The 1...e5 systems of the English Opening lead to positions rich in tactical and strategic subtleties, making them suitable for players of all standards and temperaments. These lines have not been properly covered in chess literature for twenty years, and this thoroughly-researched book fills a gaping void. The main systems covered include the Reversed Dragon, where the position is balanced on a tactical knife-edge; the tense Closed lines, where Black adopts a King's Indian set-up; the fashionable lines with a very early ...Bb4; and the main lines of the English Four Knights, as used in many top-level games.

See also the companion volume by Carsten Hansen, The Symmetrical English.

Download a pdf file with a sample from the book.

“Hansen is very honest in his summaries. The reader really can trust his recommendations... and has found a number of mistakes in GM analysis... a must buy.” - Richard Palliser, HULL CHESS CLUB MAGAZINE

"Definitive and up-to-date" - John Saunders, BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

"An important new book" - Alan Borwell, SCOTTISH CORRESPONDENCE CHESS

"A traditional, well-researched, hard-working opening monograph..." Jonathan Tait, BCCA

"Plenty here to get your teeth into" Alan Sutton, EN PASSANT

Gambit books by Carsten Hansen: Gambit Guide to the English Opening 1...e5, Improve Your Positional Chess, The Nimzo-Indian: 4 e3, The Symmetrical English.