A couple of months ago I was visiting a tournament (I love to watch others play and make effort while I sit around and grow fat and lazy). Hanging out in the book area, a student of mine cornered me and asked what she should do after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6.

"You have to play the Ruy Lopez." I answered.

"No, too many variations to learn. I have a job in the real world, you know."

Her answer left me scratching my bald head. Thoughts of Rogaine entered my mind for a moment but I pushed them away and decided to hazard another piece of advice. "All right, what about the Evans Gambit? It's lots of fun and suits your style to a tee."

She didn't seem impressed. "What do I do if my opponent answers 3.Bc4 with 3...Nf6? Doesn't Black often get an initiative in those lines?"

Thinking that it would be considered rude if I made a break for freedom and dashed out of the hotel to my car, I gave my role of "all-knowing book man" one final try. "Personally, if I was playing 1.e4 I'd give the Scotch serious consideration. You're opponents won't know it well and it has lots of sting."

She liked this recommendation and asked, "So what book do you recommend on that opening?" Fade to black...

The truth is, there hasn't been anything worthwhile written about this opening. At least, there hasn't been anything until now. English Grandmaster Peter Wells has filled a vacuum in chess opening literature with THE book on the Scotch. Though I'm not a fan of opening books that use whole games instead of laid out variations, Mr. Wells has done an excellent job in making the Scotch readily accessible to anyone who wishes to learn it (though the subject matter is a bit too advanced for players under 1800). A nice introduction covers lots of typical plans and setups, all the latest games are carefully examined, and a summery at the end of each chapter lets you know what in the world he was talking about. What makes this book really worthwhile, though, is his lively but clear use of language and the original analysis that he happily shares with his readers. Wells isn't afraid to disagree with another grandmaster's analysis or conclusions. Compare this with other authors (and there are far too many of them) who are not qualified to hold a pen, let alone write and sell a book.

If you answer 1.e4 with 1...e5, or if you've always wanted to take up the Scotch Opening, this new book is a must buy. Another excellent job by the increasingly prolific Mr. Wells.

YOU CAN FIND THIS BOOK AT