Basic Chess Openings

My only problem with the book is the title: it is only about e4 openings, mostly from white's perspective. The companion d4 book is probably necessary to learn how to respond when playing black against d4. 5 stars otherwise; I love the presentation. I started learning openings with Reinfeld's very basic primer, but I think it would be easy to start with this book. I especially value the discussion of middlegame plans after each main variation; this is lacking in many other opening books that focus on variations. A nice balance of details and strategy.

I have a number of general opening books: NCO, Horowitz's Theory and Pratice, Fine"s Ideas Behind Chess Opening's. Kallai's book is far superior to Fine's. It reads easier and provides more details (variations). It also shows the basic traps for both sides. I am surprised that this series of books are not more popular... I turned in my Fine's book and have no regrets.

The two books by Kallai are quite wonderful. They are a nice modern complement to 500 Master Games of Chess by Tartakower. They are worthy to be joined with that great book. Each opening section cotnains a valuable section about subsequent plans and ideas. If people knew how good these books were, they would quickly be snatched up.

I highly recomend this book. As an intermediate player (1700-1800), I found myself usually getting behind in the beggining against more advanced players. This will teach you just about every opening (along with "More Basic Chess Openings") and ensure your confidence at the start of a game. If you have never picked up a chess book, like myself, this is where you should start.