The French Defence is one of the most solid and strategically rich responses to 1.e4. Many chess opening lines have been analysed to death by computer, but the French is relatively resistant to this growing trend, as the characteristic blocked pawn centre leads to situations where a player with superior understanding can overcome an opponent whose expertise lies in computer-assisted preparation. Acclaimed authors Ntirlis and Aagaard present a complete repertoire for Black based on 3.Nc3 Nf6 and 3.Nd2 c5. With many new discoveries and detailed explanations of positional and strategic motifs, this book is essential reading for those playing this complex opening with either colour.

The Tarrasch Defense arises after the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5. Named after the German World Championship contender and theoretician, this chess opening leads to wildly complex and dynamic play. With new analysis and countless novelties, Ntirlis and Aagaard have worked hard to revive this, the coolest of the classical openings, and thoroughly update it for use by Grandmasters and amateurs alike in the 21st Century.Besides a thorough treatment of the Tarrasch Defense, advice is given against White's less critical but equally popular alternatives, such as the London System, the Colle, the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, and so on.