English Defence: 1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6 - Ilia Odessky

This book is devoted to the paradoxical opening 1 d4 e6 2 c4 b6. By playing 3 e4 White immediately wants to punish the 'disturber of the peace' for his neglect of opening principles, but in this case Black sets his opponent such a variety of mines and traps, that he can gain an advantage, even omitting the equalising stage! At the present day the statistics after 3 e4 are appalling for White: in 7 out of 10 games he suffers defeat! The author, a Russian IM and journalist, delves deeply in to the positions arising and finds many surprising resources for both sides in this highly original book • 270 pages, hardback