Ebook: Grivas Opening Laboratory Volume 4 - Efstratios Grivas

This is the fourth volume of a proposed six volume series presenting a full opening repertoire for White, based on 1.d4
The idea of opening repertoire books is not new, but here the purpose and the presentation is different - the choice of the variations, against each Black reply, are based on the author's own experience.

The recommendations are geared towards posing Black unconventional problems. Your opponents will not be able to churn out lengthy, memorised variations, but will need to solve problems at the board, in positions that are somewhat different in character from those normally reached in the openings under discussion. The selected systems also form a seamless whole and are reachable by transpositions.

Grivas describes the suggested systems in detail, giving his assessments as clearly as possible, providing useful guidelines and new ideas and moves. For each system he offers not only a repertoire for White, but also explains middlegame strategies, tactical motifs and typical endgame techniques.

The fourth book of the series shows how to face four of Black's defences to 1.d4.

Firstly the Queen's Gambit Accepted, (1.d4, d5; 2.c4, dxc4), a quiet system for Black, aimed at achieving equality. Here Grivas proposes an unusual system for White with 4.Na3 to take Black away from prepared main lines.

Next Grivas turns his attention to the Ragozin Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined (QGD) where his approach is based on the 5.cxd5, exd5; 6.Bg5 system which has served him well over the years.

Thirdly, he continues with a related variation of the Ragozin, the Vienna Variation of the QGD, which is also an ambitious system for Black. His chosen system for White is based on the 6.Bg5 line, which is the main preference of top players.

Finally Grivas moves on to the Lasker Variation of the QGD, which aims to preserve easy-to-play and equal positions for Black. His proposed system is based on the move 9.Rc1 for White.

Efstratios Grivas is an experienced Grandmaster from Greece who has represented his country on many occasions, winning an individual gold medal at the 1989 European Team Championship and an individual silver medal at the 1998 Chess Olympiad. He is a Senior FIDE Trainer.