My First Chess Opening Repertoire by Christof Sielecki (softcover)

This My First Chess Opening Repertoire by Christof Sielecki is an English-language softcover chess book that gives beginners and improving players a clear, practical way to build an opening repertoire. It focuses on a straightforward White repertoire after 1.e4 and on useful answers for Black against major White systems.

What the book covers

The book is designed to help you understand opening play, not just memorise moves. It begins with the basic ideas behind the opening, so you can keep playing sensibly even when your opponent chooses a line that is not covered move for move, and then moves on to concrete variations and typical plans.

The White repertoire is built around 1.e4 and classical development principles. For Black, the book gives practical responses to a range of White setups, including the Sicilian Defence, which leads to dynamic positions and active play.

Who it is for

This book is especially suitable for players up to around 1200, although stronger players may also find it useful. If you want to stop improvising in the opening and replace random moves with a first sensible repertoire, this is a good place to begin.

Christof Sielecki is an International Master from Germany, a long-time coach and the creator of ChessExplained. His experience in teaching opening play comes through in a book that keeps the material accessible while staying grounded in sound chess principles.

Edition details

• Language: English
• Author: Christof Sielecki
• Binding: softcover
• Page count: 264
• Opening repertoire: White after 1.e4
• Black repertoire: practical responses against major White systems
• Target level: especially suitable for players up to around 1200 rating