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Fundamental Chess Openings
Paul van der Sterren
4.6
Published: 2009
Pages: 480
ISBN: 9781906454135
Description
* The perfect survival guide to the chess openings * All openings covered * Detailed verbal explanations of plans for both sides * Up-to-date and featuring many tips and recommendations * Insights into the 'character' of each opening * Written by one of the world's foremost opening experts The first moves of a chess game define the nature of the whole struggle, as both players stake their claim to the critical squares and start to develop their plans. It is essential to play purposefully and to avoid falling into traps or reaching a position that you don't understand. This is not a book that provides masses of variations to memorize. Paul van der Sterren instead offers a wealth of ideas and explanation, together with the basic variations of each and every opening. This knowledge will equip players to succeed in the opening up to good club level, and provide a superb grounding in opening play on which to build a more sophisticated repertoire. The strategies he explains will, unlike ever-changing chess opening theory, remain valid as long as chess is played, and so the time spent studying this book will be rewarded many times over. Grandmaster Paul van der Sterren has won the Dutch Championship on two occasions, and in 1993 reached the Candidates stage of the World Chess Championship. He is an internationally renowned chess writer and editor: he was one of the founding editors of New in Chess, for whose Yearbooks he has contributed more than 150 opening surveys.
Where to Buy
About This Book
Fundamental Chess Openings by Grandmaster Paul van der Sterren is the modern successor to classic opening surveys, providing comprehensive coverage of every major chess opening in a single accessible volume. At nearly 500 pages, FCO offers the perfect balance between depth and breadth, making it the ideal opening reference for club players and serious amateurs. Van der Sterren brings impressive credentials to this work. A two-time Dutch Champion who reached the Candidates stage of the World Championship in 1993, he combines practical experience at the highest levels with exceptional skill as a chess writer and editor. His work with New In Chess established him as one of the foremost opening experts in the chess world. What distinguishes FCO from other opening books is its emphasis on ideas over variations. Van der Sterren explains the strategic concepts behind each opening, helping readers understand why certain moves are played rather than just memorizing sequences. This conceptual approach means the knowledge remains valuable even as specific variations evolve with new games and analysis. The book covers every significant opening system, organized logically by first move and subsequent development. Open games (1.e4 e5), Semi-open games (1.e4 with other responses), Closed games (1.d4 d5), Indian defenses, Flank openings - all receive thorough treatment. Each section explains the character of the opening, typical plans for both sides, and the main variations. The writing is clear and instructive throughout. Van der Sterren has a gift for explaining complex strategic ideas in accessible terms. He highlights the critical moments in each opening where understanding trumps memorization, helping readers navigate unfamiliar positions with confidence. The book includes an extensive index of variations that makes it easy to look up specific lines. This reference function is invaluable for post-game analysis and preparation. When you encounter an unfamiliar opening, FCO provides the context needed to understand what's happening and what plans are appropriate. Unlike opening encyclopedias that present endless variations without explanation, FCO prioritizes understanding. Van der Sterren tells you what you need to know at club level and provides the foundation for deeper study if desired. This makes the book practical for players who don't have unlimited time for opening preparation. The strategies explained in FCO remain valid regardless of how opening theory evolves. While specific move orders may change, the underlying ideas - why the Sicilian leads to sharp play, why the Queen's Gambit Declined is solid, why the King's Indian involves opposite-side attacks - are permanent features of these openings. For players building an opening repertoire, FCO serves as an excellent starting point. It helps you understand the character of different openings so you can choose systems that suit your style. Once you've selected your openings, you can pursue deeper study with specialized books while using FCO as a reference for opponents' systems. The book has earned its place as a modern classic, recommended by coaches and praised by players worldwide. It fills the gap between superficial opening overviews and overwhelming theoretical manuals, providing exactly the level of detail that club players need.
What You'll Learn
Understand the strategic ideas behind every major chess opening
Learn the main variations and typical plans for both White and Black
Develop the ability to choose openings that match your playing style
Build a foundation for deeper opening study with specialized books
Gain confidence handling unfamiliar openings through conceptual understanding
Use the comprehensive index for quick reference during preparation and analysis
Who This Book Is For
Fundamental Chess Openings is designed for club players and serious amateurs rated between 1200 and 2000. It's ideal for players who want to understand openings conceptually rather than memorize endless variations. The book serves both as a learning tool for developing a repertoire and as a reference for understanding opponents' systems. Beginners may find some material advanced, while masters will want more theoretical depth, but for the target audience, FCO provides exactly the right level of coverage.
Reader Reviews
Club Player
5.0
The perfect opening book for club players. Van der Sterren explains ideas rather than just listing moves, which is exactly what I needed. I use it to understand my own openings and to prepare against opponents. Comprehensive without being overwhelming.
Chess Improver
5.0
Finally an opening book that makes sense! FCO helped me understand why openings work the way they do. The explanations are clear and the coverage is complete. I refer to it constantly and always learn something. Essential reference for serious players.
Tournament Player
4.0
Excellent one-volume opening reference. The emphasis on ideas over variations is refreshing and practical. Some lines could use more depth for serious tournament preparation, but as a foundation and reference, this book is outstanding.