The Symmetrical English

by Hansen, Carsten

• ISBN13: 9781901983401
• ISBN10: 1901983404
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: Gambit

Summary

The Symmetrical systems of the English Opening constitute a large and important area of modern chess opening theory. The strategic variety to be found within this book is staggering: from the sedate Symmetrical Variation to the wild gambit lines of the Anti-Benoni, and almost everything in between! Hansen provides detailed coverage of the theory of all lines stemming from 1 c4 c5, including many variations that often arise from different openings entirely, such as the SemiTarrasch or when White avoids a Benko or Benoni. A particular highlight is the discussion of the Hedgehog, which is a popular workhorse for many tournament players, as it enables Black to play for a win without taking undue risks. Throughout the book, Hansen shows that in many lines regarded by a lot of players as boring and uninteresting, there is plenty of scope to liven the game up, as long as one is familiar with the subtleties.

Table of Contents

Symbols	4	(1)
Bibliography	5	(1)
Foreword	6	(1)
The Pure Symmetrical without 5f3	7	(16)
The Pure Symmetrical with 5f3: Introduction	23	(23)
The Pure Symmetrical with 5f3: Main Lines	46	(33)
The Rubinstein Variation	79	(19)
The Keres-Parma Variation	98	(12)
The Three Knights	110	(26)
The Asymmetrical Variation (3f3 d5)	136	(37)
The Hedgehog Variation	173	(16)
The Double Fianchetto	189	(10)
The Anti-Benoni: Introduction	199	(16)
The Anti-Benoni: 4...e6 5c3c6	215	(18)
The Anti-Benoni: 4...e6 without 5c3c6	233	(16)
Odds & Ends	249	(4)
Index of Variations	253