The perfect survival guide to the chess openings All openings covered Detailed verbal explanations of plans for both sides Up-to-date and featuring many tips and recommendations Insights into the 'character' of each opening Written by one of the world's foremost opening experts The first moves of a chess game define the nature of the whole struggle, as both players stake their claim to the critical squares and start to develop their plans. It is essential to play purposefully and to avoid falling into traps or reaching a position that you don't understand.