Playing the French by Jacob Aagaard

Playing the French by Jacob Aagaard

The French Defence is one of the most solid and strategically rich responses to 1.e4. Many opening lines have been analysed to death by computer, but the French is relatively resistant to this growing trend, as the characteristic blocked pawn centre leads to situations where a player with superior understanding can overcome an opponent whose expertise lies in computer-assisted preparation. Acclaimed authors Ntirlis and Aagaard present a complete repertoire for Black based on 3.Nc3 Nf6 and 3.Nd2 c5. With many new discoveries and detailed explanations of positional and strategic motifs, this book is essential reading for those playing this complex opening with either colour.

"I already indicated that opening books are not my favourite chess books and many are unread on my bookshelfThe greatest compliment I can give Nikolaos is: this book will remain on my desk and I will certainly continue to study it with great pleasure. In short: highly recommended for both c4 and d4 players. As far as I'm concerned: 5 stars." - Michel Hoetmer, www.schaaksite.nl

"Obviously I should have read the book before I played the variation. But doing it the other way round was not without educational benefits! It gave me the chance to think a bit more freely about the opening and not allow myself to be under the control of the authorities. Or more relevantly; it made me far more receptive to what was in the book! I think I will play the variation very differently next time round!" -- GM Simen Agdestein

"…an excellent source of inspiration for any French players out there." -- GM Matthew Sadler, New in Chess

"Quality Chess has again been able to come up with another highly-recommendable book, with plenty of originality." -- GM Glenn Flear, New in Chess Yearbook

"I gave up the French long time ago but now, after having worked with the books by Aagard, Ntilis and Berg, I am seriously considering visiting my old-forgotten friend… [A book] of high quality by the very publisher who sets the standard nowadays regarding chess literature." -- Lukas Wedrychowski

"This complete monograph by Aagaard & Ntirlis recommends the Classical variation with 3…Nf6 in response to 3.Nc3… An advantage is that the structures are not as crazy as in the Winawer Variation and are somewhat easier to play. Players whose French repertoire includes this are well-served by this book." -- André Schulz, ChessBase

Grandmaster Jacob Aagaard won the British Chess Championship at his first and only attempt. He has received the Guardian, ECF and ChessCafe Book of the Year awards and the FIDE Senior Trainer title.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781907982361
ISBN 10	1907982361
Title	Playing the French
Author	Jacob Aagaard
Series	Grandmaster Guide Ser
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Quality Chess UK LLP
Year published	2013-11-27
Number of pages	464
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.