“widely regarded as one of the most influential chess writers in the world.” – IM John Donaldson, Former USA Team Captain
“arguably the most important writer in American chess history.” – Pete Tamburro, Chess Life
Such has been the acclaim for John Watson’s ground-breaking works on modern chess strategy and his insightful opening books, that it is only natural that he now presents a strategic opening repertoire.
It is the chess-player’s holy grail: a flexible repertoire that gives opponents real problems but doesn’t require masses of memorization or continual study of ever-changing grandmaster theory. While this book can’t quite promise all of that, Watson offers an intriguing selection of lines that give vast scope for over-the-board creativity and should never lead to a dull draw.
The repertoire is based on 1 d4 and 2 c4, following up with methodical play in the centre. Watson uses his vast opening knowledge to pick cunning move-orders and poisonous sequences that will force opponents to think for themselves, providing a true test of chess understanding. Throughout, he discusses strategies for both sides, so readers will be fully ready to pounce on any inaccuracies, and have all the tools to decide on the most appropriate plans for White.
About the Author
International Master John Watson is one of the world’s most respected chess authors. In 1999, his Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy won ‘Chess Book of the Year’ awards in the USA and the UK. He reviews chess books for The Week in Chess and hosts a weekly radio show on the Internet Chess Club. His bestselling four-volume work Mastering the Chess Openings has reaffirmed his reputation as a perceptive and authoritative chess opening writer.
Reviews
“…Watson at his inspirational best. Club and tournament players should be able to use the recommended repertoire with confidence, whether or not they have prior knowledge of 1 d4 openings. Moreover, it is a repertoire that will stand the test of time.” – Sean Marsh, Chess Magazine
“It requires a very skillful selection of lines to meet all of Black’s defenses major defenses to 1.d4 in the space Watson has to work with – and still have them pack a punch. He is up to the task. He has selected lines that while well-respected are not on the cutting edge of theory. By doing so he has limited the amount of theory that must be learned but in such a way that Black is not given a free pass” – IM John Donaldson
“Watson’s approach is to avoid as far as possible well-analysed theoretical main lines and to recommend less popular but perfectly playable alternatives. This has a two-fold advantage from White’s point of view. First, it avoids recent theory and prevents a theoretical ambush, but more importantly it confers a psychological advantage on White, as he will probably be better prepared than an opponent who concentrates on the main lines. I know that club players love this kind of book, especially those who have neither the time nor the inclination to develop their own repertoire” – Alan Sutton, En Passant
“With this book you will have a full, serious and sustainable opening repertoire for White. The recommended systems are thoroughly thought out and put the reader into the comfortable position where he has a reasonable and playable position after the opening, which he understands and he can deal with, against any opponent. An absolutely great work by John Watson.” – Martin Rieger
“Watson once again proves his reputation – one of the best books I have seen for a long time” – Uwe Bekemann
“Watson’s Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy I consider as one of the best books ever written! So for me Watson is the big star among chess book authors and I presume that all his books are best sellers – and that this last one, A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White, also will be that” – GM Simen Agdestein