Former US Open Champion Timothy Taylor takes a modern look at one of Black's most ambitious counters to 1 e4, the Alekhine Defence. This is a sharp opening in which Black counterattacks from move one, luring White's central pawns forward to create the prospect of undermining them later on. The Alekhine is a popular weapon for creative grandmasters, such as Nigel Short and Vassily Ivanchuk. It has also been used by Bobby Fischer and - more recently - by Magnus Carlsen, probably the best player in the world.

By studying deeply the most important games and also by drawing upon his own experience in the opening,Taylor is able to construct a practical repertoire for Black - ideal for the modern player. The key ideas for both sides are covered, there are recommendations on lines to play and lines to avoid, and crucial move-order nuances are highlighted.This book provides everything you need to know to play the Alekhine with confidence.

• A dynamic repertoire for Black
• Provides answers to all of White's possibilities
• Packed with new ideas, analysis and advice

International Mational Master Timothy Taylor is an experienced tournament player who has enjoyed several notable successes. He is a very popular chess writer who is renowned for his entertaining and thought-provoking style.

Content:
005 Bibliography

007 Introduction

012 1 World Champions Play Alekhine's Defence - Our Hero: Alekhine

035 2 Modern Variation I: The White Pawn Wedge - Our Hero: Bagirov

052 3 Modern Variation II: A DanishLatvian Co-production - Our Hero: Kengis

084 4 Modern Variation III: Vikings Board the Alekhine Longboat - Our Hero: Carlsen

118 5 Exchange Variation: The Ox is not a Scary Animal - Our Hero: Larsen

152 6 The Four Pawns Attack - Fracture Him! - Our Hero: Sergeev

182 7 The Chase Variation - Back to the Centre - Our Hero: Korchnoi

208 8 Fourth or Fifth Move Sidelines - Our Hero: Vaganian

224 9 Third Move Sidelines - Our Hero: Varga

238 10 Alekhine Declined - Our Hero: Taylor

274 Repertoire and Final Note

275 Index of Variations

281 Index of Complete Games