Acers/Laven, The Italian Gambit

The Italian Gambit System (Vol. I) and A Guiding Repertoire for White, 1 e4! (Vol. II) are here bound into one, not only containing an astonishing new "pure gambit" named the Miami Variation, but a very delightful, interesting and insightful adventure through a unique perspective of historical chess. Quotes, adages, personal stories and more, from both old and new Masters, are woven into the text. They will entertain, amuse and educate the reader.

New ideas, technical novelties and more, abound within the pages of Volume I, the age-old Italian game materials -- with 4 d4! as our focus, allowing the sharp and forcing Italian Gambit to emerge. This move, a surprising one to many, transforms the classic "Giuoco Piano" or, literally translated, the "quiet game", into anything but its revered and somewhat sedate namesake. Black's third move, 3....Bc5 seems safe and allows the second player plenty of time to develop (quietly) for positional play. This will indeed occur if White plays almost any reasonable move, except for the center assaulting, initiative gaining 4 d4! Black must now react! Whatever unfolds from this point, White will have central control, a lead in development, and a strong initiative. It is White, not Black who will get the first emerging tactical opportunities. Accurate play by Black is necessary to hold and neutralize these initial gains, and it will be difficult if not impossible to demonstrate anything better than hard-fought equality. White can consistently demonstrate compensation for the gambit pawn. This book is the result of no less than three (3) years of study and Master analysis, including complete Computer verification of all the important variations.
In the material following the Italian Gambit System, (The Uncooperative Opponent, etc.) There are recommendations which complement and bridge the way to Volume II, in keeping with its philosophy and spirit. This companion volume, A Guiding Repetoire for White, 1 e4! is short, yet concise and to the point, guiding the 1 e4 player in handling and management of all of Black's classic opening responses.

1 e6 - French 1 c6 - Caro Kann 1 d6 - Pirc
1 g6 - Robatsch/Flank 1. ...Nf6 - Alekhine's 1 d5 - Scandinavian
1. ...Nc6 - Nimzowitsch 1 c5 - Sicilian
These lines have been studied and developed over many years by the venerable Chess Master and teacher Jude Acers. They are the essential and recommended lines for all play that commences 1 e4, but are especially effective for the new "limited" time controls in present and future tournament play. Consider them carefully for both attack and defense. As White, once you embrace (and you will) these "to the point" openings, this book will take you via clear reference to the sources of future study. As Black, you must be prepared. The reader will not be overwhelmed by masses of theory or endless analytical variations, but shall discover how and where to find such material.