The Ideas Behind the Chess Openings: Algebraic Notation Paperback – August 22, 1990

I won't say best ever because I like several but it is in the top 5-10. The player beginning to stretch his wings needs basic information like this. The book starts at a point = where?= wherever the author felt comfortable in trying to make sense of the complexities of a whole region of chess knowledge. He succeeds brilliantly.There is no pretense of trying to make you tournament ready because for the higher events you need the latest and the best knowledge of specific lines. You don't know any lines? That is what this book does. It gives a general outline of what an opening (100s) is trying to accomplish and how to go about accomplishing that. A club player finds himself wondering what openings would be good for him. Open game, closed game, attacking lines, defensive lines etc. Ideas Behind The Chess Openings goes into enough detail that a player can see if the opening suits his personality. if not he can avoid it, if so he can study a line suited to him in more detail. That makes study time more effective and because you can choose the opening style that suits your play you will become a stronger player faster.I can't recommend this book too highly.

If you only own one chess book, this should be the one. By far the most valuable chess book I have ever read, its only drawback is that it's now somewhat dated, and many of the newer openings aren't covered. But it's still a classic, and every chess player must read it sooner or later.

I get this book as a present for any developing players whom I feel needs or wants to learn about openings. The reason is because it is just about the ONLY opening book than focuses on CONCEPTS and doesn't have reams of variations where you can't see the forest for the trees. Apparently the marketplace thinks so too: Look at how long it's been around. Meaning: It's one of the few chess books that has stood the test of time. -- WFH

There are many great chess books available, but is it critical to find one that is appropriate for your level. Therefore, I will do my best to provide some guidance.This book should be useful for someone who is somewhere between the Complete Idiots Guide to Chess (an excellent introduction) and the MCO/NCO (intermediate level books that are primarily a list of opening lines.)As a beginner, I need a book that can break down each major opening into themes. Themes can be "maintain tension" or "simplify." The MCO and NCO both provide lines that are based on themes. Unfortunately, I don't know enough about chess to easily grasp these themes by reading a list of moves. This book can fill that gap.Now, I can play the French Defense and say, "OK, there are only a few ways this thing can go." I will not memorize all the lines, but I can begin to understand how my choices affect my openings and ultimately, the final outcome of my games.Once you feel comfortable with this book, the MCO could be a logical next step. Good luck!

as has already been said, there are numerous typos in this edition which can make for a frustrating process when trying to work moves through, even using an online chess program as i was.that said, my main complaint would be that not enough of the theory or explanation for many of the moves (both good and bad), is given. perhaps the author assumes more knowledge than mine of chess (although i've played chess on and off for years, i have practically no chess theory knowledge), but many moves are dismissed without explanation and other "obvious" moves are never explained.if you're expecting more essays and discourse about style, types of defences and attacks, etc., as i was - you'll be disappointed. there's 4 1/2 pages of overall analysis given at the beginning of the book and then it's step-by-step algebraic moves with minimally sketched out accompanying theory after that.that said, it's still a very comprehensive look at all the major chess openings (at least current to 1989). as i've no knowledge of the newer trends or lines i can't say what it's missing. my approach with this book was to start playing online games and use the lines in the book, hoping to understand them as the games developed.the bottom line? as a basically beginning player i am left still wanting a book that more thoroughly explains the reasons for certain moves, (i.e. what exactly a strong point defence is and what it entails for a game), the ramifications of neglecting the center (controlling the center was a tenet of steinitz's theory, the man who did the most to codify and promote chess theory), etc. but as an theorectical overview and step-by-step guide to all the main openings this is, with the caveat of navigating the typo's, an excellent book.

Excellent book to understand, at first glance, the ideas behind the moves of the most important openings. This book is timeless a classic.It's a MUST HAVE for every amateur chess player.

A good, sound, general overview of the fundamental elements of opening strategy. For most players graded at 1600 and below, this is more than adequate as a guide to opening strategy and the core ideas behind openings you encounter in league play. For trendier and stronger souls, it shows its age

Really good book however it seems to have some mistakes. For example in the Ruy Lopez opening the book says move 2 for black is Knight e6. It seems some E's and C's are mixed up. I've only just started the book.

Some interesting pre-computer insights!

very good

The book is good, the only problem I find is that it's alittle advanced for me.It is good tho!