Milos Pavlovic

This time though I have focused mainly on Colle-Zukertort type positions, plus some transpositions to Queen’s Indian-type play, so this is not a repertoire book like the previous one, but rather you can look at it as an opening book. Of course, Slav re- actions with …c6 are covered as well, and also early and quick …c5 and …g6 reac- tions. Due to increased popularity, I have dived into specifics which we can consider now as a renaissance of this old line. Another important thing, and it is indeed an especially important detail, is the or- ganization of material into logical sections, because this system is often transposi- tional. Therefore, it is important to do this because reading this book should be an easy and joyful experience. There are positions in this book that have stood the test of time, but I have also focused on the most recent ideas as I didn’t want to simply repeat the same ideas as before – I wanted to include as much as possible new plans. I also tested these ideas numerous times in my own practice. Milos Pavlovic, December 2024.

A Fearless, Dangerous Chess Opening for Black! Step into the world of high-level, aggressive chess with the much-anticipated “Second Revised and Extended Edition of the Benoni” by Milos Pavlovic. This updated volume takes you deeper into the strategies and tactics of one of the most daring defenses in chess. The Benoni, known for its bold imbalance and sharp counterattacking potential, is the weapon of choice for players looking to challenge White from the very start. This expanded edition not only revisits the fundamental ideas of this opening but also introduces cutting-edge theory, new variations, and insightful commentary from top-level play.

Although known for a long time, the London started to catch up in popularity just in the last decade or so. I guess the reason for this is probably the desire of many players to focus more on the practical side of chess, with less use of engines and less memorization of long theoretical lines, and more about positional understanding of game. I must say, it received a huge boost not only in the number of games but also in a deeper understanding of the positions arising from the opening. In the past it was used from time to time, but only a few players employed it on a regular basis, such as grandmasters from former the Yugoslavia, Milorad Knezevic and Vlado Kovacevic, and the English GM Tony Miles, who used it often. Today, Kamsky is one of the players who uses it very often, and of course Magnus Carlsen, but we have many other grandmasters and non-grandmasters who now have it in their repertoire on a regular basis. I must say that it’s also important to emphasize the move orders of the line, and due to that we have an immense number of transpositions, which you don’t find so much in other openings.

The Semi-Slav Defense transcends its classification as a mere defensive response to 1.d4. It embodies a dynamic and multifaceted system that offers Black not only solidity in defense but also active counterplay and strategic flexibility. Here's why the Semi-Slav is more than just a defense: Rather than passively defending, the Semi-Slav allows Black to counterattack in the center and on the flanks. Moves like ...e6-e5 and ...c6-c5 often lead to sharp, tactical positions where Black can seize the initiative. By delaying the development of the knight to f6, Black achieves a solid pawn structure with pawns on d5, e6, and c6. This structure provides a firm foundation for Black's pieces and restricts White's options for pawn breaks. The Semi-Slav leads to strategically rich positions with multiple pawn breaks and piece maneuvers. Both sides must navigate intricate plans, making it a fertile ground for creative play and deep strategic understanding. Within the Semi-Slav, there are numerous variations and sub-variations, each with its own unique characteristics and strategic ideas. Players can tailor their repertoire to suit their style and preferences, whether they prefer solid, positional play or aggressive, tactical battles. The Semi-Slav has been embraced by many top-level players, including World Champions like Vladimir Kramnik and Viswanathan Anand. Their success with the opening at the highest levels of competition demonstrates its effectiveness and versatility. In essence, the Semi-Slav Defense transcends its classification as a defensive system by offering Black a rich tapestry of strategic possibilities and dynamic play. It is a complete repertoire choice that can suit a wide range of playing styles and preferences.

The Grunfeld Defence is one of the most dynamic openings for Black. The opening was developed by two famous World Champions, namely Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov. While theory is far from being exhausted and still developing, our author Grandmaster Milos Pavlovic made a strange case and found new alternatives to battle White's setups. On top this book cuts through the dense theory that surrounds this opening and establishes a total new repertoire based around consistent strategies, concepts and novelties. This is a fully revised and seriously extended edition of the original book published in 2017.

A Solid and Reliable Opening: The Petrov’s Defense The Petrov’s Defense (also known as the Russian Defense) is an underrated gem in classical chess, offering solid play and excellent counterattacking opportunities. While it might not enjoy the same spotlight as the Ruy Lopez or Sicilian Defense, it’s a highly respected opening for players who seek consistency, strategic depth, and resilience. The hallmark of Petrov’s Defense is its symmetrical pawn structure after 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. It emphasizes equalizing early without the chaos of sharper lines, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer calm and strategic maneuvering over immediate tactical fireworks. Black’s goal is not just to survive the opening but to gradually turn equality into an advantage through careful piece placement and timely counterplay. What stands out most about this opening is its reliability at all levels of play—from club players to elite grandmasters. Former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik has used it successfully in high-stakes games, demonstrating that it’s not just a drawing weapon but also a fighting choice for ambitious players. The Petrov’s Defense can lead to rich middlegame positions, especially in less explored lines, offering plenty of scope for creativity and independent thought. In summary, the Petrov’s Defense is a rock-solid choice for players who value structure, deep understanding, and long-term plans. Whether you’re aiming for a quiet positional struggle or waiting to unleash a tactical shot at the right moment, this opening has something for everyone. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with its subtle charm!

The Sicilian Sveshnikov arises after the opening moves 1.e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5, and is an ideal weapon based on sound principles of fast development and seizing central space. Decades of practical testing and analysis have proved the theoretical soundness of Black's system, and its dynamic counterattacking potential makes it a popular choice among club players and top grandmasters alike. Serbian grandmaster Milos Pavlovic is a lifelong Sveshnikov player as well as an experienced chess trainer, making him the ideal guide to this opening. Playing the Sveshnikov offers a complete repertoire for Black in the Sveshnikov, including secondary recommendations against certain key variations. With top-class analysis, novelties galore and thoughtful explanations, this book provides everything you need to learn and play the Sveshnikov with success.

The Sicilian Sveshnikov arises after the opening moves 1.e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5, and is an ideal weapon based on sound principles of fast development and seizing central space. Decades of practical testing and analysis have proved the theoretical soundness of Black’s system, and its dynamic counterattacking potential makes it a popular choice among club players and top grandmasters alike. Serbian chess grandmaster Milos Pavlovic is a lifelong Sveshnikov player as well as an experienced trainer, making him the ideal guide to this opening. Playing the Sveshnikov offers a complete repertoire for Black in the Sveshnikov, including secondary recommendations against certain key variations. With top-class analysis, novelties galore and thoughtful explanations, this book provides everything you need to learn and play the Sveshnikov with success.

This book is about the Nimzo-Indian Classical line 4. Qc2 (also known as the Capablanca Variation) and the 4. Bd2-line, for which basically I could not find an established name. The 4. Bd2 line has never been covered in such a comprehensive way in any book before. In the text I suggest that this line should have the combined name of Tartakower-Duchamp line because Tartakower played it often, while to my surprise Marcel Duchamp (who was also a famous French artist) played it too in the 1930s and indeed in a very good positional fashion against strong players. Some of those games are in the book. Now this line enjoys greater popularity than ever before. About the Classical line with 4. Qc2 there is nothing much to add, except for the fact that it has become hugely popular, but unfortunately from my point of view it involves too much engine-style chess.

This book is about the Nimzo-Indian Classical line 4. Qc2 (also known as the Capablanca Variation) and the 4. Bd2-line, for which basically I could not find an established name. As far as I know, the 4. Bd2 line has never been covered in such a comprehensive way in any book before. In the text I suggest that this line should have the combined name of Tartakower-Duchamp line because Tartakower played it often, while to my surprise Marcel Duchamp (who was also a famous French artist) played it too in the 1930s and indeed in a very good positional fashion against strong players. Some of those games are in the book. Now this line enjoys greater popularity than ever before. About the Classical line with 4. Qc2 there is nothing much to add, except for the fact that it has become hugely popular, but unfortunately from my point of view it involves too much engine-style chess.

In this book the highly experienced grandmaster Milos Pavlovic outlines a powerful repertoire for White based on 1 d4. The variations are very much based on strategic themes where an understanding of plans is far more important than memorisation of lines and move orders. The author focuses on important positional considerations such as: * Which pieces need to be traded off. * On which squares will pieces be most effective. * What is the best way to develop the initiative. Nowadays many strong players try to beat opponents by learning sharp lines in the opening. However, it is also possible to do the same by obtaining positions where you have a great understanding of how to conduct the middlegame and thus can consistently outplay your opponent. In Opening Repertoire: Strategic Play with 1 d4, Milos Pavlovic guides the reader through the chosen variations and carves out a complete repertoire for White. He examines all aspects of play and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. * A complete repertoire for White with 1 d4. * A question and answer approach provides an excellent study method.

Do you relish the prospect of setting your opponent awkward problems from the early start of the game? If so, you should just continue reading, for in the Mar Del Plata and King's Indian, it’s every man for himself, and only the best informed and most creative resourceful player survive. This variation gives both colors very dangerous attacking ideas, and you really needs to know a precise defense to come out of this variation alive. This book provides weapons that are ideal choices for those who revel in forcing opponents into chaotic and uncomfortable positions.

The Open Spanish, Ruy Lopez is a variation that never gives a boring struggle. It’s one of the most active and dynamic defenses you will find around. If Black is willing to learn the ideas and tactical twists that underpin this line, he has every chance to enjoy his winning chances. Our well known theoretician and grandmaster Milos Pavlovic will be your guide!

This book is about the Marshall Attack and the lines which can be grouped together under the banner of the so-called Anti-Marshall. The theory has developed so much in the last decade that there is more than enough material to be going on with just in those areas, but I also decided to include a detailed look at an important line in the Exchange Variation. Black’s key concept in the Marshall is giving up a central pawn in return for activity, and I have tried to give as many lines as possible which adhere closely to this principle. Why is this so significant? Well, for starters, usually in the Ruy Lopez Black is looking for long, slow games in solid, closed positions. The Marshall flips this on its head and Black tries to accelerate the play and radically change the character of the game at an early stage. Let’s briefly discuss the material of the book itself and the lines that I have decided to give. First of all, I started off with the standard Marshall Attack, after the initial moves: 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d5. I have given direct analysis wherever possible and I have tried to cover all the essential lines. Of course, with the passing of the years and the continual development of theory we can see how the popularity of some positions has shifted and, in some cases, how certain lines have simply been rendered obsolete. I also discovered, to my surprise, that there are still new, unexplored, and interesting paths for further analysis.

In his seventh book for Thinkers Publishing, Milos Pavlovic examines the Stonewall set-up in detail. Drawing upon his years of playing experiences and opening study, Milos highlights the key aspects and covers the most recent developments in this most solid line of the Dutch Defense. This book will provide you a great new arsenal of weapons when playing with the black pieces.

In his sixth book for Thinkers Publishing, Milos Pavlovic has taken a serious look at the recent developments within the Scotch Game. Drawing upon his considerable opening experience, he investigates the most interesting and dynamic lines for White and Black, making this book a complete repertoire one. He found many novelties and highlights the most important positional and tactical themes this opening provides. We are quite convinced this 'complete repertoire book' will give you an extra boost to play this fascinating opening being one of the old-time favorites of Garry Kasparov.

Two great books from the Everyman Chess Library, Fighting the Ruy Lopez by Milos Pavlovic and Open Ruy Lopez by Glenn Flear, brought together in one volume. The Ruy Lopez is a hugely popular opening, and anyone who plays 1 e4 e5 as Black needs to have a reliable answer ready. This book provides a solution. Drawing upon his years of experience facing the Lopez, Grandmaster Milos Pavlovic devises a sound yet ambitious repertoire for Black based on the legendary Marshall Attack. The Marshall is a perfect counter-attacking weapon, as it avoids passive positions and the so-called 'Spanish torture'. Furthermore, Black's tactical and positional goals are usually clear-cut and often involve a direct attack against White's king. The effectiveness of the Marshall is clear if you consider that the last two world champions have both suffered crushing defeats on the white side (Kramnik vs Leko, Brissago 2004; Anand vs Aronian, Morelia 2008) whilst Garry Kasparov always avoided it with White. The Open Ruy Lopez (also known as the Open Spanish) has always been a popular choice at both club level and at grandmaster level, where it has withstood the test of time after decades of close scrutiny. It offers both sides the opportunity for a sharp clash of forces in which the better prepared player will often come out on top. It is therefore no surprise that fighting players such as Victor Korchnoi and Jan Timman have always used the Open Ruy Lopez as an important weapon in their armoury.

The Nimzo-Indian and Queen's Gambit Declined are amongst black's soundest and most universal answers to 1.d4. In his trademark style, Milos investigates the most positional ways to proceed after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6. He analyses all the critical lines whilst also taking a close look at all the sidelines and gives Black many new possibilities to spice up the game. We are convinced that this book will bring you inspirational games and results.