First Steps:

1 e4 e5

John Emms

• Publisher: Popular Chess
• Year: 2018
• eBook ISBN: 9781781944158

Starting a chess game with 1 e4 e5 is so common that the resulting complex of opening systems traditionally commands its own sobriquet, "The Open Games" (1 e4 met by other replies are "Semi-Open Games" and everything else comes under "Closed Games"). The central structure with pawns on e4 and e5 often leads to play based around highly classical themes which are the bedrock of successful chess understanding. First Steps is a new opening series and is ideal for improving players who want simple and straightforward explanations. First Steps emphasizes:the basic principlesthe basic strategiesthe key tricks and trapsFirst Steps books are based around carefully selected instructive games which demonstrate exactly what both sides are trying to achieve. There is enough theory to enable the improving player to get to grips with the opening without feeling overwhelmed. If you want to take up a new opening, First Steps is the ideal place to start.

Table of contents

• About the Author
• Preface
• Introduction
• 1 Introducing the Italian Game
• 2 Italian Game for Both Sides
• 3 The Evans Gambit
• 4 The Two Knights Defence
• 5 The Ruy Lopez
• 6 The Four Knights Game
• 7 The Scotch Game
• 8 Other Openings
• 9 Summary of Recommendations
• Index of Complete Games
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• Aryan.C-Imsrud.B, World Schools Under-13 Championship, Iasi 2012
• Ashton.A-Keeling.G, British League 2002
• Billon.O-Flear.G, Saint Affrique 2013
• Brown.M-Adams.M, British Championship, Bournemouth 2016
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• Khachiyan.M-Benjamin.J, US Championship, St. Louis 2010
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• Litwak.A-Geske.J, Olomouc 2006
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• Tarrasch.S-Marco.G, Dresden 1892
• Zhang Zhong-Arkell.K, Internet Chess Club (blitz) 2007