Hansen Carsten. Miniatures in the Ruy Lopez: Main Lines

Russell Enterprises, Inc., 2017. — 296 p. — ISBN: 978-1-941270-80-6.“An opening book based only on miniatures? Maybe sounds odd at first, but works well in the sharp Najdorf, and even in the more positional Queen’s Indian Defence. As usual, Carsten’s theoretical coverage is thorough, and the books are not repertoire based, but gives a full examination of these topical openings. Is it limiting to only show miniatures?Maybe, but one somehow get the purified version of a successful strategy, when the games are not complex battles, but a slam-dunk!”
– Grandmaster Peter Heine Nielsen, coach & second to World Champion Magnus Carlsen Welcome to the “Miniatures in the...” series. Each eBook will be devoted to one opening or major variation. The idea is to present a mix of interesting miniatures, combinations, instructive mistakes along with some accompanying opening theory putting everything into context.For the purpose of this series, we are defining miniatures as games lasting 25 moves or less with a decisive result.
In the past, collections of miniatures typically have presented games spanning a large variety of openings, with lines which often are rarely used or irrelevant. In addition, many of the games are between weak players or players with a substantial difference in playing strength.This series will focus on games between stronger players, a minimum of ELO 2350, thus making the games much more relevant, as they are less marred by obvious blunders, dropping pieces or missing simple mates. Although mistakes or blunders will have to occur to have a game finish decisively in 25 moves or less, the mistakes are more likely to be more instructive. In addition, by only covering a single opening or opening variation, the reader gets better and deeper coverage, as well as an overview of the particular opening’s features and characteristics.You can use this book as an idea catalogue of tricky and interesting lines or to check your tactical skills. The many diagrams will help you sort out issues, calculate or find a winning continuation. Of course, you can simply enjoy these games which are, by and large, all quite entertaining. Finally, there is a treasure trove of opening theory included, and not just existing theory, but also numerous new ideas and improvements.
Enjoy!