Playing 1.e4-French Defence and Sicilian Sideline (Paperback)

This Playing 1.e4: French Defence and Sicilian Sideline is an English-language chess opening book in paperback format for players building a repertoire after 1.e4. GM John Shaw focuses on the French Defence, recommends the Tarrasch Variation for White, and then begins his coverage of less common Sicilian Defence sidelines.

What the book covers

Rather than offering a loose collection of variations, Shaw builds the repertoire around established main lines and then turns to the quieter Sicilian branches that still need careful preparation. The result is a focused guide for players who want a clear structure for their opening study.

This is the second volume in a three-book series. The main section is devoted to the French Defence, while the later chapters open the wider Sicilian project by looking at rarer Black responses.

Why this volume stands out

If you are working on your 1.e4 repertoire, this book gives you a practical starting point for study and tournament preparation. It is designed for players who want a prepared White line against the French Defence and a solid basis for meeting less familiar Sicilian systems.

John Shaw is the author of the series, and this paperback edition is written in English.

Author

John Shaw is the author of this opening book.

Key details

• Product type: chess opening book
• Author: John Shaw
• Language: English
• Format: paperback
• Series: volume 2 of 3
• Opening focus: 1.e4 repertoire
• Opening coverage: French Defence and Sicilian Defence sidelines
• White repertoire line: Tarrasch Variation