The opening phase of the game throws up difficult questions for those keen to study and improve their chess. Should I open with 1 d4, 1 e4, or something else? What is the best strategy as Black - immediate counter-attack or solid development? Should I learn numerous different systems or concentrate on a few specialist lines? In Mastering the Opening, international master Byron Jacobs asnwers these and other key questions. * Deals with every major opening * Numerous test positions enables readers to guage their progress * Revolutionary layout allows readers to absorb the key ideasAbout the Author: International master Byron Jacobs is a highly experienced chess author and journalist, having worked for numerous newspapers, magazines and chess websites around the world. He has written extensively on all aspects of the game and is the chief adviser on the Everyman Chess list.