Good Chess Openings Books For Beginners and Beyond
Here is a sampling of good chess openings books, particularly suitable for the improving chess amateur - from beginner to expert, and beyond. If you are looking for an introductory, overview or survey of a specific opening beyond the books listed here, check out the "Starting Out...", "...Move By Move" and "First Steps..." series of books published by Everyman Chess, as well as the "...Explained" series by Gambit Publications.
Be sure also to check out my blog article Chess Openings Resources for Beginners and Beyond.
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Recommended Chess Books
** Click on the titles for additional information, reader reviews, etc., of the book on Amazon.com. Google Books provides preview book excerpts for some titles. For online chess book reading and/or downloading, see my blog article: https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/scribd-com-for-online-chess-book-reading **
Discovering Chess Openings: Building Opening Skills from Basic Principles
By John Emms. This is a MUST-READ for the beginner-novice. Simply the best book to learn basic chess opening PRINCIPLES. Be aware that this is not an openings reference or manual of opening variations; it is not intended to provide comprehensive coverage of specific openings. However, if you are uncertain about opening FUNDAMENTALS or what you should be thinking and doing during the opening, this book does an exceptional job of addressing and clarifying these issues.
Chess Openings
By Mike Basman. A well-written, instructive book, targeted to the beginner-novice, focusing on the application of opening PRINCIPLES and techniques. Does a better than average job of explaining not only HOW to play the opening, but WHY moves are made. Features tutorial overview chapters on the following openings: Giuoco Piano, Sicilian Dragon, Queen's Gambit, Nimzo-Indian Defence, and Morra Gambit. This would be a good supplement-companion to John Emms' "Discovering Chess Openings..." (above). See also "Chess Openings for Juniors" and "Winning In The Opening", both by J.N. (John) Walker.
Back to Basics: Openings
By Carsten Hansen. Provides an introductory overview of not only basic opening principles and theory, but a broad survey of essentially every chess opening. While the treatment of each opening is cursory, it is helpful in gauging what the opening is about, providing perspective and sufficient exposure to aid in deciding which openings you might be interested in pursuing in more depth. See also "Winning Chess Openings" by Yasser Seirawan.
Also, for those who have a penchant for chess history, and who do not mind dealing with the older "Descriptive" chess notation, I highly recommend the instructive (though dated in terms of the latest theory, as it was originally published in 1935) "How to Play the Chess Openings" by Eugene A. Znosko-Borovsky. The book is a treasure trove of pearls of chess opening wisdom and, like all of Z-N's books, a delight to read.
Chess Openings: Traps And Zaps
By Bruce Pandolfini. A two-volume series introducing the king pawn openings (those beginning with 1.e4). As the title indicates, the books' focus is exclusively on opening tactics and traps. Every beginner should acquire some familiarity with typical opening mistakes and how to exploit and/or avoid them. For additional instruction on opening tactics and attacking play see "The Winning Way" by Bruce Pandolfini and "Simple Attacking Plans" by Fred Wilson.
FCO: Fundamental Chess Openings
By Paul van der Sterren. Possibly the best single-volume openings reference. Extremely well written. Covers all the major openings. For a good, but more succinct treatment see "Understanding the Chess Openings" by Sam Collins.
Chess Opening Essentials
By Stefan Djuric and Dimitry Komarov. A four-volume series. The entire series comprise a well executed survey of all the openings, targeted to the class-club level player. Well written, with instructive commentary. Be sure to check out all four volumes.
Mastering the Chess Openings
By John Watson. A four-volume series. A well written, comprehensive treatment of opening theory, principles, plans and themes for most of the major openings. If one is seriously interested in understanding the openings, and opening theory in general, these are among the very best references for that purpose. Kudos to IM Watson for this valuable addition to the chess openings literature.
The Ideas Behind the Chess Openings
By Reuben Fine. A classic. Focuses on explaining the underlying IDEAS behind all the major openings. While some of Fine's analysis of specific lines may be challenged by recent opening theory, by focusing on the IDEAS discussed, your understanding of the openings will certainly improve.
Pawn Structure Chess
By Andrew Soltis. A classic. While not strictly an openings book per se, Soltis describes and analyzes the major pawn structures arising from the opening and their implications for how to plan. See also the excellent "Chess Structures: A Grandmaster Guide" by Mauricio Flores Rios; "Chess Success: Planning After the Opening" by Neil McDonald.
Mastering Opening Strategy
By Johan Hellsten. A structured course in the strategic concepts of opening play, presented in a collection of instructively annotated games of the masters. The book is targeted to experienced players, intermediate level and beyond, who are familiar with the concepts and techniques of positional-strategic chess. Exercises for the student, with solutions, are presented at the end of each chapter. Included at the end of the book are an Index of the openings examined, as well as an index of players.
Understanding Before Moving
By Herman Grooten. Three volumes...
Understanding before Moving 1: Ruy Lopez - Italian Structures
Understanding before Moving 2 - Queen's Gambit Structures
Understanding Before Moving 3 - Sicilian Structures - Part 1: Najdorf & Scheveningen
Each volume is dedicated specifically to explaining the ideas - the thematic pawn structures, strategies and techniques of the respective opening systems. I recommend these books if you plan to adopt any of these as your primary opening.
First Steps: 1 e4 e5
By John Emms. Targeted to the beginner-intermediate player, provides an instructive introduction and overview of the ideas, plans, tactics and strategies of all the major double king pawn openings, including the Italian Game, Evans Gambit, Two Knights Defense, Ruy Lopez, Four Knights Game, Scotch Game and others. This is another fine effort by one of the better chess authors - I highly recommend it, particularly for the beginner-novice. For a follow-on, in-depth introduction to these openings, see "Starting Out: Open Games" by Glenn Flear.
Chess Openings for Black, Explained: A Complete Repertoire
By Lev Alburt et al. This is the second of a two-volume series, which together with its companion "Chess Openings for White, Explained", comprise a complete opening repertoire targeted to the beginner-intermediate player.
For Lev Alburt's BLACK repertoire ("Chess Openings for Black, Explained"), the main line against 1.e4 is the Sicilian Defense - Accelerated Dragon, and against 1.d4, Black will play the Nimzo-Indian Defense, if given the opportunity.
Also from Black's perspective in the "Open Game" (1.e4 e5) see "Play the Open Games As Black" by John Emms; "Beating the Open Games, 2nd Ed." by Mihail Marin; "How to Beat the Open Games" by Sverre Johnsen; "Opening Repertoire: The Open Games with Black" by Martin Lokander; "Bologan's Black Weapons In The Open Games..." by Victor Bologan; "Playing 1.e4 e5" by Nikolaos Ntirlis; "Play 1 e4 e5: A Complete Repertoire for Black in the Open Games" by Nigel Davies.
For Lev Alburt's WHITE repertoire ("Chess Openings for White, Explained"), the main line in the open game (1.e4 e5) features either of the Scotch Gambit, Italian Game/Giuoco Piano, or Two Knights Defense, depending on how Black responds; Against the Sicilian Defense, White plays the Grand Prix Attack (1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 - with f2-f4 soon to follow); against the Caro-Kann Defense, White plays the Exchange Variation (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5); against the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5) White responds with 3.Nc3.
Also from the White perspective - with 1.e4 see "Beating 1 e4 e5: A Repertoire for White in the Open Games" and "Attacking With 1 e4", both by John Emms; "Winning With the Slow (but Venomous!) Italian" by Muller & Souleidis; "Beating Unusual Defenses 1 e4" by Andrew Greet.
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White
By Vincent Moret. Here is a dynamic opening repertoire for White based on 1.e4, targeted to the beginner-intermediate player. The approach is somewhat different from most repertoire books. The author's stated intention is to present an aggressive, yet sound set of openings which can be learned with "minimal" study. That is, he has purposefully restricted the amount of material to that which is sufficient to understand the main themes of the recommended variations. The presentation is focused on select variations that have a higher probability of actually being able to be played by White, while eschewing the myriad lines which have less likelihood. This cuts down significantly on the amount of material to be studied. If you require more information related to the openings he presents, you should consult resources which treat them more comprehensively. But the author's intent is to get you started playing the recommended lines as quickly as possible by learning themes and plans, as opposed to memorizing lots of variations (i.e., "theory").
The author also does a better than average job of explaining not only WHAT you should be trying to do in each line (the themes), but also takes time to clarify WHY you are making the recommended moves (as opposed to other, alternative moves), and in many cases lays out the procedure for HOW you should go about playing the lines. Many authors don't go to the same lengths to explain things as thoroughly. In fact, you will learn a lot about how to just play good chess from this book.
Which lines are covered in the book?
White's main line in the open game will be the Italian Game - Giuoco Piano - 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5. Also presented is a response to The Two Knights Defense (3...Nf6), when White will respond with 4.Ng5. The Italian Game is an opening you can grow with and play for the rest of your chess career, including at the highest levels*.
Against the Sicilian Defense, White will play the Grand Prix Attack - 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 - following up with a quick f2-f4. Moret's instruction for how to play the Grand Prix Attack as White is outstanding, the best I have seen.
Against the French Defense - 1.e4 e6 - White responds with the King's Indian Attack.
Against the Caro-Kann Defense, White will play the Advance Variation - 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 looking to follow with e6 and the so-called Night Attack.
Against The Pirc/Modern Defenses - 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 - White will head for the St.George Attack/Yugoslav Attack.
He briefly covers other responses by Black as well, for example The Scandinavian Defense, Philidor's Defense and Petroff Defense.
Overall this is a fun, yet effective White opening repertoire, instructively presented, which the intended audience can quickly get up to speed playing, with "minimal" study required. Here is an excerpt-preview of the book. For online, interactive learning be sure to check out the Chessable course based on the book.
* For an advanced treatment of the Italian Game I recommend the excellent "Winning With The Slow But Venomous Italian" by Karsten Muller & Georgios Souleidis. This repertoire is focused on the 4.c3 /5.d3 variation of the Italian Game, which is a "slower" version of the "faster" 4.c3 / 5.d4 Italian Game presented in Moret's Italian Game repertoire for White.
Last, but not least, is another very good introductory repertoire book on the Italian Game by John Emms - "Beating 1 e4 e5". Similar to the approach of the book by Muller & Souleidis, Emms' repertoire focuses on the "slow" 4.c3 / 5.d3 variation. Emms also includes a chapter treating the Bishop's Opening (1.e4 e5 2.Bc4) move order for entering the Italian Game, which avoids the Petroff Defense by Black. According to Emms - "The only way White can guarantee obtaining a system of development with Bc4, d3, and Nf3 is by using the Bishop's Opening move order."
Collectively, the three books above should teach an amateur player (and beyond) essentially everything they need to know to play the Italian Game at a high level.
From Black's perspective, see Vincent Moret's "My First Chess Opening Repertoire for Black". Against 1.e4, Black's repertoire features the Scandinavian Defense, Portuguese Variation; against 1.d4, the Albin Countergambit and the Stonewall Dutch Defense are featured, depending on how White responds. Moret in the book's introduction explains his choice of repertoire as follows: "I have deliberately chosen aggressive variations. Playing aggressive openings allows the development of one's tactical vision in open positions, which can only benefit progression." I believe this repertoire for Black could be especially useful for speed chess (bullet, blitz, rapid), not only for the aggressive character of Black's responses, but also because White will typically not be expecting, nor well prepared for how to optimally deal with these particular defenses. Here is an excerpt-preview of the book. And a Chessable course based on the book.
The intent of both of Moret's opening repertoires, for White and Black, is to promote interesting, dynamic and aggressive play where understanding of relatively straight-forward themes and plans, as opposed to memorization of myriad disparate lines, is the focus of the presentations.
Keep It Simple 1.e4 & Keep It Simple 1.d4
by Christof Sielecki. Two volumes. The titles say it all. About as simple as it can get for complete and comprehensive White opening repertoires for 1.e4 & 1.d4 players. For details on the specific openings employed in these books I suggest checking them out on Chessable, and/or the pdf excerpts on the publisher's website (New In Chess).
Keep It Simple For Black
by Christof Sielecki. A complete repertoire for Black against 1.e4 / 1.d4 / 1.c4 / 1.Nf3 and other first moves by White. For details of the repertoire, check out the Chessable course on the book and/or the pdf excerpt from the publisher's (New In Chess) website. Notable is that the book was Chessable's Winner of the Best Opening Course & Course of the Year 2021.
Better Chess Openings
By J.E.F. Kaan. This provides a complete opening repertoire for both White and Black, accessible to the beginner-intermediate player and beyond. For White, repertoires based on 1.e4 (featuring the Ruy Lopez) and also on 1.d4 are offered (you have a choice!). For Black, against 1.e4 the repertoire recommends 1...e5 for beginner-novice and 1...e6 (French Defense) for intermediate players. Against 1.d4, 1...Nf6 (Queen's Gambit - QGD/QGA and Indian Defenses - Nimzo/Bogo) are featured. Overall this is a solid and comprehensive opening repertoire, one which will stand the test of time, and can be played for the rest of your chess career. The Amazon Kindle eBook edition has the title "Learning The Chess Openings" by the same author.
An Idiot-Proof Chess Opening Repertoire
by Graham Burgess. A complete opening repertoire for White and Black, targeted to the intermediate and above player. For White, Burgess presents the the English opening - 1. c4. For Black against 1.e4 we have the Scandinavian Defense featuring the 3...Qd6 variation, while against 1.d4 the featured defense is a hybrid of Queen's Gambit Accepted and the Slav Defense, and several other systems depending on how White Responds. Lines against other major responses by the opponent are also presented.
A Cunning Chess Opening Repertoire for White
By Graham Burgess. For the advanced, intermediate and above player. Burgess presents a flexible opening repertoire for White based on 1.d4/2.Nf3 and continuing with a choice of three systems of development - depending on how Black responds - either an early 1) Bf4 (hybrid Queen's Gambit/London System setup), or 2) Bg5 (Torre Attack), or 3) White kingside fianchetto setup against the King's Indian, Grunfeld and related Black defenses. Also see "The Gambit Guide to the Torre Attack" by Graham Burgess, and “Starting Out: The Trompowsky Attack” by Richard Palliser, both of which feature an early Bg5 by White.
A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White
By John Watson. An opening repertoire for White based around 1.d4/2.c4 Queen's Gambit lines, targeted to the advanced player. John Watson is a reknown openings theoretician.
Kaufman's New Repertoire for Black and White
By Larry Kaufman. A complete opening repertoire for both White and Black, targeted to the advanced player. For White the opening is 1.e4 featuring the Ruy Lopez or Italian Game (your choice). For Black, 1...e5 against 1.e4 - aiming for the Marshall Attack or Breyer Defense (your choice) against the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening), and 1...d5 against 1.d4 - aiming for the Grunfeld Defense. For aspiring masters, this may be the only openings book you need!
Publisher's except with details of the repertoire...
https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/9082a.pdf
Play 1...d6 Against Everything
By Erik Zude & Jorg Hickl. A complete Black repertoire featuring the Antoshin Variation of the Philidor Defense against 1.e4 and the Old Indian Defense against 1.d4. The authors say that there are only a limited number of plans, ideas and structures that you need to learn. A similar (i.e., Old Indian against 1.d4 and Philidor Defense against 1.e4) repertoire book for both Black and White featuring 1...d6 for Black, with an identical (colors reversed) pawn structure for White, is Side-Stepping Mainline Theory by Gerard Welling & Steve Giddens. See also "The Old Indian: Move by Move" by Junior Tay; "A Universal Weapon 1.d4 d6" by Vladimir Barsky.
Play 1...Nc6!: A Complete Chess Opening Repertoire For Black
By Christoph Scheerer. An opening repertoire for Black. Features the Nimzowitsch Defense (1.e4 Nc6) and Chigorin Defense (1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nc6). While considered somewhat offbeat, these defenses allow you to pull the rug out from under your opponent right from the start, and play the opening on your terms! See also "The Dark Knight System: A repertoire with 1...Nc6" by James Schuyler.
Dealing with d4 Deviations: Fighting The Trompowsky, Torre, Blackmar-Diemer, Stonewall, Colle And Other Problem Openings
By John Cox. Presents a coherent opening repertoire for Black against the so-called Queen's Pawn openings - the Colle, London, Trompowsky, Torre and Veresov sytems and the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. See also "Beating 1.d4 Sidelines" by Boris Avrukh; "Beating Unusual Chess Openings..." by Richard Palliser; "Beating Minor Openings" by Victor Mikhalevski; "Taming Wild Chess Openings..." by John Watson and Eric Schiller. At least one of these of books is almost essential for Black! For players of 1.d4 as White, see "1.d4 - Beat The Guerillas!" by Valeri Bronznik.
A Chess Opening Repertoire for Blitz & Rapid
By Evgeny & Vladimir Sveshnikov. The book's subtitle reads - "Sharp, Surprising and Forcing Lines for Black and White". This is a repertoire for both White and Black designed specifically for short time control games (bullet/blitz/rapid), against the opponent's major opening tries. The White repertoire against 1.e4 e5 features the Vienna Game- 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3; against the Sicilian Defense - 1.e4 c5 2.b3; against the Caro-Kann - 1.e4 c6 2.Nc3; against the French Defense - 1.e4 e6 2.Nf3. The Black repertoire against 1.e4 features Alekhine's Defense - 1.e4 Nf6; against 1.d4 the Queen's Gambit Accepted - 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4; against the English Opening - 1.c4 c5; against the Reti - 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 d4 and 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3 Bg4.
How to Build Your Chess Opening Repertoire
By Steve Giddins. A book to guide you in the considerations involved in choosing your openings - the title says it all. For some opening repertoire suggestions see...
http://www.chesspublishing.com/content/repert.htm
https://www.chesspublishing.com/content/repert2.htm
http://www.mark-weeks.com/aboutcom/aa02i07.htm
http://grandpatzerchess.blogspot.com/2007/03/openings-for-improving-players-part-1.html
Alterman Gambit Guide
By Boris Alterman. Playing gambits is fun, but most importantly in so doing you will hone your tactical and attacking skills, while learning the importance of seizing and maintaining the initiative. This is a 3-volume series in which the author offers a select gambit repertoire for both White and Black. The treatment of the gambits covered is quite instructive. The first volume covers White gambits (G.) as follows: Danish G., Urusov G., Cochran G., Evans G., Morra G., and the Milner-Barry G.. Several other openings are covered including the Morphy Attack vs the Two Knights Defense, the Max Lange Attack and the Panov-Botvinnik Attack. The second volume features Black Gambits against 1.d4 and 1.c4, primarily the Benko G., Blumenfeld G. and Vaganian G.. The third volume continues with Black Gambits against 1.e4 and 1.f4 - The Marshall Attack, Hector G., Traxler Counterattack, Frankenstein-Dracula G., Falkbeer Counter G., and From's G. See also "Open Gambits" by George Botterill. A site devoted to gambits: http://www.ianchessgambits.com/
King's Gambit
By John Shaw. The most comprehensive book on the King's Gambit. The opening begins 1.e4 e5 2.f4. If you want to play an exciting opening that emphasizes wide-open positions, with highly tactical, attacking chess, play the King's Gambit! See also "The Fascinating King's Gambit" by Thomas Johansson.
Play The Evans Gambit
By Tim Harding and Bernard Cafferty. The opening begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c4. Along with the King's Gambit, Evans Gambit was one of the most popular of the "romantic" King pawn openings of the 19th century, and neither has yet to be refuted. Although rarely seen at elite levels today, the Evans is still a dangerous weapon in the hands of the well prepared first player, while offering a dynamic, entertaining game for both players. Also by Tim Harding see "Evans Gambit And A System vs Two Knights Defense" (Revised 2nd Ed.); "Alterman Gambit Guide - White Gambits" by Boris Alterman (see citation above); While each of these books is certainly worthwhile for the serious EG player, in terms of current theory the most up-to-date book on the EG, and the one I would recommend for players who might wish to include the opening as a component of their opening repertoire is, "The Great Evans Gambit Debate" by Michael Rohde.
The Vienna Gambit for the Club Player
by Colin Payne & Mike Reid. An aggressive, attacking White opening which many consider to be an improved version of the King's Gambit. The game begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 when White will soon deploy pawns on d3 and f4, along with Bc4 & Nf3. See also "Vienna Game" by Gary Lane; "The Modern Vienna Game" by Ovetchkin & Soloviov.
Starting Out: The Scotch Game
by John Emms. A solid opening for White starting which begins 1.e4 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4. This opening has been played at the highest levels, in particular by Kasparov in his World Championship match against Karpov. Relatively easy to learn, interesting to play. See also "The Scotch Gambit: An Energetic and Aggressive System for White" by Alex Fishbein; "Play The Ponziani" by Taylor & Hayward. Note: Lev Alburt's opening repertoire book for White (below) features the Scotch GAMBIT.
Ruy Lopez: Move by Move
By Neil McDonald. An instructive introduction to the "King of the Chess Openings"! All chess players should eventually become acquainted with this opening (also known as the "Spanish Opening") - you will become a better chess player for it. See also "Easy Guide To The Ruy Lopez" by John Emms; "Play The Ruy Lopez" by Andrew Greet; "Ruy Lopez Main Line" by Glenn Flear.
A Spanish Repertoire for Black
By Mihail Marin. A repertoire for Black against the Spanish Game (aka The Ruy Lopez). The primary variation recommended is the Chigorin. A typically thorough and instructive work by GM Marin.
How to Play Against 1 e4
By Neil McDonald. Disregarding its ambiguous choice of title, this book is a very instructive introduction to the French Defense, targeted to the novice-intermediate player. GM McDonald, an expert in the French, does an excellent job of explaining the reasoning behind the moves and how they contribute to the themes and plans of each variation. Also instructive are "Mastering the French" by Neil McDonald and "First Steps: The French" By Cyrus Lakdawala. See also "Play the French" by John Watson; "The Even More Flexible French..." by Viktor Moskalenko; "Chess Explained - The French" by Eingorn & Bogdanov; "The Modern French: A Complete Guide for Black" by Antic & Maksimovic; "French Defense The Solid Rubinstein Variation", 2nd Ed., by Hannes Langrock. For an aggressive repertoire in the opening see "Attacking Chess The French" by Simon Williams.
Win With The Caro-Kann
by Sverre Johnsen & T.R. Hansen. A complete repertoire in the Caro-Kann defense to 1.e4. See also the repertoire "Playing The Caro-Kann" by Lars Schandorff. In the main-line Classical Defense both books feature the sharp and aggressive Korchnoi (aka Tartakower) Variation - 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6 exf6 - which should appeal to players preferring dynamic counterplay as Black. For a Caro-Kann repertoire featuring the fashionable, solid main-line Capablanca Variation - 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 - see "Opening Repertoire: The Caro-Kann" by Jovanka Houska and Grandmaster Repertoire 7: The Caro-Kann by Lars Schandorf. To be clear, in addition to the aforementioned lines, all of these books address all of the major replies/variations by White to the Caro-Kann.
Understanding the Scandinavian
By Sergey Kasparov. A defense (1.e4 d5) which allows Black to dictate the course of the opening from his first move. With the move 1...d5 Black avoids all of the popular King-pawn openings White can employ, and forces White to play the opening on Black's terms! See also "The Scandinavian" by John Emms and "Starting Out: The Scandinavian" by Jovanka Houska. All three books above cover all variations of the Scandinavian. For the 3...Qa5 variation, see "The Modern Scandinavian" by Wahls, Muller & Langrock which is probably the most comprehensive book on this particular variation. Also for 3...Qa5 see the excellent "The Scandinavian for Club Players" by Thomas Willemze. For books dealing exclusively with the 3...Qd6 variation see "Scandinavian Defense: The Dynamic 3... Qd6" by Michael Melts, "The Scandinavian: Move By Move" by Cyrus Lakdawala, and "The Safest Scandinavian" by Vassilios Kotronias which provides a very thorough repertoire in the 3...Qd6 variation. For the 3...Qd8 variation, see "The 3...Qd8 Scandinavian: Simple and Strong" by Daniel Lowinger. For those who prefer a sharp, counter-attacking style, see "Smerdon's Scandinavian" by David Smerdon, which features the 2...Nf6, Portuguese and Icelandic Gambit variations.
Starting Out: Alekhine's Defense
By John Cox. The Alekhine is a sharp, counter-attacking defense (1.e4 Nf6) for Black that typically leads quickly to a highly tactical style of play. The defense tends to appeal to the second player who seeks to dictate the course of the opening from the outset, obviating White's opening preparation. See also Alekhine's Defense by Nigel Davies and Alekhine Alert! by Timothy Taylor.
The Philidor Files
By Christian Bauer. The Philidor Defense is a response to 1.e4, where Black plays ...d6/...Nf6/...e5 typically within the first three moves. It can be played in a strategic, positional or a sharp, tactical manner. Bauer's book strives to provide definitive coverage of this solid defense. Also dealing exclusively with the Philidor is "A Cunning Chess Opening For Black" by Sergey Kasparov.
Starting Out: The Sicilian
By John Emms. A comprehensive survey/overview of all variations of the most popular of Black's defenses to 1.e4 - The Sicilian Defense (1.e4 c5). This book will help you decide if the Sicilian is for you. See also "Mastering The Sicilian Defense" by Danny Kopec and the instructive "How To Play The Sicilian Defense" by Levy & O'Connell - MacMillan Chess Library publisher.
Starting Out: The Sicilian Dragon
By Andrew Martin. Some introductory books on specific Sicilian Defense variations to get you started: "The Sicilian Dragon: Move by Move" by Carsten Hansen; "Play the Sicilian Dragon" by Edward Dearing; "Starting Out: The Accelerated Dragon" by Andrew Greet; "The Sicilian Scheveningen Move By Move" by Lorin D'costa; "Easy Guide to the Sicilian Scheveningen" by Steffen Pedersen; "Starting Out: Sicilian Najdorf" by Richard Palliser; "Easy Guide to the Najdorf" by Tony Kosten; "Play the Najdorf Scheveningen Style" by John Emms; "Sicilian Taimanov Move by Move" by John Emms; "Starting Out: Sicilian Sveshnikov" by John Cox; "The Killer Sicilian: Fighting 1e4 with the Kalashnikov" by Tony Rotella; "Meeting 1e4" by Alexander Raetsky; "The Chameleon Variation: Confronting the Sicilian on Your Own Terms" by Carsten Hansen; "The Lazy Man's Sicilian" by Valeri Bronznik & Steve Giddins.
Experts on the Anti-Sicilian
By Jacob Aagaard and John Shaw. A Sicilian repertoire for Black against most of the standard anti-Sicilian weapons White can employ, including the c3 Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack, Closed Sicilian, King's Indian Attack, Bb5 systems, Morra Gambit and others. Each chapter is written by an expert on that particular variation. See also "Fighting the Anti-Sicilians" by Richard Palliser, "Anti-Sicilians A Guide for Black" by D.Rogozenko and "Beating the Anti-Sicilians" by Vassilios Kotronias.
Experts vs. the Sicilian
By Jacob Aagaard and John Shaw. A repertoire for White in the "Open" Sicilian (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4). Chapters covering each variation are written by different authors - experts on that particular variation. See also "Dismantling the Sicilian" by Jesus de la Villa; "Sicilian Attacks" by Yuri Yakovic; "Modernized: The Open Sicilian" by Amanov & Kavutskly.
Starting Out: The c3 Sicilian
By John Emms. An anti-Sicilian weapon for White. Play 1.e4 c5 2.c3 and avoid the Open Sicilian variations that Black is hoping to play!
How to Beat the Sicilian Defence: An Anti-Sicilian Repertoire For White
By Gawain Jones. An anti-Sicilian repertoire for White based around 2.Nf3 and 3.Bb5. Also covers the King's Indian Attack if Black plays 2...e6. See also "The Bb5 Sicilian" by Richard Palliser.
Starting Out: Sicilian Grand Prix Attack
By Gawain Jones. An anti-Sicilian weapon for White based around either 2.f4, or 2.Nc3 followed by 3.f4. See also "The Grand Prix Attack..." By Evgeny Sveshnikov.
Starting Out: Closed Sicilian
By Richard Palliser. An anti-Sicilian weapon for White. Prevent Black from playing his favorite open Sicilian variation by playing the Closed Sicilian with the setup 1.e4 - 2.Nc3 - 3. g3 - 4. Bg2 - 5.d3. Note the similarities between White's initial pawn placement in the Closed Sicilian and in the King's Indian Attack (below).
The King's Indian Attack: Move By Move
By Neil McDonald. A universal system of opening development for White which can be played against virtually any Black defense including 1...e5, 1...c5, 1...c6, 1...e6, 1...d5, 1...Nf6, and 1...f5. As such it can be employed as a "one stop shopping" opening repertoire for the White player. White's initial setup features the moves: Nf3 - g3 - Bg2 - d3 - O-O - Nbd2 - e4. The move order will vary depending on how Black responds. Thus it is relatively easy to learn White's basic setup and plans. See also "Starting Out: King's Indian Attack" by John Emms.
Starting Out: The Colle
By Richard Palliser. A queen pawn opening system for White beginning with 1.d4. There are two primary variants of the Colle. This volume is focused on the Colle-Koltanowski setup. For the other main variant, see Palliser's "Starting Out: d-pawn Attacks: The Colle-Zukertort, Barry and 150 Attacks". See also "A Killer Chess Opening Repertoire (2010 ed.)" by Aaron Summerscale & Sverre Johnsen which features the Colle-Zukertort setup for White.
The London System in 12 Practical Lessons
by Oscar de Prado . Thorough coverage of The London System, a flexible Queen's Pawn (1.d4) Opening system for White featuring an early Bf4, A relatively "easy" opening system for White to learn, while not particularly pleasant for Black to defend against. See also "The Agile London System" by Romero & De Prado; "Win with the London System" By Johnsen & Kovacevic; "Winning With the Modern London System" (2 volumes) by Nikola Sedlak; "The London System - Properly Played" by Marcus Schmucker; "Fighting The London System" by Kiril Georgiev.
The Jobava London System
By Simon Williams (aka 'Ginger GM'). At the time of this writing (August 2022) this is the only reasonably thorough book devoted to this variant of the London System. In contrast to the standard London System which features an early Nf3 and Bf4, the Jobava London typically features Nc3 on White's second move, with Bf4 soon to follow. The author does a good job of explaining the various themes and plans, which are presented within the context of complete, annotated games.
Starting Out 1 d4
by John Cox. This is a complete opening repetoire for White, who will play the Queen's Gambit (1.d4 / 2. c4), given the opportunity. However, all responses by Black to 1.d4 are treated.
The following two books are introductory overviews covering all variations of the Queen's Gambit, Accepted and Declined, and where the presentation favors neither piece color: "Starting Out: The Queen's Gambit" by John Shaw - an introductory overview of the Queen's Gambit after 1.d4 d5 2.c4. Similar to Shaw's book is "First Steps: The Queen's Gambit" by Andrew Martin.
Queen's Gambit Declined
By Matthew Sadler. A defense for Black against the Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4); this is a very instructive introduction to the QGD covering the major variations. The book was the winner of British Chess Federation Book of the Year award for 2000. Another excellent introduction to the QGD is "Starting Out: Queen's Gambit Declined" by Neil McDonald. "Countering the Queen's Gambit" by Michael Prusikin, an opening repertoire for Black in the QGD (with 2...e6), where the primary focus of the presentation is on pawn structures (primarily the Carlsbad and Tartakower setups) and on middlegame ideas, themes, and plans. The repertoire also treats White's tries with the Queen's Pawn openings (London System, Torre Attack, Colle System, etc.) as well as other of White first moves (1.Nf3/1.c4/1.f4 etc.) See also “Chess Explained: The Queen’s Gambit Declined” by James Rizzitano; "Declining the Queen's Gambit" by John Cox. Covering the Queen's Gambit ACCEPTED are "How To Beat 1.d4", by James Rizzitano, as well as "Starting Out: Queen's Gambit Accepted" by A. Raetsky & M. Chetverik. See also, "Starting Out: The Slav and Semi-Slav" by Glenn Flear; "The Slav" and "The Semi-Slav", both by Matthew Sadler. (Note: With the exception of Rizzitano's QGD book, which presentation favors neither piece color, these books are written primarily from the point of view of the player of the Black pieces.)
Starting Out: The King's Indian
By Joe Gallagher. The King's Indian Defense has historically been one of the most popular, as well as most aggressive, of Black's responses to White's opening sequence 1.d4/2.c4 - the Queen's Gambit. The opening typically begins - 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6. See also "Play the King's Indian" by Joe Gallagher, "Understanding the King's Indian" by Mikhail Golubev, "Attacking Chess the King's Indian" (2 Vols) by David Vigorito, "Modernized The King's Indian Defense" by Dejan Bojkov, "Bologan's King's Indian" by Victor Bologan.
The Nimzo-Indian: Move by Move
By John Emms. The Nimzo-Indian is one of the most solid and popular defenses for Black against The Queen's Gambit. The Nimzo-Indian Defense begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. See also "Startng Out: The Nimzo-Indian" by Chris Ward; "Easy Guide To The Nimzo-Indian" by John Emms; "Mastering the Nimzo-Indian" by Tony Kosten; "Play The Nimzo-Indian" by Edward Dearing; "Opening Repertoire: Nimzo and Bogo Indian" by Christof Sielecki. As an alternative to the Bogo-Indian and Queen's Indian defenses (when White plays 3.Nf3 instead of 3.Nc3) for those preferring to play more in the style of the Nimzo-Indian (i.e., with an early ...Bb4), see "The Ragozin Complex" by Vladimir Barsky, and "Playing the Ragozin" by Richard Pert.
Starting Out: The Queen's Indian
By John Emms. A Black defense to the Queen's Gambit typically employed when White attempts to avoid the Nimzo-Indian Defense by playing an early Nf3 instead of Nc3. The QID begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6. See also "Chess Explained: The Queen's Indian" by Peter Wells.
The Chigorin Defence Move by Move
By Jimmy Liew. The Chigorin Defense begins 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6, where Black’s second move is a relatively unusual response to the Queen’s Gambit in comparison to many of the popular defenses presented above. As such, your opponent is less likely to be as well prepared against the Chigorin than they might be for more mainstream defenses. As a counter-attacking defense which relies on active piece play to challenge the opponent’s center, the Chigorin Defense readily lends itself to a sharp, tactical style of play. See also "The Chigorin Defense" by Valery Bronznik, and "The Chigorin Defence According to Morozevich" by Alexander Morozevich.
Starting Out: The Dutch Defence
By Neil McDonald. Introduction to a defense against the Queen Pawn game where Black responds 1.d4 f5! Black immediately announces his intention to play the opening on his terms - obviating White's plans and preparation! There are three primary variations of the Dutch allowing for a spectrum of playing styles. The Leningrad Variation is the most aggressive, allowing for fighting, counter-attacking chess right from the start. The Stonewall is more solid, positional, but also with attacking intentions. The Classical Variation takes the middle ground, with maximum flexibility. See also "Play the Dutch" by Neil McDonald, which covers the Leningrad Variation; "Leningrad System: A Complete Weapon Against 1 d4" by Stefan Kindermann"; "Win With the Stonewall Dutch" by Sverre Johnsen & Ivar Bern; "Dutch Stonewall" by Jacob Aagaard; "The Killer Dutch" by Simon Williams, which treats exclusively the Classical Variation, and "The Diamond Dutch" by Viktor Moskalenko, covering all variations.
The Benko Gambit Revealed
by Neil McDonald. This is a very instructive introduction to the Benko Gambit, an aggressive, yet respected defense for Black against White's attempt to play the Queen's Gambit. The opening begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5. If you find other defenses to 1.d4/2.c4 somewhat dull, tedious or otherwise uninspiring, you might find this to be your cup of tea. According to GM McDonald, "When you play the Benko Gambit, you set White the astonishingly difficult task of exploiting the extra pawn...the onus is therefore on White to 'do something'. This is too much pressure for most players, even Grandmasters, and the thing they 'do' is often horrendous". Also instructive are "The Benko Gambit" by Jan Pinski and "The Benko Gambit Move by Move" by Junior Tay. If you find the Benko Gambit appealing (I do!), and especially if you intend to make the Benko Gambit one of your main weapons, I would highly recommend the following book by Valery Aveskulov which offers a complete repertoire against 1.d4 for Black featuring the Benko Gambit...
Attack with Black
By Valery Aveskulov. It must be emphasized that the operative word here is ATTACK! This provides a dynamic, yet sound gambit repertoire for Black against all of White's tries beginning with 1.d4. The repertoire is based around the Blumenfeld, Vaganian and, primarily, the Benko, gambits. An excellent companion to this would be "The Alterman Gambit Guide - Black Gambits 1" by Boris Alterman (see above), which instructively treats the same gambits. From White's perspective see "Squeezing the Gambits: The Benko, Budapest, Albin and Blumenfeld" By Kiril Georgiev.
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For a wide selection of chess books in e-book format I recommend to check out Everyman Chess and Forward Chess.
I also recommend to check out Chessable for their excellent online interactive courses (including openings), many of which are online versions of popular chess books.
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Discover other helpful and instructive chess resources, including more book recommendations, in my Chess.com blog....
For example...
Chess Openings Resources for Beginners and Beyond
Good Chess Books for Beginners and Beyond
