Alexander Khalifman: Opening for white according to Anand 6

Chess Stars, paperback, Englisch, ISBN: 978-9-548782-47-0, 346 Seiten, 2005.

Dear readers,

You are holding in your hands volume sixt of our series Opening for White according to Anand 1.e4. This volume covers 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 de4, 3...Nf6 and other moves.

Whenever there are drawbacks to something, there are advantages to it as well. White's space edge can be neutralized by timely undermining of his centre. Black's light squared bishop can be exchanged at some moment, meanwhile there arises a question whether it is really so bad after all...? In fact, that same piece might become sometimes extremely unpleasant for White in case the position gets opened. Black is often perfectly capable to solve the problem of the safety of his king by a profound theoretical knowledge.

If I have to summarize, I will have to mention that the French Defence is a quite interesting and unique opening in which both opponents must solve difficult problems right after the very beginning of the game and most of these problems are characteristic only for that particular opening. Of course, it is absolutely necessary to know thoroughly the opening theory, but the all-round understanding of the arising pawn-structures and the complex strategy of that opening should combine with an extensive practical experience.

I hope the book will enrich your understanding of the French Defence too, because that opening has a special place in contemporary chess and quite deservedly so.

A.Khalifman
14th World Chess Champion