The Safest Scandinavian

The Safest Scandinavian

This book presents a Black repertoire based on the Scandinavian Defence with 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6. This is the safest yet aggressive queen retreat. It allows Black to increase pressure on d4 with ...0-0-0 or ...Rd8 while keeping coordination in the centre. Kotronias clearly explains the main strategic principles that are involved in finding the best moves for Black: -- the assymetric pawn structure gives the significant resource of turning d5 into a fortress -- the importance of developing the c8 Bishop outside the pawn structure -- the best ways to create more space -- finding the best and most effective place for your Queen. The Greek GM offers new plans for Black in the most topical lines, including vital new approaches against the Shirov plan (7.f4) and in a line with in which Kotronias himself got an edge with White in a game against the great expert of this system, Sergey Tiviakov. Kotronias' plans are backed up with deep and fresh analysis based on solid chess understanding. He is up to date, as he has included games played until January 20, 2016. The result is a repertoire that is suitable for both professionals and amateurs.