The endgame is a subtle phase of the game many ordinary players would like to improve. In taking the reader through over 150 instructive examples, taken mostly from his own games, Smyslov covers a very broad range of positions - and provides an excellent overall insight into the endgame as a whole. Unlike standard endgame manuals, which concetrate purely on the most basic and technical positions, this book has numerous examples with many pieces on the board - the type of endgame you are in fact most likely to reach. By learning from Smyslov's impeccable technique, readers will improve their own endgame abilities - and results! Grandmaster Vasily Smyslov is renowned for his artistic mastery of the endgame, and his 1957 World Championship victory over Botvinnik can be largely attributed to his unique gifts in this aspect of the game. The winner of innumerable first prizes in international tournaments, Smyslov became, at 61, the oldest player ever to qualify for the World Championship Candidates Matches. Now in his mid-seventies, he still participates constantly in international events - with remarkable success.

Suchen Sie eine verscharfte Abwechslung zu Ihren normalen Eroeffnungen? Moechten Sie etwas Aufregendes und Neues ausprobieren? Moechten Sie erfahrene Gegner uberraschend aus dem Gleichgewicht bringen? Nur zu - mit John Watsons Gefahrliche Waffen - Franzoesisch liegen Sie genau richtig!Ihr Ziel besteht darin, mit den Leserinnen und Lesern die zahlreichen schlagkraftigen Ideen einer Eroeffnung zu erkunden und daraus "gefahrliche Waffen" zu entwickeln. Wer auf diesen Pfaden unterwegs ist, kann leicht auch einmal einen starkeren Spieler aus dessen "Eroeffnungsbahn" werfen. Dies gelingt vor allem dann, wenn der andere das Pech hat, Gefahrliche Waffen noch nicht zu kennen. Die von Franzoesisch-Experte John Watson hier vorgestellten "Waffen" der Franzoesischen Verteidigung sind innovativ, brandgefahrlich und unglaublich raffiniert. Auch einige zu Unrecht verworfene Varianten werden neu entdeckt. Der Internationale Meister John Watson ist ein angesehener Autor. Zahlreiche Preise hat er bereits gewonnen. Seine Bucher werden von Lesern und Kritikern gleichermassen gelobt.

The Slav Defence (1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6) has been one of Black's most reliable defences to the queen's pawn since its adoption by World Champions Alekhine and Euwe in the 1930s. Nowadays it is very popular both at grandmaster level (it is used regularly by Ivanchuk, Lautier and Short) and with club players. In this book Grandmaster Matthew Sadler explains the strategy and tactics of this perennial favourite. Through the use of model games for both sides, the author provides a thorough grounding in the key ideas, so that readers can quickly and confidently start to use the Slav in their own games. Also included is a survey of the trendy new 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 a6 variation.