"Reprint of the classic from 1999"
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.
004 Symbols
005 Bibliography
007 Foreword
009 1) The Pure Symmetrical without 5 Nf3
026 2) The Pure Symmetrical with 5 Nf3: Introduction
050 3) The Pure Symmetrical with 5 Nf3: Main Lines
084 4) The Rubinstein Variation
104 5) The Keres-Parma Variation
117 6) The Three Knights
144 7) The Asymmetrical Variation (3 Nf3 d5)
182 8) The Hedgehog Variation
199 9) The Double Fianchetto
209 10) The Anti-Benoni: Introduction
226 11) The Anti-Benoni: 4...e6 5 Nc3 Nc6
245 12) The Anti-Benoni: 4...e6 without 5 Nc3 Nc6
262 13) Odds & Ends
266 Before You Go
266 If you enjoyed this book
266 More on the English Opening
268 Index of Variations
