U.S. chess champion Larry Christiansen provides the principles of middlegame understanding, tactical alertness and counterattacking skills, enabling club players to get more out of their chess by adopting the sharp, aggressive play of present-day grandmasters. Chess enthusiasts will find incisive methods of play that illustrate attacking motives inherent in the structures of different opening systems and their variations. The Sicilian Defense, the Najdorf, Dragon, Taimanov-Paulsen, Sveshnikov, Rauser, Rossolimo, Closed, and Grand Prix are all handled individually, showing the reader how to recognize and exploit typical tactical opportunities. Even the art of swindling is not neglected, and it's all richly illustrated with examples from practical play, including the games of amateurs. Players of all levels enjoy and benefit from Christiansen's instructive writing and insider information. Read Less