John Parks

Chess Openings for Black Explained is a well written and one of my top ten picks. This book covers all of Whites Openings 1.E4, 1.D4, 1.C4, Knight and all Flank Openings, A Complete Repertoire. I highly recommend this book and it's companion " Chess Openings for White Explained ( Winning with 1.E4 ) ". The reason I gave this book only 4 stars is because like " Chess Openings for White Explained " there are Main Ideals, Highlights and Analysis in Blue, EXCEPT THERE IS NO BLUE, So whoever did the proofing of the book screwed up.

I'm only a 1350 ELO but I've found the book excellent with well written explanations dealing with deviations from the author's pick and how they produce flawed, equal or passive results in each line. The author gives you an ideal of the main points, what to look for and what to expect in each line vs. 1.E4 . There is discussion also for the " 1.D4 and the rest " in chapter 5 but the book is primarily a 1.E4 book. That being said I highly recommend both " Chess Openings for White Explained ( Winning with 1.E4 ) " and " Chess Openings for Black Explained (A Complete Repertoire ) ".