{"title":"Series: Modernized","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"the-modernized-anti-sicilians-volume-2-by-ravi-haria-9789464201871","title":"The Modernized Anti-Sicilians - Volume 2","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis second and final volume of the \u003cem\u003eAnti-Sicilian\u003c\/em\u003e series covers our approach for all alternatives to 2...Nc6.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe choice against 2...d6 was obvious. The Moscow variation is the only critical alternative to 3.d4 that has caused any concerns for Black. By developing with a tempo, we force Black to make an immediate decision on move 3 and wait for the right moment to open the position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst in the Rossolimo, we have tried to achieve an objective advantage against every line, our choices in the Moscow were mainly selected for their ability to create practical difficulties for the opponent. Naturally, it is not possible to find an advantage in every variation, but we have ensured to add many detailed explanations to guide plans and aid understanding in the various positions we'll encounter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46998732407020,"sku":"9789464201871","price":79.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/20083683485557.jpg?v=1763228953"},{"product_id":"the-modernized-grivas-sicilian-by-efstratios-grivas-9789464201390","title":"The Modernized Grivas Sicilian","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sicilian Defense is an opening that commences with the moves 1.e4 c5. The Sicilian Defense is the most popular and best-scoring response to White's first move 1.e4. For example, 1.d4 is a statistically more successful opening for White because of the high success rate of the Sicilian Defense against 1.e4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sicilian is Black's most dynamic, asymmetrical reply to 1.P-K4. It produces the psychological and tension factors which denote the best in modern play and gives notice of a fierce fight on the very first move.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Modernized Grivas Sicilian\u003c\/i\u003e is a unique variation within the Sicilian developed by Grandmaster Grivas, which is why it bears his name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46998732472556,"sku":"9789464201390","price":87.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/20078873485557.jpg?v=1763228975"},{"product_id":"the-modernized-queens-gambit-declined-by-luis-rodi-9789464201970","title":"The Modernized Queen's Gambit Declined","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe history of the Queen's Gambit is connected with the very beginnings of modern chess.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening is cited in the earliest published books on the science of the game, such as the Göttingen manuscript (1490) and the books of Ruy Lopez (1561) and Salvio (1604). The so-called Queen's Gambit Declined—or refused—is, together with the Slav, the main defence in the universe of Queenside openings. It shares with the aforementioned defence a well-earned reputation for being a reliable and very solid scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo make a book considering each and every possibility arising from the opening position of the Queen's Gambit Declined is a cyclopean task that would demand many volumes like the present one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInstead, the author's aim was to present a simpler repertoire, with no more than one or two variation options for each important position. In the latter case, a more positional and a more aggressive line are presented, although in many cases these boundaries are blurred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe last section of \u003cem\u003eThe Modernized Queen's Gambit Declined\u003c\/em\u003e is devoted to the other possible schemes starting from different white moves on their third or fourth move. Here, the chapters on the Catalan order 3.g3—which is among the fashionable lines at the master level—and the move 4.e3 (preceded by a knight move to the third rank) are highlighted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach section presented here is composed of several chapters in which theory is developed with an emphasis on the most modern choices in practice. At the end of each chapter, the author presents analysed games that expose the most common ideas in middlegames.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe hope that by the end of reading this material, the reader will not only have incorporated some new ideas into their repertoire—and perhaps changed the idea that the Queen's Gambit Declined is a passive defence—but also have contributed to their general knowledge of chess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46998732636396,"sku":"9789464201970","price":89.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/20084673485557.jpg?v=1763229013"},{"product_id":"the-modernized-ruy-lopez-volume-2-by-dariusz-swiercz-9789464201086","title":"The Modernized Ruy Lopez - Volume 2","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI would like to thank you for purchasing this book, I really appreciate it. It also means that you found an interest in my work of trying to crack the Ruy Lopez.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs I said in the introduction to the first volume, I had no idea what I was signing up for when deciding to write a book on Ruy Lopez. This opening has such a rich history and good reputation that proving advantages in many lines is nearly impossible. Writing the first volume on this opening was a Herculean effort and I thought \"it cannot be more difficult\". After all, I was covering such solid variations as the Berlin and the Open Spanish. Well, I got surprised again! I am not exaggerating when I say that writing the second volume was at least as hard as writing the first one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis second volume on the Ruy Lopez consists of two parts. In the first part, I focus on modern systems with ...Bc5, attempting to dissect both the Archangelsk and Moller Variations. These two variations have quite a rich history but in 2020 there have been several developments. If I had to name one person that contributed the most to the developments in those lines, it is, without a doubt, Fabiano Caruana. His encounters in the Candidates Tournament in Ekaterinburg, then his theoretical discussion in those lines with Leinier Dominguez, revised my opinion on many of those lines and led to interesting discoveries that I analyse in this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the subsequent part, I discuss the Closed Ruy Lopez. It is easily one of the most popular openings throughout the history of chess with many games occurring as early as the 1800s. I suggest going for 9.h3 which usually leads to a positional battle. I present new trends and find new paths and ideas in such evergreen variations as the Zaitsev, Breyer, Chigorin and others. Additionally, I attempt to crack the Marshall Attack by suggesting the Anti-Marshall lines with 8.a4. I must admit that I thought it would be a pretty easy task to analyse those openings having some prior analysis and experience with both colours. However, time after time I was encountering new challenges and new ideas from both sides that I had to resolve. My conclusions, based on careful analysis with the most powerful engines currently available, are presented in this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book completes my series on the Ruy Lopez. I would like to take a moment to recall what I said in the introduction to the first volume. When both sides play very good and sound chess, it is normal that games end in a draw. This is especially true for such sound openings as Ruy Lopez. I do not attempt to dismiss one line or another because somewhere with best play Black can make a draw by force on move number 30, playing sometimes ridiculous moves that are only found during analytical work. Over the board, the reality is way different as the practical aspect plays an important role in chess. Some positions are easier to play, some harder. Similarly to what I did in the first volume, I try to offer the most playable positions. I do not mind if the positions are equal, provided it is easier to play with White or the chance of an error by Black is quite large. Sometimes I go into forced variations (e.g. in Moller Defense or Archangelsk Defense), sometimes into more positional battles (like in the Zaitsev) but I truly believe that the positions I aim to reach have potential and are tricky for Black. With proper knowledge, I think White can put pressure on Black in the Ruy Lopez.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eI hope that you will find my approach to tackling the Ruy Lopez interesting. I am aware that there is only so much I can analyse and someone may say that I did not analyse some positions deeply enough, but that is the nature of chess—possibilities are pretty much unlimited and there will always be theoretical debate! Finally, I wish you, dear Reader, good luck, and I hope you can successfully use the ideas that I present in this book in your games.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Modernized Ruy Lopez - Volume 2\u003c\/em\u003e by Dariusz Swiercz, February 2021.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46998732833004,"sku":"9789464201086","price":84.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/20075833485557.jpg?v=1763229047"},{"product_id":"the-modernized-sicilian-kan-by-adrien-demuth-9789464201383","title":"The Modernized Sicilian Kan","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you are building your repertoire you have many choices available against 1.e4. Everyone knows the Sicilian is the most dangerous reply but there are so many choices!\u003c\/strong\u003e Most of them are highly theoretical such as the Najdorf or the Dragon. Some are very difficult to understand from a positional and dynamical point of view. The Kalashnikov and the Sveshnikov are two good examples, without even mentioning the amount of theory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eI have always been interested in less theoretical Sicilians. I have been playing the Classical Sicilian for a long time and right before the COVID period, I decided to find a new one. The Sicilian Kan came to me as a very serious option, and I decided to work on it. In the meantime, my friend and editor Daniel Vanheirzeele offered me the chance to author a book about it. This came to me as a complete surprise, as I had no experience with it. In comparison with my work on the Reti and the Dutch (my two previous books), I am a newbie on the subject. But I decided to accept the challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eI found it extremely interesting, as this gave me a fresh look at the positions. I think I managed to ask myself the questions everyone would have asked. I also work as a second for others and am accustomed to working on openings I do not necessarily play as well as finding the key ideas very quickly. So, after deep initial work to understand the variations, I was ready to start writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn opposition to my prior efforts, I decided to start with the mainlines. I did it both during my work and then in the structure of the book. It seemed better to address the most difficult lines first to prove that Black gets playable positions, and then take care of the less challenging lines. This approach allows you to have an idea of the typical positions and then compare them with the less usual lines so you may understand why the sidelines are not as good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eI take this as an opportunity to share my knowledge of openings and how I analyse them. I started this book with the idea that I wanted it to be useful for all levels of playing strength, from amateurs to even top grandmasters. I really consider the best books to be those where everyone can understand the basics of the variations while also being of use to anyone that aims at going deeper into the theory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eI based many of the lines and conclusions in this book not only on computer evaluation, but also from a practical point of view. While I did a deep dive using strong engines when analysing the lines I cannot say that they are perfect. The most important thing is that all of the evaluations are based upon my own understanding and knowledge of chess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAdrien Demuth, November 2021\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46998732964076,"sku":"9789464201383","price":74.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/20078803485557.jpg?v=1763229053"},{"product_id":"the-modernized-sveshnikov-by-robert-ris-9789492510839","title":"The Modernized Sveshnikov","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Sveshnikov is undeniably one of the most dynamic and aggressive Sicilians available these days.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMost recently, it was made popular again by World Champion Magnus Carlsen in his match against Fabiano Caruana at the end of 2018. The main lines lead to complex positions, and a deep knowledge and understanding of the opening is a real necessity for any player who wishes to enter this battlefield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur author, Robert Ris, focuses on all the current developments, highlighting the most important and instructive games from recent years, using his own over-the-board experiences. Ris is well known for his theoretical knowledge and overall opening expertise. And we are quite convinced that he provides Sicilian players with an up-to-date arsenal for playing the Sveshnikov.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Modernized Sveshnikov\u003c\/i\u003e equips players with the latest insights and strategies to master this challenging opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46998733226220,"sku":"9789492510839","price":83.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/22315463485567.jpg?v=1763229078"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/series-modernized.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}