| Earlier this year English GM Nigel Davies came out with Gambiteer I and I must confess that I was not convinced by his proposed repertoire of the Wing Gambit against the Sicilian (1 e4 c5 2 b4) and French (1 e4 e6 2 Nf3 d5 3 e5 c5 4 b4!?), the Danish Gambit (1.e4 e5 2 d4 exd4 3 c3) or the Fantasy variation against the Caro-Kann (1 e4 c6 2 d4 d5 3 f3). His new book, Gambiteer II (Everyman Chess -2007, everymanchess.com, 192 pages, paperback, figurine algebraic, $24.95) is on much solider ground and I can give it a thumbs up. Written from the Black perspective for the amateur player it recommends the Schliemann (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5) against the Ruy Lopez and the Albin (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5) against 1.d4. These two openings take up almost the entire book and Davies does a good job of explaining not only the theory but also the ideas behind these variations which offer some nice transpositions in the small final chapter (Fight the Stodge - 1.c4 and 1.Nf3) - one being 1.Nf3 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.c4 e5 another 1.Nf3 Nc6 2.e4 e5. Note this book does not cover much besides the Ruy Lopez after 1.e4 e5 besides the Ruy Lopez. Those looking for a repertore against the Open games may wish to consult specialist works by Davies, Marin and Emms. Recommended for players from 1600 to 2200 |