Books by Daniel King

Even in the Sicilian Defense, one of the most popular and well-developed chess openings, it is possible to surprise your opponent at move four! With the Kalashnikov Variation, Black immediately forces the opponent to make a difficult decision. It all starts with a Black pawn, kicking Whites knight off the central d4-square. This push will lead the game into turbulent waters where your rapid development, attacking options, sound pawn structure and superior preparation will leave your opponent bewildered. Grandmaster Daniel King knows what it takes to play the Sicilian with success, and his articulate explanations and practical approach to playing and learning will help you score your own Sicilian victories. This course is a repertoire for Black, focusing on the most important lines. In addition, there is a selection of well-annotated master games demonstrating key strategic concepts in practical settings. Once you hear about the Bad Bishop Bounce, Liberation Station, and The Trojan Horse, you will be eager to introduce them into your own games. The book also explains how to punish the sidelines you are most likely to face in club and online play, often allowing you to reach a superior position straight out of the opening! This complete repertoire includes answers to all possible alternatives for White after the moves 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 e5.

In this book Daniel King explains the basic principles of chess to the beginner by means of clear explanation of ten very simple rules, mastery of which will enable the reader to play a better more enjoyable game.

Amethysts and Emeralds is a selection of Daniel King's awardwinningpoetry, much of which has been published in journalsaround the world. The poems embrace a wide variety of forms,from free verse to sonnet, roundel, villanelle, and sestina.Thematically, too, the poems are very varied, ranging from therealist "Head in the Sand", published in the prestigious LondonMagazine, to a song lyric from Shadows of 1876: The WildBirds have Returned, a CD of mystical country music songsabout historical fi gures and events from the United States in theyear 1876. Most of the poems, however, are of a religious and/or mystical theme: indeed, a large subset of the poems concernsthe genesis and future life of Kalki, the tenth and final avatar ofthe Hindu God Vishnu (the Preserver), incarnating this time andforever together with Shiva (the Destroyer).

The Closed Sicilian has always been a great favorite with chess club and tournament players. Here, Grand Master Daniel King explains the strategy and tactics of this dynamic opening variation, using model games for both sides to illustrate the important ideas. Armed with this book, readers will have everything they need to know to play the opening with either White or Black.