Carsten Hansen: The symmetrical English

CarstenChess, paperback, Englisch, ISBN: 978-1-731505-058, 274 Seiten, 2018.

Authoriative Coverage of a massive Opening complex, including the Hedgehog and the Anti-Benoni (A reprint of the 1999 classic!)

The Symmetrical systems of the English Opening constitute a large and important area of modern chess opening theory. The strategic variety to be found within this book is staggering: from the sedate Symmetrical Variation to the wild gambit lines of the Anti-Benoni, and almost everything in between! This book provides detailed coverage of the theory of all lines stemming from 1 c4 c5. It includes many variations that often arise from different openings entirely, such as the Semi-Tarrasch, or when White avoids a Benko or Benoni. A particular highlight is the discussion of the Hedgehog, which a popular workhorse for many tournament players, as it enables Black to play for a win without taking undue risks. Throughout the book, though, Hansen shows that in many lines regarded by a lot of players as boring or uninteresting, there is plenty of scope to liven the game up, if one is familiar with the subtleties.

Inhaltsverzeichnis:

Foreword
1) The Pure Symmetrical without 5 Nf3
2) The Pure Symmetrical with 5 Nf3: Introduction
3) The Pure Symmetrical with 5 Nf3: Main Lines
4) The Rubinstein Variation
5) The Keres-Parma Variation
6) The Three Knights
7) The Asymmetrical Variation (3 Nf3 d5)
8) The Hedgehog Variation
9) The Double Fianchetto
10) The Anti-Benoni: Introduction
11) The Anti-Benoni: 4...e6 5 Nc3 Nc6
12) The Anti-Benoni: 4...e6 without 5 Nc3 Nc6
13) Odds & Ends
Index of Variations

Carsten Hansen is a Danish FIDE Master and FIDE Trainer and an acclaimed author. He has written extensively on the English Opening and has a lifetime of experience with the Opening.