Flank Openings by Raymond Keene

Flank Openings: A Study of Réti’s Opening, the Catalan, English and King’s Indian Attack Complex by Grandmaster Raymond Keene

Flank Openings by Grandmaster Raymond Keene is an instructive guide to modern flank opening systems, including Réti’s Opening, the Catalan Opening, the English Opening, and the King’s Indian Attack. The book explains the strategic ideas behind these openings, where players often avoid immediate central occupation and instead aim to control and challenge the center from the sides.

Keene presents the plans, structures, and typical strategies behind these flexible opening systems, using illustrative games and theoretical examples to help players understand the ideas rather than simply memorize variations.

Topics Covered

• Réti’s Opening concepts and strategic plans
• Catalan Opening structures and ideas
• English Opening systems
• King’s Indian Attack formations
• Flank-based control of the center
• Transition from opening ideas to middlegame plans

Key Features

• Written by Grandmaster Raymond Keene
• Explains strategic concepts behind flank openings
• Focuses on plans, pawn structures, and piece coordination
• Includes illustrative master games and theoretical examples
• Valuable study of hypermodern opening ideas

Recommended For

Ideal for intermediate and advanced players, tournament competitors, and chess enthusiasts who want to understand flexible opening systems and improve their ability to play positions based on strategic understanding rather than memorized moves.