"A Complete Repertoire for White"
While writing the forward to the first volume of this series in August of 202 I noticed some interesting ideas in the book and was hoping to try them out against strong players. I did not have to wait long. The prestigious Champions Chess Tour kicked off with the Skilling Open in November. While preparing for the las day of competition I noticed that one of my opponents, Spanish GM David Anton, regularly employed the open variation of the Ruy Lopez as Black. I then reviewed an idea in the last chapter of the first volume and decided to give it a try in our battle. I blitzed out the first 23 moves and was pleasantly surprised to see 23…h5 appear on the board. The move is very natural, yet a huge mistake from Black that was already refuted in an earlier classical game and restated by Dariusz Swiercz. The fact that I read this book while GM Anton was not aware of it gave me a clear advantage. As a result, I won that game very quickly having to think independently for only 5 more moves before my opponent resigned.
The continuation described in my own game is not Dariusz’s greatest discovery, yet it was enough to bring me an important tournament point and prove the comprehensiveness of his work. I am delighted to see that Dariusz has carried forward a consistent approach to the Ruy Lopez in the book you now hold. He has conducted a great amount of research to include the latest games and theoretical trends, so you are well prepared in all scenarios.
Overall, I believe that anyone interested in playing the Ruy Lopez with either color should study this book. Dariusz has constructed a complete modern repertoire for White in the Ruy Lopez. For those of you who only play a variation for Black you would do well to review your opponent’s options from one of the leading experts in this opening. I am sure chess players of all strengths will benefit immensely from Dariusz’s books the same way I did.
GM Liem Quang Le
World Blitz Champion 2013
Saint Louis, January 2021
