Bøker av Steve Edwards

Working life in Britain contains many different layers.Working in a professional bracket such as a top class lawyer or doctor is one thing, but working in the unskilled or even semi-skilled Britain is another thing altogether.Embark on a riveting journey as the author takes us on a real-life roller-coaster ride through the sharp end of working Britain. Here we see through the author's own eyes that working in Britain can involve risk, and real danger.Including harrowing encounters with armed robbers and the unsettling experience of being wrongly accused. Witness workplace assaults and the unsettling tactics of management attempting to sweep disturbing incidents under the carpet.Amidst the chaos, find moments of levity and camaraderie, juxtaposed with instances of corporate bullying and incompetence.All the episodes related in this book are drawn directly from the author's experience of working life in Britain. They are not fictional. They are not made-up. They happened in real-life.For those who have never faced the chilling threat of armed robbery or been tasked with confronting someone wielding a machine gun in the workplace, this is a tale that demands to be read. Prepare to be captivated from cover to cover.

White's first two moves in this opening - 1.d3 and 2.a3 look very timid, but this is far removed from the truth.White adopts an unconventional style, and invites Black to take the centre-ground, but this is a gift from White and is all part and parcel of his plan.Black most often obliges and seizes the centre with 1...d5 and 2...e5, and then White lashes out with 3.c4!?This is a pivotal point in White's strategy, and Black's reaction to the provocative 3.c4!?, defines the nature of the coming conflict.However, regardless of what stance Black takes-up after 3.c4!?, White will put his plan into action.White is steering Black into a Sicilian with reversed colours.After 3...dxc4 we enter the Bumblebee line. Alternatively Black can employ a number of methods of defending his central pawn on d5, in which case White can still get his inverted Sicilian in lines that the author has christened The Maginot Line Variations.If you love to play the Sicilian then this is an opening that you absolutely must explore.Black will be surprised by White's first two moves and will be even more surprised to find himself in a Sicilian with reversed colours.There is little to no theory in these lines of play.Black's opening preparations for meeting the well trodden paths of 1.e4 or 1.d4 will be redundant from move one.The second player will be thrown onto his own resources from the get-go, and will have to spend valuable time in his efforts to navigate the dangerous mine-field that White is sowing.Here indeed is an opening that stings.With the investment of a little bit of time you will be well prepared to meet Black in an a highly unusual setting and place Black in a virtually unknown landscape of White's choosing.Black will be drawn into an arena that will place him on the tip of your sword.

Once again, as we have seen in the three previous Volumes, 1.d3 proves its versatile nature. In this Volume we consider the impact of 1.d3 d5 and 2.a3.White invites Black to enter a reversed Sicilian set-up with 2...e5 3.c4. The mainline of which I have christened the Bumblebee. Black enjoys initial success in pushing White's queen around, but White side-steps Black's short lived bullying, and consolidates his position.White arrives at a situation which boasts typical Sicilian landmarks such as the half-open c-file and the small pawn centre with pawns abreast on e3 and d3. These aspects will be familiar to all Sicilian lovers. If you play the Sicilian with the Black pieces then as White you will be well within your comfort zone. If you love to roll out 1...c5 against White's 1.e4 then this is definitely an opening that you should explore.Black is not, however, obliged to accept White's offer of a reversed Sicilian, and can meet 3.c4 with 3...d4. In this line White can transpose to a reversed Benoni, a further demonstration of the chameleon like characteristics of 1.d3.White can avoid the sharp lines encountered in The Bumblebee, and still arrive at a reversed Sicilian, with 3.Nf3 or 3.g3. These two moves also allow White to play a reversed Benoni.Regardless of which fork /s the road takes this volume provides a carefully crafted approach that is supported by two databases.Based on the wealth of knowledge contained in the two databases, and the author's own experience, this Volume demonstrates how White can take Black into an unconventional arena of White's choosing.White's 1.d3 followed by 2.a3 effectively spins a web that the second player will be sucked into.Without theory to guide him Black will be floundering in White's well prepared and sticky gossamer lines in the reversed Sicilian or reversed Benoni.White, however, will be well prepared and will be able to dictate the future nature of the game, which in turn, will provide White with every chance of obtaining the full point.

It seems like a flight of fantasy to suggest that White can conjure-up a meaningful gambit based on the unassuming first move of 1.d3, but he can, and it can be a feroucious game winning venture.The gambit is played on White's second move, and in keeping with gambit play White gives up a pawn for an accelerated development of his minor pieces.White not only steals a march on the second player in development, but lurking in the wings is a relatively simple, but cunning tactical ploy in which White can win the Black queen for an investment of his light-squared bishop and rook.White is not always able to employ his queen winning device, which works best at quick time controls. A tactically aware Black may thwart our desires.In this case White retains his lead in development and has more than just the one string to his bow.White has optins of quickly developing his queenside pieces and castling long, and typically we have a firece encounter that sees opposite side castling.Yet this line is flexible and White can do equally well with the less risky option of castling on the kingside.This is a versatile gambit that can also be played against the Scandinavian Defence, but in this case White opens with 1.e4 instead of 1.d3. This is explained in the text.A further method of arriving at our gambit is via the Van Geet opening that commences with the move 1.Nc3. This line is also explored.White's first move of 1.d3 is a subtle means of drawing our opponent out and luling him into a false sense of security. Black boldly takes the central ground, most often with 1...d5, and White counters with 2.e4, and if Black takes the pawn then we play 3.Nc3, and the scene is set.Black most often accepts the gambit and White profits by capturing on d3 with his light-squared bishop, thus obtaining a clear lead in development.White's opening move (1.d3) will leave Black mistified and will throw him out of any home preperation; and not only is he in an arena with virtually zero theory, but he will find himself facing a severe lag in development.Unlike the second player we will be firmly rooted in theory, and have Black at the tip of our sword.Herin lies the opportunity to enter into a largely unkown gambit that has all the typical cut and thrust that such lines include.White remains ahead in devlopment and has great chances to secure the full point from an often confused and struggling Black.

This book is largely a spin-off from the more comprehensive book: Chess Endgames Explained, The Essential Techniques, by the same author.A section on endgame planning is also included from the afore mentioned book.Queen endgames present a challenge even to the highest rated players.In these endgames calculation and visualisation skills are put to the test. As too is endurance, stamina and the will to win.If we find ourselves in a queen v queen and pawn ending there are various methods known to theory for winning and drawing. The Philidor Position is just one example.The same applies to queen v rook endgames. There is theory to cover both of these nuanced endgame scenarios.In a queen v king and pawn endgame there are four pawns that the queen will win against, and four that the king can expect to draw with. Do you know what these are?This book examines the known theory regarding queen endgames and puts forward some original computer generated suggestions and techniques.Queen endgames, such as those mentioned, do not occur on a frequent basis, but when we do encounter them we will be much better placed, and far more informed if we are well versed in the theory surrounding these peculiar settings.This book provides the player with an opportunity to enter these endings with an edge, and can give you the means to win, or the means to stave off defeat.This is an ideal entry point for the new player, and offers sound advice and insights to the more seasoned intermediate player.

This book is largely a spin-off from the more comprehensive book: Chess Endgames Explained, The Essential Techniques, by the same author.However, it has been revised and up-dated to include an exercise section on evaluating and planning in king and pawn endings.King and pawn endgames provide a rich and varied scope for a variety of plans. A good working knowledge of these endings is essential for the rounded club and tournament player.This book examines typical endings that occur in practical play. The reader is introduced to a range of specialist techniques that provide insights and strategies that can be employed in these unique endgame situations.A journey into the book's recommendations will provide a wealth of ideas and methods that afford every opportunity to create winning positions in these king and pawn endings.This book is an ideal entry point for the new player whilst offering the more experienced intermediate player a wealth of methods and techniques.

This book is largely a spin-off from the more comprehensive book: Endgames Explained, The Essential Techniques. By the same author.However, it has been revised and up-dated to include an exercise section on rook endgames.Rook endgames hold an interesting challenge for even advanced players. The peculiar means in which the rook navigates the chess world marks it off as a major piece. It is second only to the queen in its power. Yet there are occasions when the rook cannot hold its own against the lesser minor pieces.However, when the rook comes into its full inheritance few, including the queen herself, can gainsay this mighty player.Endgames in which a rook, or rooks, make an appearance are numerous. Rooks play a part in most endgames. There are many instances in practical play of rook and minor piece combining forces, or of rook and queen endings.And there are there many examples of pure rook endgames in which the only players left on the board are a solitary rook and a spattering of pawns.In order to master these varied endgame struggles we would be better equipped were we to have an effective working knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of this particular actor.This book examines and explains how best to utilise this powerful piece and gives solid guidance regarding not only the more topical theoretical positions such as the Lucena Position and Philidor's Draw, but also examines lesser known theory of rook v knight and rook v bishop.This book is an ideal entry point for the new player and provides valuable insights and advice to the more seasoned intermediate player.

This book is largely a spin-off from the more comprehensive book: Chess Endgames Explained, The Essential Techniques, by the same author. However, it has been revised and up-dated to include an exercise section on minor pieces. When is a knight better than a bishop? And when is a bishop better than a knight? Knights and bishops have different properties. Each can excel in the correct environment. Yet how do we know, when we arrive at a minor piece ending, that our sole remaining minor piece is better or worse than that of our opponent? The answer to this question becomes more urgent when we are faced with the prospect of transitioning into this type of endgame. These endgame encounters provide a bewitching rivalry. As enthusiastic chess players we cannot afford the luxury of being mere spectators to such events. We will be called upon to embark upon this journey ourselves. Therefore, we would benefit from a good road map that highlights both the dangerous routes and the safe passages. This book shines a light on these endgame duels and unravels their mysteries. Practical minor piece endgames that occur in actual play are viewed, and we witness the various clashes between the minor pieces. This is an ideal entry point for the new player, whilst also offering the more experienced intermediate player valuable insights and advice.

The truth of a chess game is often revealed only towards the end of the game.The opening and middlegame stages, important as they are, sometimes provide no more than stepping stones for this vital last arena.We owe it to ourselves then to be as well prepared for this final proving ground as possible.Why be tripped up at the last moment and have to concede a half point or the full point because you got lost in the maze of a Lucena Position or have not yet discovered Philidor's draw in a rook and pawn ending?The author examines and explains numerous endgame scenarios that are frequently encountered in practical play, and provides key winning and drawing techniques.If the truth is only to be seen at the end of the game then our knowledge and understanding of whatever end may await us should be as complete as we can make it.This book is an ideal entry point for the new player whilst also offering sound advice and insights for the intermediate player.This is the second book in the Essential Techniques series.The first book: Chess Attacks Explained, The Essential Techniques is already attracting positive reviews.The third, and final, book in the series: Chess Strategy Explained, The Essential Techniques is due for publication soon.