read - understand - play / Openings - Semi-Open Games

What does a chess player need who is familiar with the rules, but often gets into trouble right away in the opening? This question was the starting point for the authors before they began to compile their material. The result is a book that gives explanations to help the reader understand the 'Semi-Open Games' - such as the French Defense and the Caro-Kann Defense (note that the 'Sicilian Defense' was discussed in a separate volume) - and instructions to show him how to use them. And no matter if he is little or even completely unfamiliar with opening theory, this book gives him easy access to this difficult and comprehensive field. The ideas and plans behind each line are explained in detail to ensure that the reader understands them properly instead of just playing moves that he has learned by heart. Even the sense and purpose of single moves are ex- plained, if they are not quite obvious. Based on the knowledge that the reader will surely acquire by studying this book, it will be easy to build a game and play interesting, entertaining and - last but not least - successful chess.