Master the Nimzo-Indian with Grandmaster Chris Ward
Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian by Chris Ward - A Review
If you are looking for a reliable and solid defense against 1.d4, you might want to consider the Nimzo-Indian. This opening has been played by many world champions and top players, such as Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, Vishy Anand and Anatoly Karpov. It offers Black the chance to unbalance the game early on and play for a win without taking too much risk.
Chess Chris Ward Starting Out The Nimzo Indian Everyman Chess Pdf
But how can you learn the Nimzo-Indian in a simple and effective way? One possible answer is to read Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian by Chris Ward. This book is part of the popular Starting Out series by Everyman Chess, which aims to provide beginners and intermediate players with a solid foundation on various chess topics.
In this review, we will take a look at what this book has to offer, what are its main features and benefits, and why you might want to add it to your chess library.
Introduction
What is the Nimzo-Indian?
The Nimzo-Indian is a chess opening that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. Black pins the white knight on c3, preventing White from playing e4 and gaining control of the center. Black also prepares to castle quickly and create pressure on the queenside with moves like c5 or b6.
The Nimzo-Indian is a complex and rich opening that can lead to many different types of positions, depending on how White chooses to deal with the pin. Some of the main variations are:
The Classical Variation: 4.Qc2
The Rubinstein Variation: 4.e3
The Samisch Variation: 4.a3
The Leningrad Variation: 4.Bg5
The Kasparov Variation: 4.Nf3
The Sämisch Variation: 4.e4
Each variation has its own advantages and drawbacks, and requires specific knowledge and understanding from both sides.
Who is Chris Ward?
Chris Ward is a British grandmaster and a former national champion. He is also a well-known chess author, commentator and coach. He has written several books for Everyman Chess, including Improve Your Opening Play, The Genius of Paul Morphy and It's Your Move.
Chris Ward is also an expert on the Nimzo-Indian, having played it for many years with both colors. He has a deep insight into the opening's ideas and plans, as well as its practical aspects. He shares his experience and knowledge in this book, making it a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn the Nimzo-Indian.
What is the Starting Out series?
The Starting Out series is a collection of books by Everyman Chess that covers various chess topics, such as openings, tactics, endgames and strategy. The series is aimed at beginners and intermediate players who want to improve their chess skills and knowledge in a simple and effective way.
The books in the series are written by experienced and qualified authors, who explain the main concepts and principles in a clear and concise manner. The books also include numerous illustrative games and diagrams, as well as tips, warnings and notes throughout the text. The books are designed to be easy to read and understand, and to provide the reader with a solid foundation on the topic.
Main features of the book
Clear explanations of the main ideas and plans
One of the main features of the book is that it explains the main ideas and plans behind the Nimzo-Indian in a clear and understandable way. The author does not overwhelm the reader with too much theory or variations, but focuses on the essential aspects of the opening.
The book covers all the main variations of the Nimzo-Indian, and explains the typical pawn structures, piece placements, tactical motifs and strategic goals for both sides. The author also gives practical advice on how to handle different types of positions, such as isolated pawns, hanging pawns, opposite-colored bishops, etc.
The book also includes a summary of the main points at the end of each chapter, as well as a quiz section where the reader can test their knowledge and understanding of the opening.
Numerous illustrative games and diagrams
Another feature of the book is that it includes numerous illustrative games and diagrams that show how the Nimzo-Indian works in practice. The author has selected games from both his own practice and from other top players, such as Kasparov, Kramnik, Anand and Karpov. The games are annotated in detail, highlighting the key moments and decisions.
The book also includes many diagrams that help the reader visualize the positions and follow the analysis. The diagrams are placed at key points in the text, making it easy to refer to them without losing track of the game. The diagrams also show arrows and symbols that indicate the main ideas and plans for both sides.
Tips, warnings and notes throughout the book
A third feature of the book is that it includes tips, warnings and notes throughout the text that help the reader along. These are marked with icons that indicate their purpose:
Tips: These are useful pieces of information or advice that can help the reader improve their understanding or skills.
Warnings: These are potential pitfalls or mistakes that the reader should avoid or be aware of.
Notes: These are additional comments or explanations that provide more depth or context to the topic.
These tips, warnings and notes are very helpful for beginners and intermediate players who want to learn from the author's experience and expertise. They also make the book more engaging and interactive, as they invite the reader to think critically and creatively about the opening.
Coverage of all the main variations of the Nimzo-Indian
A fourth feature of the book is that it covers all the main variations of the Nimzo-Indian, giving the reader a complete overview of the opening. The book is divided into 10 chapters, each covering a different variation:
The Classical Variation: 4.Qc2
The Rubinstein Variation: 4.e3
The Samisch Variation: 4.a3
The Leningrad Variation: 4.Bg5
The Kasparov Variation: 4.Nf3
The Sämisch Variation: 4.e4
The 4.f3 Variation
The 4.g3 Variation
The 4.Bd2 Variation
Rare Lines
Each chapter starts with an introduction that explains the main features and characteristics of the variation, followed by several illustrative games that show how it works in practice. The author also gives recommendations on which lines to play or avoid for both sides, based on his own analysis and experience.
The book covers both classical and modern lines of the Nimzo-Indian, giving the reader a balanced and up-to-date view of the opening. The book also includes an index of variations at the end, where the reader can quickly find any line they are interested in.
Benefits of reading the book
Improve your understanding of Improve your understanding of the Nimzo-Indian
One of the main benefits of reading this book is that it will help you improve your understanding of the Nimzo-Indian. The Nimzo-Indian is a complex and rich opening that requires a lot of knowledge and skill to play well. By reading this book, you will learn the main ideas and plans behind each variation, and how to apply them in your own games.
The book will also help you understand the typical pawn structures, piece placements, tactical motifs and strategic goals that arise from the Nimzo-Indian. You will learn how to exploit the weaknesses and strengths of each position, and how to handle different types of positions, such as isolated pawns, hanging pawns, opposite-colored bishops, etc.
By improving your understanding of the Nimzo-Indian, you will be able to play it with more confidence and accuracy. You will also be able to adapt to different situations and opponents, and find the best moves in any position.
Learn from a grandmaster and an expert on the opening
Another benefit of reading this book is that you will learn from a grandmaster and an expert on the opening. Chris Ward is a highly qualified and experienced chess author, commentator and coach. He has played the Nimzo-Indian for many years with both colors, and has a deep insight into the opening's ideas and plans.
By reading this book, you will benefit from his experience and expertise. You will learn from his annotations and explanations of the illustrative games, as well as his tips, warnings and notes throughout the book. You will also get his recommendations on which lines to play or avoid for both sides, based on his own analysis and practice.
By learning from a grandmaster and an expert on the opening, you will be able to improve your chess skills and knowledge in a fast and effective way. You will also be able to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls that many players make when playing the Nimzo-Indian.
Gain confidence and practical skills in playing the Nimzo-Indian
A third benefit of reading this book is that it will help you gain confidence and practical skills in playing the Nimzo-Indian. The Nimzo-Indian is a popular and sound defense that can give you good chances to win against 1.d4. However, it can also be challenging and demanding to play well.
By reading this book, you will gain confidence and practical skills in playing the Nimzo-Indian. You will learn how to handle different variations and positions that can arise from the opening. You will also learn how to apply the main ideas and plans in your own games, and how to deal with your opponent's responses.
By gaining confidence and practical skills in playing the Nimzo-Indian, you will be able to play it with more success and enjoyment. You will also be able to surprise and challenge your opponents with your knowledge and skill.
Enjoy a well-written and easy-to-read book
A fourth benefit of reading this book is that you will enjoy a well-written and easy-to-read book. The book is written in a clear and concise manner, with a friendly and engaging tone. The book is designed to be easy to read and understand for beginners and intermediate players who want to learn the Nimzo-Indian.
The book also includes many features that make it more enjoyable and interactive, such as:
Numerous illustrative games and diagrams that show how the Nimzo-Indian works in practice
A summary of the main points at the end of each chapter
A quiz section where you can test your knowledge and understanding of the opening
Tips, warnings and notes throughout the text that help you along
An index of variations at the end where you can quickly find any line you are interested in
By reading this book, you will not only learn a lot about the Nimzo-Indian, but also have fun along the way.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this review, we have looked at what Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian by Chris Ward has to offer, what are its main features and benefits, and why you might want to add it to your chess library. Here is a summary of the main points:
The Nimzo-Indian is a chess opening that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. It offers Black the chance to unbalance the game early on and play for a win without taking too much risk.
Chris Ward is a British grandmaster and a former national champion. He is also a well-known chess author, commentator and coach. He has written several books for Everyman Chess, including Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian.
The Starting Out series is a collection of books by Everyman Chess that covers various chess topics, such as openings, tactics, endgames and strategy. The series is aimed at beginners and intermediate players who want to improve their chess skills and knowledge in a simple and effective way.
The book has four main features: clear explanations of the main ideas and plans, numerous illustrative games and diagrams, tips, warnings and notes throughout the book, and coverage of all the main variations of the Nimzo-Indian.
The book has four main benefits: it will help you improve your understanding of the Nimzo-Indian, learn from a grandmaster and an expert on the opening, gain confidence and practical skills in playing the Nimzo-Indian, and enjoy a well-written and easy-to-read book.
Recommendation and rating of the book
If you are interested in learning the Nimzo-Indian, or if you are looking for a reliable and solid defense against 1.d4, then I highly recommend you to read Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian by Chris Ward. This book will provide you with a solid foundation on the opening, and help you improve your chess skills and knowledge in a fast and effective way.
I would rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its content, style and value. It is one of the best books on the Nimzo-Indian that I have read, and I think it will be very useful for anyone who wants to learn this opening.
Call to action
If you are ready to take your chess game to the next level with the Nimzo-Indian, then don't hesitate to get your copy of Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian by Chris Ward today. You can find it on Amazon or on Everyman Chess website. You won't regret it!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book:
Who is this book for?
This book is for beginners and intermediate players who want to learn the Nimzo-Indian in a simple and effective way. It is also for anyone who wants to improve their chess skills and knowledge with a reliable and solid defense against 1.d4.
How long does it take to read this book?
This book has 128 pages, which can be read in about 4 hours. However, you may want to spend more time on each chapter, playing through the games and solving the quizzes. You may also want to revisit the book as many times as you need to fully understand the concepts.
What are some other good books on the Nimzo-Indian?
Some other good books on the Nimzo-Indian are:
The Nimzo-Indian: Move by Move by John Emms
Nimzo-Indian Defence: Classical Variation by Evgeny Sveshnikov
Nimzo-Indian Rubinstein: The Main Lines with 4e3 by Carsten Hansen
Nimzo-Indian Kasparov Variation: 4.Nf3 as Popularized by Garry Kasparov by Alexander Delchev
Nimzo & Bogo Indian: Everyman Chess Series by Richard Palliser
How can I practice what I learn from this book?
You can practice what you learn from this book by playing online or offline games with the Nimzo-Indian. You can also use chess software or websites to analyze your games and find your mistakes. You can also join chess clubs or forums where you can discuss the opening with other players.
Where can I find more information about Chris Ward or Everyman Chess?
or on their social media accounts. Here are some links:
Chris Ward's website: https://www.chriswardchess.com/
Chris Ward's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWardChess
Everyman Chess website: https://everymanchess.com/
Everyman Chess Twitter: https://twitter.com/everymanchess
Everyman Chess Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everymanchess
I hope you enjoyed this review and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy chess! 71b2f0854b