therefore future transpositions are possible. Each of course is somewhat committal. Keene and Jacobs (1992) prefer 6...Nc6.

Modern Defense: Averbakh Lines
FM Eric Schiller
50,883 Positions

Too many move orders to count! This chess opening has myriads of lines where Black plays ...g6 and ...Bg7.

Modern Rat
FM Eric Schiller
20,574 Positions

1.e4 d6

This is the starting move of several openings, including the Rat. Black
can also use this move to reach the Czech Defense, Pirc Defense, Modern
Defense, King's Indian or transpositions into the Sicilian or Philidor or
Old Indian Defenses. Many of the Rat lines involve ...g6 ...Bg7 and then ...a6 ...b5 ...Bb7.

Nimzowitsch Sicilian
FM Eric Schiller
14,544 Positions

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6

The Nimzowitsch Sicilian is an aggressive plan which has remained just below the level of respectability for most of its existence. The prevailing view is that White will obtain a small advantage in the main lines.

Noteboom Variation
FM Eric Schiller
23,442 Positions

1.d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 dxc4

This is the start of the Noteboom Variation, a chess opening also known as the Abrahams Variation. I reserve the latter term for the main line position after 5.a4 Bb4 6.e3 b5 7.Bd2 a5. This is a very aggressive defense. Wild things happen on the queenside very early, and for many years the opening was considered rather suspect. But now it is enjoying a renaissance thanks to the patronage of Alexander Moroz.

Paulsen Sicilian
FM Eric Schiller
26,017 Positions

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Qc7 5.Nc3 e6 6.Be2 a6

This is the basic starting position of the Paulsen system. The Paulsen formation can be reached via a number of different move orders, each with their own merits and drawbacks. Black can opt for the pure Taimanov treatment with an early Nge7.

QGD Canal, Prins & Vienna
FM Eric Schiller
2,724 Positions

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6

This chess opening ebook is a tour of various lines in the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Scandinavian Lasker
FM Eric Schiller
13,164 Positions

Scandinavian Defense: Main Lines with 3.Nc3 Qa5

Schara Gambit
FM Eric Schiller
2,771 Positions

1. d4 e6 2. c4 d5 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 cxd4

This is the Schara Gambit. Black gives up a pawn in return for rapid development. 5.Qa4+ is considered more accurate, since it avoids an endgame gambit which, although dubious, requires precise knowledge of the opening by White.

Sicilian Anti-Dragon B35
FM Eric Schiller
10,119 Positions

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Bg7 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Bc4

Thousand of variations and ideas in the anti-dragon in this line and others.

Smith-Morra Gambit
FM Eric Schiller
17,371 Positions

1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 and
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.c3

There are a number of ways to accept or decline the gambit. In almost all cases White will be able to build some sort of initiative. For Black, I recommend accepting the pawn right away.

Spanish Bird
FM Eric Schiller
7,640 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4

The Bird Variation of the Spanish Game is still a viable opening and the
peculiar pawn structures that arise require special handling. Because the
player of the Black side is more likely to be familiar with the nuances
of the position, the small positional advantage White gets with best play
is not particularly important. White should take up the challenge by
capturing at d4.

Spanish Exchange Bd6
FM Eric Schiller
2,608 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O Bd6

The Exchange Variation is irrationally feared by many chessplayers. This ebook presents a complete, solid defense for Black.

Spanish Open Dilworth
FM Eric Schiller
5,382 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.c3 Bc5 10.Nbd2 O-O 11.Bc2 Nxf2!?

This is the Dilworth Variation. Black sacrifices two minor pieces for a rook and a pawn...and a fierce attack! Usually, many pieces will leave the board quickly, and a complex endgame ensues in which Black's chances are not worse.

Spanish Open Variations
FM Eric Schiller
79,733 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5! 8.dxe5! Be6

This is the tabiyah, or starting position, of the main lines of the Open Variation. There are many options here, but usually either 9.c3 or 9.Nbd2 are seen. Kasparov and Karpov both play the latter move, but theory continues to treat 9.c3 as the main line. For many years it has been established that 8...Be6 is the correct move, even though the bishop often gets repositioned just a few moves later.

Spanish Zaitsev
FM Eric Schiller
17,709 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 Bb7 10.d4 Re8

This is the starting position of the Zaitsev Variation. Although it was virtually unknown until 1976, it has become the main line of the Spanish Inquisition.

Spielmann Open Games
FM Eric Schiller
8,324 Positions

1.e4 e5

This ebook contains examples of the attacking art of Rudolph Spielmann in the Open Games (1.e4 e5). You can browse through the chess openings to see how Spielmann used his art to defeat many of the greatest players of his time.

Two Knights Defense: Fritz-Ulvestad
FM Eric Schiller
2,699 Positions

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 b5 6.Bf1

This is the only serious attempt at a refutation. Now Black can transpose to
the Fritz Variation proper with 6...Nd4, but the alternative 6...h6!? is a strong alternative. Other moves do not seem to be playable.