SIDE STEPPING MAINLINE THEORY

This Side Stepping Mainline Theory is an English-language paperback chess book that takes a practical approach to opening study, offering club players a simpler repertoire instead of heavy mainline theory.

What the book covers

Written by Gerard Welling and Steve Giddins, it argues that many players spend too much time on fashionable opening lines that are difficult to keep up to date. Its alternative is straightforward: aim for a sound position out of the opening, then rely on your own understanding of tactics, strategy and endgames.

The authors build that approach around the Old Indian-Hanham Philidor, using it as a practical base for both White and Black. The aim is to keep preparation manageable while still reaching positions where you can play chess rather than memorise long variations.

A repertoire for club players

One of the strengths of this concept is that the plans for both colours are closely related. That makes the typical setups, ideas and methods easier to remember, and leaves more time for the parts of the game that matter most in everyday play.

This makes the book a useful choice for club players, amateurs and tournament players who want a compact opening repertoire built on understanding rather than volume.

Who it suits

If you want a book on chess openings that focuses on practical play and clear structures, this title is a strong fit. It is aimed at readers who want to study openings efficiently and develop a repertoire they can actually use in their games.

Key details

• Product type: paperback chess book
• Language: English
• Authors: Gerard Welling and Steve Giddins
• Subject: practical opening repertoire for club players
• Opening system: Old Indian-Hanham Philidor
• Page count: 256
• Binding: paperback