In Playing 1.d4 d5 – A Classical Repertoire, Nikolaos Ntirlis provides a top-class repertoire for Black after 1.d4 d5 with the Queen's Gambit Declined. This is truly the Rolls Royce of chess openings, having been played with both colors by most World Champions and world-class players for more than a century. As a lover of chess history, Ntirlis has distilled the best ideas from the games of legendary players such as Rubinstein, Capablanca and Alekhine, and updated them using the latest analytical tools that modern technology has to offer.
In addition to the classical QGD, Ntirlis offers a complete repertoire against the Catalan, London System, Torre and all other significant alternatives from move 2 onwards. Every chapter begins with a discussion of typical plans, pawn structures and other relevant themes. This book also includes two bonus chapters covering 1.c4 and 1.Nf3, providing a starter repertoire for QGD players against both moves.
Selecting the ten best chess opening books is impossible since chess players have different playing styles. A positional player might rate an opening book on the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack as the best chess opening book, while an attacking player will prefer a book on gambits.
The other challenge in compiling a list of the best chess opening books is the different skill levels of chess players. The opening book that helps you when you are a beginner will differ from that which you find helpful as a strong club player.
These chess opening books are highly rated and cover many playing styles and skill levels.
