Gambiteer II

GAMBITEER II
Author: Nigel Davies
Everyman Chess (2007)
http://www.everymanchess.com/
192 pages
$22.95

Reviewed by John Donaldson

Earlier this year English GM Nigel Davies came out with GAMBITEER I and I must confess that I was not convinced by his proposed repertoire of the Wing Gambit against the Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.b4) and French (1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5 c5 4.b4!?), the Danish Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3) or the Fantasy variation against the Caro-Kann (1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.f3).

His new book, GAMBITEER II is on much solider ground and I can give it a thumb's up. Written from the Black perspective for the amateur player it recommends the Schliemann (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5) against the Ruy Lopez and the Albin (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5) against 1.d4. These two openings take up almost the entire book and Davies does a good job of explaining not only the theory but also the ideas behind these variations which offer some nice transpositions in the small final chapter (Fight the Stodge -- 1.c4 and 1.Nf3) -- one being 1.Nf3 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.c4 e5 another 1.Nf3 Nc6 2.e4 e5. Note this book does not cover much besides the Ruy Lopez after 1.e4 e5. Those looking for a repertoire against the Open games may wish to consult specialist works by Davies (his excellent PLAY 1.e4 e5!: A COMPLETE REPERTOIRE FOR BLACK IN THE OPEN GAMES), Marin and Emms.

Recommended for players from 1600 to 2200.

Click to buy (or get more information about) this book: GAMBITEER II

Other books by Davies:

GAMBITEER I ($22.95)

PLAY 1.e4 e5!: A COMPLETE REPERTOIRE FOR BLACK IN THE OPEN GAMES ($23.95)

ALEKHINE'S DEFENSE ($19.95)

DYNAMIC RETI

THE GRUNFELD DEFENCE ($19.95)