Opening Repertoire: The English

Publisher: Everyman Chess, 2016, Pages: 400, Paperback

The English (1 c4) is a fine choice for players who like to enjoy a wide variety of middlegame positions. One of its great attractions is flexibility and diversity: White can play either aggressively or quietly, and the resultant middlegame positions are rich in both strategy and tactics.

In this book, International Master David Cummings presents the reader with a complete English repertoire. The English is, by its nature, highly transpositional. Black can opt for a King’s Indian-type set-up, a Queen’s Gambit Declined-type set-up or aim for a reversed Sicilian position. David identifies promising methods to meet all Black’s main options and efficient methods to deal with awkward sidelines.

The English often leads to situations where there are opportunities to employ tricky move orders. David explains how to navigate through these successfully and avoid any unfortunate pitfalls. This book tells you everything you need to know about playing the English.

• How to play 1 c4 with confidence
• Emphasis on plans and strategies
• Written by an English expert

David Cummings is an experienced International Master, who has represented Canada at the Chess Olympiad. He is a regular contributor to the opening theory website ChessPublishing.com, writing a monthly column covering the English and Flank Openings.