Best Selling Books by Raymond Keene

This book recounts the fourth and penultimate chapter in the half-decade long rivalry which erupted between Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. In the eyes of many this conflict symbolised the clash between the Brezhnev-inspired forces of reaction in the old USSR and the new Gorbachev/Yeltsin-driven imperatives which ultimately led to the collapse of the creaking Soviet empire.

Why are certain openings fashionable and why do others vanish? Is this based on an objective evaluation or on mere whim? How were Openings principles first elaborated and by whom? And are the experts on openings always right?

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 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.

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.

Chess is the most popular mind sport in the world played regularly by over 600 million people. This book will teach you through the actual gameplay and tactics employed by world champions such as Spassky, Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov and Anand. Interspersed with the examples are informative notes on the history, culture and personalities of chess. Beautifully produced, The Times Little Book of Chess Secrets is a treasure in itself and makes a perfect gift for all word enthusiasts and aspiring chess players the world over. The Times Little Book of Chess Secrets is produced in Association with The Times. Raymond Keene OBE is a former British champion, gold medallist in the European Championship and author of over a hundred books on chess, translated into twelve different languages, the world record. He is chess correspondent for The Times, The Sunday Times and The Australian (Sydney). His daily chess column in The Times regularly tops the polls for most readers.

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