Expert: Len Molden - 2/27/2007

Question
Panov attack seems intresting - I used to play danish gabit when I was a C player.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
What would you say is the best book to get on the kings gambit and or the sicillian dragon at the 2200+ level. where can I find tactical books and motifs that work past 2000. I have been 1850-1900 for many years How can I get over the hump.
-----Answer-----
Hi Chris - Here's the books I highly recommend on the King's Gambit and the Sicilian Dragon which are intended for players at a high level like yourself:

http://www.chessmastery.com/kings-gambit.html

http://www.chessmastery.com/sicilian-dragon.html

Just in case you want something solid to meet 1.e4, here's books I recommend on the Caro-Kann from the recognized expert on the opening, former world champion Anatoly Karpov:

http://www.chessmastery.com/caro-kann.html

Regards,

Len


Answer
Hi Chris - I've played the Danish Gambit myself on occasion, usually as a surprise weapon as it's underestimated by many players.  Most people decline it by 1.e4 e5 2.d4 e:d4 3.c3 d5 which is a good way to handle it, and the main reason I don't play it more often.

Another related opening I like a lot is the Goring Gambit but a line offering a second pawn: 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 2.d4 e:d4 3.c3 d:c3 4.Bc4.  Again though, most people now decline it with 3...d5.  There's still chances for White in this line but the Queens get exchanged early in many variations which takes the fun out of playing it.  

Regards,

Len