Alexander Delchev’s White repertoire after 1.e4 e5, based on the early Bc4 and a slow d3 buildup rather than the Ruy Lopez. Published by Chess Stars in 2018 in its Current Theory and Practice series, translated and edited by Semko Semkov. Paperback, 248 pages.
Eight chapters, each with a Main Ideas section, Step by Step theory and annotated games:
- Chapters 1 and 2: 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d3 c6 4.Nf3, against 4…Be7 and 4…d5
- Chapters 3 and 4: 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3, against 4…Be7 and 4…h6
- Chapter 5: the Giuoco Pianissimo with …a6, including the e6 and e5 pawn structures
- Chapters 6 and 7: plans without …a6, and the plan with Bg5
- Chapter 8: 5.0-0 0-0 6.c3 d5
An index of variations closes the book.
Best for: club and tournament players who want 1.e4 e5 lines without Ruy Lopez theory. Intermediate and up.