The Berlin Wall

The Berlin variation of the Spanish is one of the most popular openings among world class players. After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 Black can play a completely sound opening based mainly on understanding rather than memorizing theory.

Many opening books make this claim, but the scarcity of forcing lines in the Berlin mean that in this case it is true. The trick is to gain the requisite understanding, and this is where John Cox’s eloquent prose comes into its own.

After reading Cox's explanations it will be clear why this robust opening has gained the nickname The Berlin Wall.

· Expert guidance on one of the soundest openings
· Play the opening that Kramnik used to dethrone Kasparov
· A trustworthy opening that requires little memorization of theory

The structure from this opening book is rather different but very understandable in the context of this particular (strategic) opening: the first 58 pages deal with typical Berlin Endgames, followed by 60 pages on positional themes. Only in the last 184 pages the theory proper is being analysed.

John Cox is a lawyer and International Master from London. He is an experienced author whose previous books have received high praise.