The Najdorf Sicilian is one of the key battlegrounds of modern chess. This opening line occurs in a high proportion of top-level games, and is popular amongst players of all levels. World Champions Fischer and Kasparov are the Najdorf's most famous adherents - both made it their main defence, and scored a high proportion of wins with it, while very rarely losing.

The English Attack (Be3 and f3) became popular as a direct attacking method against the Najdorf in the 1980s, following its successful use by Nunn, Short and Chandler. Since then, it has become established as the most critical line of the Najdorf, with Anand and even Kasparov himself using it to devastating effect at the highest level. This book is the first to be devoted to this most topical of openings, and its comprehensive coverage will enable players of all standards to play either side of the English Attack with confidence. Sammalvuo also discusses the trendy 6 f3 move-order, and the English Attack set-up against a variety of other Sicilian lines.

Tapani Sammalvuo is a young international master from Finland, who has extensive experience on both sides of the English Attack. He was Finnish Champion in 1998, and has represented Finland in various Olympiads and other team competitions. This is his first book.

Download a pdf file with a sample from the book.

"The English Attack is without doubt one of the best opening theoretical works that I have seen. No stone is left untouched and in 272 dense pages, he exhausts the current state of play after 6.Be3 in the Najdorf. Recommendations are given both for White and for Black and there's a discussion of typical ideas and themes too. The book is well written as a bonus and when coupled with Gambit's impeccable production quality should add up to the perfect product. 10 out of 10 from me. If you play the Najdorf or use 6.Be3 then this is a 'must have.' " - Andrew Martin, Seagaard's Reviews

"Gambit's The English Attack is quite simply one of the finest opening books I have ever seen. Tapani Sammalvuo, a 30-year old FIDE International Master with extensive experience of playing the English Attack with both colours, has poured his heart and soul into this book. ... Highly recommended." - John Anderson, Correspondence Chess

"All-in-all this is a fantastic piece of work, and certainly a text that no Najdorf player should be without. Fast Eddie's Rating: ***** " - Eddie Dearing, Weekend Chess

"This book is just fantastic on every count I can think of..." - Phil Adams, 3Cs website

"What is most striking about this book is the depth of analysis and the thoroughness of the research." - Alan Sutton, En Passant

"English Attack is one of the best opening books I ever saw..." - Harald Fietz, by email

"A word of warning to players of the Najdorf Sicilian, get ready for the English attack!" - Michael Stevenson, NZ Chess