Best Selling Books by Raymond Keene

The King''s Indian is noted as a dynamic counter-attacking defence par excellence. This book describes the key strategies for both sides in the main lines such as the Fianchetto variation, the Petrosian system, the Sdmisch/ Four Pawns attack and Averbakh. Analysis is backed up with verbal explanation making this book an ideal introduction for those wishing to take up or face the King''s Indian in competitive situations.

The Nimsowitsch/Larsen attack ( 1 b3) is one of the most interesting and most flexible opening systems in which the theory has not yet fully crystallised. It is, therefore, an ideal choice for the player wishing to avoid sharp theoretical duels in the opening and preferring to throw his opponent on his own resources at an early stage.

Compiled by three grandmasters and two international masters this scholarly treatise explains in depth the thinking behind a defence that has been a favourite of champions such as Capablanca, Botvinnik, Petrosian and Karpov. Even Kasparov has been known to use the Caro Kann on occasion, for example in one case to defeat Mikhail Tal.

The Nimzo-Indian Defence is one of Black''s most dynamic ways of countering 1 d4. From the outset of the game Black seeks to create pawn weaknesses in his opponent''s position to be exploited in the middlegame. Usually this involves renouncing the bishop pair, typically leading to positions in which both sides have clear strategic objectives, where the outcome is decided by the skills of the two players in executing these plans.

A complete defense provides Black with a first move that can be played against anything.

This Hardinge Simpole Openings Classic reprint represents a landmark in the evolution of openings theory. This ground-breaking treatise on the revolutionary Modern Defence became a Bible for those adventurous players who were prepared to permit the opposition to construct a vast pawn centre - only to dynamite it with violent counter-measures in the middlegame. Such players included Botvinnik, Ivkov, Larsen and Suttles, as well as the two authors who were enthusiastic practitioners of the system.

This book contains 71 deeply annotated chess victories of Tigran Petrosian (World Champion from 1963 to 1969) against the leading players of his day, some of which are in print for the first time. The authors'' authoritative but accessible language makes it a good read for the amateur as well as a cast-iron network of interlocking variations to satisfy the professionals. Petrosian was underrated as world champion in his day (many of his achievements were drowned out by the furore surrounding Bobby Fischer) but he is now being critically reappraised – Garry Kasparov paid fulsome tribute to him at a recent London lecture. This insightful book aims to restore him to his rightful position in the pantheon of chess greats.

Learn the insights, concepts and moves of the greatest combinations ever by the greatest players of all time. From Alekhine to Morphy, from Fischer to Kasparov, the incredible combinations and brilliant sacrifices of thirteen World Champions are collected here in the most insightful combinations book ever written. Packed with fascinating stratagems, fifty annotated games, and great practical advice for your own play. Following the lead and brilliance of the champions, take your game to the next level. 264 pages

Fifty of Ray Keene''s columns written for The Article and The British Chess Magazine, in which his primary aim has been to connect chess to wider political, scientific and cultural concerns.

Ten easy lessons teach beginning and novice players everything they need to play and win at chess! This new edition, perfect for beginning and intermediate players, is designed with a cleaner, easier text design and large easy-to-use diagrams. Ten easy lessons teach beginning and novice players everything they need to play and win at chess. From setting up a chessboard and moving the pieces, to basic concepts and winning strategies—and even how to get rated and play on the Internet—this is a great book for players looking to learn how to play and/or improve their game. The book is jam-packed with numerous examples, hundreds of easy-to-read diagrams, and clear explanations, to make learning both easy and fun. Chapters cover rules, basic openings, strategy, tactics, computer chess, middle game and endgame play, making this book perfect for budding chess players!

Ray Keene selects and annotates his most interesting games against such giants as Anatoly Karpov, Mikhail Botvinik, Mikhail Tal, Jan Timman, John Nunn, Tony Miles and Svetozar Gligoric. Originally published as a private limited edition.

The dramatic World Championship match in which Vladimir Kramnik surprisingly overthrew Garry Kasparov, the highest rated chess champion in the history of the game was, thanks to the internet, followed by more chess enthusiasts than any other chess championship match in chess history. For a month the eyes of the world were focused on the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith where the two grandmasters fought out their silent duel for two million dollars in prize money and the solid silver Howard Staunton trophy crafted by Asprey and Garrard, the Queen''s jewelers. Millions of viewers around the world followed the match live on the Brain Games website, www.braingames.net and this book distills the very best of the comments made by grandmasters on the spot and the players themselves. It also gives full details of how anyone can enter for the forthcoming Brain Games World Championship qualifier with the ultimate goal of competing face to face against the new world chess champion. (5 3/4 x 8 1/4, 128 pages, color photos, diagrams, charts)

Describes and analyzes each game of the Gary Kasparov-Nigel Short chess match, offers profiles of both contenders, and discusses the controversial decision to break away from FIDE, the World Chess Federation