The Nimzo-Indian Defence continues to be one of the most important chess openings, both at club level and with top players. In recent years it has undergone a number of significant changes and its high time for a thorough look at the current state of affairs.
Top grandmaster Ivan Sokolov is the perfect authority to do so.
The Strategic Nimzo-Indian: A Complete Guide to the Rubinstein Variation is the first of a two-part series. In this ground-breaking and clearly structured first volume, Sokolov investigates all lines after the move 4.e3. Volume 2 will be about 4.a3, the Sämisch Variation.
Inspired by great masters like Mikhail Botvinnik, Ivan Sokolov has played the Rubinstein Variation all his life, and he has even beaten World Champion Garry Kasparov with it.
Although play can become very sharp, the Nimzo-Indian requires a profound positional understanding. Ivan Sokolov does not simply give variations, but provides clear explanations of the structures and plans in the various branches, and presents new ideas and resources for both Black and White.
Each chapter ends with a summary containing key strategic and tactical advice.
Ivan Sokolov is a top grandmaster who was born in Bosnia in 1968. He was Yugoslav champion in 1988 and Dutch champion in 1995 and 1998. He rose to the number 12 spot in the FIDE world rankings. In his rich career Sokolov has beaten world chess champions like Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik and Viswanathan Anand.
Carsten Hansen, ChessCafe:
"This book is simply far superior to anything else I have seen written on this opening – my own book included (..) The narrative, the explanatory prose, the analysis, the countless improvements, new ideas and so on, makes this book phenomenally splendid. If you want to understand how to play this opening, then this book is a perfect place to start."
GM Glenn Flear:
"The author is constantly pointing out the positional consequences of the various thematic ideas throughout the lines (..) There are times when his research will almost certainly change the future course of theory (..) Whatever your connection to the Nimzo, make sure that you get hold of a copy. An absolute must."
John Donaldson, Chess Today:
"An outstanding book (..) Sokolov backs up [his] verbal assessments with concrete variations, but the prose is much more valuable for the layman rated below 2400, who will remember the helpful advice long after the analysis has been forgotten."
Joe Petrolito, Australasian Chess Magazine:
"There is a lot of explanatory material to complement the analysis and orientate the reader (..) [Sokolov] is not afraid to challenge previous analysis, even describes some old analysis by Botvinnik as 'wishful thinking'! (..) A dense but readable book on a mainstream opening that can only enhance Sokolov's growing reputation as an author."
Nagesh Havanur, Chess.com:
"I am fascinated. To begin with, this is a repertoire book for d4 players who meet the Nimzo-Indian. But other players reaching d4 d5 positions would also find this useful. There is a serious effort to find an edge for White in every line. The author of course knows that it is not an easy task as the Nimzo-indian is a sound system. Hence, he resists the temptation of finding convenient wins for White."
Gary Lane, Chess Moves Magazine:
"Very readable, with clear, precise comments (..) Sokolov reveals his secrets in the Rubinstein Variation so everyone can be a winner."
Max Euwe Center, Amsterdam:
"A monumental work with lots of explanations, while paying attention to historical games as well as the current state of affairs."
Adam
Hunt, British Chess Magazine:
"A really fine book and a great resource for either White or Black."
Marshtower Chess Reviews:
"This is a serious book for serious players. I think even Grandmasters will find much of interest here and this is almost certainly the best coverage of the Rubinstein Variation to be found anywhere."
Johan Hut, Gooi- en Eemlander:
"Sokolov clearly explains the strategies and various pawn structures. Understanding those matters is very usef
New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest news in chess openings. Each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess opening theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashions, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons. There are columns by former US Champion Joel Benjamin and Russian Grandmaster Alexey Kuzmin, who used to coach World Champion Anatoly Karpov, while Englis
Forum The Forum Section features new theoretical contributions by, among others, Bogdan Lalic and Vishnu Prasanna. Columns In his column Repertoire Building with Benjamin, the American GM continues his treatment of the highly important position type with an isolated queens pawn. In Kuzmins Harvest, Alexey Kuzmin highlights the most important opening novelties in the Candidates Tournament in Moscow. Reviews Glenn Flear reviews three repertoire books: The Open Games with Black by Martin Lokander (
Forum The Forum Section features new theoretical contributions by, among others, Bogdan Lalic and Vishnu Prasanna. Columns In his column Repertoire Building with Benjamin, the American GM continues his treatment of the highly important position type with an isolated queens pawn. In Kuzmins Harvest, Alexey Kuzmin highlights the most important opening novelties in the Candidates Tournament in Moscow. Reviews Glenn Flear reviews three repertoire books: The Open Games with Black by Martin Lokander (
Forum The Forum Section features new theoretical contributions by, among others, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Evegni Najer, Karsten Müller, Frank Erwich and A.C. van der Tak. Columns In his column Repertoire Building with Benjamin, the American GM continues his treatment of the highly important position type with an isolated queens pawn. In Kuzmins Harvest, Alexey Kuzmin explains Vladimir Kramniks Opening Philosophy. Reviews Glenn Flear reviews three new books: Bologan's Ruy Lopez for Black (New In Chess
Forum The Forum Section features new theoretical contributions by, among others, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Evegni Najer, Karsten Müller, Frank Erwich and A.C. van der Tak. Columns In his column Repertoire Building with Benjamin, the American GM continues his treatment of the highly important position type with an isolated queens pawn. In Kuzmins Harvest, Alexey Kuzmin explains Vladimir Kramniks Opening Philosophy. Reviews Glenn Flear reviews three new books: Bologan's Ruy Lopez for Black (New In Chess
New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest new in chess openings. Each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess opening theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashions, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons. 1.e4 openings - Sicilian Defence - Najdorf Variation 6.Bg5 - Ponomariov - Sicilian Defence - Accelerated Dragon 5.c4 - Gutman - Sicilian Defence - Fo
New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest new in chess openings. Each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess opening theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashions, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons. 1.e4 openings - Sicilian Defence - Najdorf Variation 6.Bg5 - Ponomariov - Sicilian Defence - Accelerated Dragon 5.c4 - Gutman - Sicilian Defence - Fo
Wersja językowa książki - angielska. Every competitive chess player needs a sound grasp of how to play this opening -- and especially how to meet the most popular lines. The Nimzo-Indian is Blacks most respected answer to 1.d4 and is immensely popular at all levels, from club championship to world championship. In fact, the reputation of the Nimzo is so high that some players prefer simply to avoid it. American International master David Vigorito shows that this negative approach is unnecessary. Challeng
New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest news in chess openings. Each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess opening theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashions, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons. There are columns by former US Champion Joel Benjamin and Russian Grandmaster Alexey Kuzmin, who used to coach World Champion Anatoly Karpov, while Englis
New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest news in chess openings. Each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess opening theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashions, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons. There are columns by former US Champion Joel Benjamin and Russian Grandmaster Alexey Kuzmin, who used to coach World Champion Anatoly Karpov, while Englis
Wersja językowa książki - angielska. Miękka okładka. Every competitive chess player needs a sound grasp of how to play this opening -- and especially how to meet the most popular lines. The Nimzo-Indian is Blacks most respected answer to 1.d4 and is immensely popular at all levels, from club championship to world championship. In fact, the reputation of the Nimzo is so high that some players prefer simply to avoid it. American International master David Vigorito shows that this negative approach is un
New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest new in chess openings. Each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess opening theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashions, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons. Magnus Carlsen's openings, a special report by Jan Timman 1.e4 openings - Sicilian Defence - Najdorf Variation 6.Bg5 - Adorjan/Vegh - Sicilian Defenc
New In Chess Yearbook, which appears four times a year, contains the latest new in chess openings. Each issue brings you dozens of new ideas on the cutting edge of modern chess opening theory. The Yearbook not only covers the latest fashions, but also offers fresh insights into underrated gambits, rare continuations, and almost forgotten weapons. Magnus Carlsen's openings, a special report by Jan Timman 1.e4 openings - Sicilian Defence - Najdorf Variation 6.Bg5 - Adorjan/Vegh - Sicilian Defenc
Wydanie w miękkiej okładce, wersja językowa angielska. Kings Indian 2 is the concluding volume of a complete repertoire for Black. GM Gawain Jones is the ideal guide, as a world-class player and longstanding expert on the Kings Indian. This book version of Joness Chessable course has been extensively edited and reorganized by Quality Chess. Volume 1 analysed the main lines after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6. This book picks up where the previous one left off, showing how to defang the Averbak
Wydanie w twardej okładce, wersja językowa angielska. Kings Indian 2 is the concluding volume of a complete repertoire for Black. GM Gawain Jones is the ideal guide, as a world-class player and longstanding expert on the Kings Indian. This book version of Joness Chessable course has been extensively edited and reorganized by Quality Chess. Volume 1 analysed the main lines after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6. This book picks up where the previous one left off, showing how to defang the Averbakh