Two great books from the Everyman Chess Library, Unusual Queen's Gambit Declined by Chris Ward and Declining the Queen's Gambit by John Cox, brought together in one volume. Chris Ward covers three offbeat but important defences to this ancient opening. The Chigorin Defence (1 d4 d5 2 c4 Nc6) creates dynamic imbalance in the position. The Albin Counter Gambit (1 d4 d5 2 c4 e5) is a tricky tactical line which can be deadly against an unprepared White player. The final variation (1 d4 d5 2 c4 Bf5) is an interesting way to try to solve immediately the problem of how to develop the queen's bishop in the Queen's Gambit Declined. In Declining the Queen's Gambit provides a repertoire for Black with the ever-popular gambit. Opening expert John Cox covers not one but two key options for Black. The Tartakower Variation is a sophisticated defence used successfully by world champions such as Kasparov, Karpov and Kramnik.

The Lasker Variation is an easy-to-learn and reliable option devised by one of the legends of the game. Cox also demonstrates how to play against White's other tries, including the Exchange Variation, Catalan and Bf4 lines. He explains in detail the typical plans and tactics adopted by both sides, whilst also tackling the tricky subject of move-order possibilities.