Chess University.

This book is devoted to the paradoxical opening 1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6. It is called the English Defence (not to be confused with the English Opening 1.c4).

 By playing 3.e4 White immediately wants to punish the ‘disturber of the peace’ for his neglect of opening principles, but in this case Black sets his opponent such a variety of mines and traps, that he can gain an advantage, even omitting the equalizing stage! One just has to recall the super sharp variation with 3.e4 Bb7 4.Bd3 f5!?

 At the present day the statistics after 3.e4 is appalling for White: in 7 out of 10 games he suffers defeat!

 The author, not relying on his own store of words, constantly hides behind the classics, citing them right and left. Characters form world literature and even departed personalities strive to take an active part in the analysis of variations.

 A highly original work from IM Ilia Odessky, with plenty of (new) analysis and clear explanations. The author confesses being inspired by Tony Miles, whose games he states were very suitable for teaching an opening like the English Defence.

 Some quotes to illustrate the nature of this book and its author: “Everything you wanted to ask about A40 but were afraid to ask”

 “Even if at the end the opponent can claim a tangible plus, one needs to find a lot of “only moves” in order to survive in the tunnel that is full of various traps and mines”

“..he was confident with his Black opening “because A40 wins”, but had some uncertainty with White” – on his favourite pupil Artur Janturin after he taught him the English Defence