Ruy Lopez Books

Not many club players are willing to answer e4 with e5. Those of use who are ready for some real chess, should buy this book by two Norwegian authors who explain the Ruy Lopez for the black player: The Ruy Lopez. A guide for the Black.

Sverre Johnsen and Leif Erlend Johannessen did not choose a simple repertoire solution based on some early deviation. On the contrary, they recommend the reader one of the most important main lines, the famous Zaitsev variation. Zaitse is a sharp and strategic variation that was used by no other than the World Champion GM Anatoly Karpov in his best years.

The Zaitsev leads to sharp play which often results in open battles where Black gains active counterplay. On the other hand, White tries to attack on the kingside.

One of the problems for those playing with black to win is the early Ng5 repetition. Th authors have some ideas about how Black can handle the problem of the Ng5. In addition, they recommend reliable procedures against White's other options in the Lopez, starting off with the Exchange Variation, and moving on to a variety of closed systems.

The authors emphase on what ordinary players really need to know and understand. They explain all the important ideas, and guide the readers away from trouble. Highly recommended!

Paperback: 207 pages
Publisher: Gambit Publications (March 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1904600670
ISBN-13: 978-1904600671
Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Symbols 4
Bibliography 5
Preface by Sverre 6
Preface by Leif 8

Part 1: Introduction 23
A Quality Opening 23
A Great Learning Tool 29
Learning the Closed Ruy Lopez 30
Closed Ruy Lopez Strategy 31
Some Closed Ruy Lopez Concepts 32
Ruy Lopez Overview 33
Part 2: The Main Battleground 48
1 The Zaitsev Main Line 51
2 The 17...c4 Zaitsev 82
3 Other Zaitsev Lines 91
4 Imperfection 107
5 Regrouping System 117
Part 3: White Ducks the Challenge 132
6 Rare 8th and 9th Moves 133
7 5th and 6th Move Alternatives 156
Part 4: Exchange Variations 175
8 The Exchange Variation 178
9 Delayed Exchange Variations 194
Index of Variations 205