AN ATTACKING REPERTOIRE FOR WHITE by Sam Collins
An effective and aggressive White repertoire using 1.e4. Of course, such books always lie a bit in an effort to make you believe that your lines will wipe out the opposition. However, though a world class player would be able to show you the shortcomings of the recommended systems (which, by the way, are all quite sound), the vast majority of the people you actually face will fall before you like wheat to a scythe. (1400 to 2100)
AN OPENING REPERTOIRE for WHITE ACCORDING TO KRAMNIK, VOLUME 1 by Alexander Khalifman
AN OPENING REPERTOIRE for WHITE ACCORDING TO KRAMNIK, VOLUME 2 by Alexander Khalifman
AN OPENING REPERTOIRE for WHITE ACCORDING TO KRAMNIK, VOLUME 3 by Alexander Khalifman
AN OPENING REPERTOIRE for WHITE ACCORDING TO KRAMNIK, VOLUME 4 by Alexander Khalifman
AN OPENING REPERTOIRE for WHITE ACCORDING TO KRAMNIK, VOLUME 5 by Alexander Khalifman
These five books are excellent, and give an honest appraisal of Kramnik’s White repertoire, a full accounting of the theory, and new ideas too when needed. Unlike may other repertoire books, which feature aggressive lines that can’t hold up to the test of time, this repertoire will always be sound and successful. (2200 on up)
THE CHESS ADVANTAGE IN BLACK and WHITE by Larry Kaufman
An oddity that should warm the cockles of your heart – this one low-priced book gives you a full repertoire for both White and Black! The systems are not for attacking players, but rather for those that want sturdy openings that can stand up to the strongest opponents. IM Watson told me that this might be the greatest repertoire book ever for non-professional players. (1600 to 2300)
HOW TO BUILD YOUR CHESS OPENING REPERTOIRE by Steve Giddins
A fun and fascinating look at the ups and downs of preparing a personal opening repertoire. (1400 to 2400)
OPENING FOR WHITE ACCORDING TO ANAND, VOL 1 by Alexander Khalifman
OPENING FOR WHITE ACCORDING TO ANAND, VOL 2 by Alexander Khalifman
Another success for Khalifman, who this time gives you the opportunity to embrace Anand’s aggressive repertoire as White. (2200 on up)
PLAY 1.d4! by Richard Palliser
A well researched and well presented repertoire book for players that want to make 1.d4 their move of choice. I have reservations about some of Palliser’s analysis, but overall this book gives you everything you need to play 1.d4 with tremendous success. (1800 to 2400)
