Books by Neil McDonald

Two great books by Neil McDonald from the Everyman Chess Library, Starting Out the Reti and Starting Out: The English, brought together in one volume.

Neil McDonald has been fascinated by the exceptional history of Malta and Gozo for some years and leads tour groups around the islands' unique prehistoric and historic sites. The history section takes the reader on a journey from the formation of the islands' along the their timeline including the ancient temples, the Medieval Period, the Knights of St John the British and into the islands' independence. The second part of the book is a gazetteer and guide to over 30 of the ancient and prehistorical sites that are to be found throughout these beautiful Mediterranean islands, where the sun shines all year round.

Two books from the Chess Secrets series brought together in one volume. Chess Secrets is a series of books which uncover the mysteries of the most important aspects of chess: strategy, attack, classical play, opening play, endgames and preparation.

Two books from the Chess Secrets series brought together in one volume.

Neil McDonald has been leading tour groups around the Isle of Man for many years. He is an expert on the ancient, mystical and historical sites that cover the island, many of which are quite unique. Neil has used his experience to create this book that takes the reader on a circular tour of the best sites of the Isle of Man. With detailed descriptions it also includes direction right up to the sites. This book is therefore an ideal companion on any personal megalithic journey of the island.

The Lake District A Megalithic Journey Neil McDonald has been visiting the Lake District since childhood, spending many happy hours walking in the spectacular fells and valleys. Over the years he has become an expert in the many ancient, mystical and historical sites of this beautiful part of northern England. Neil has been taking tour groups to the area for many years and in this book he has used his wealth of experience to create a circular tour of some of the best sites the region has to offer.

The Catalan is a solid opening system in which White combines the Queen's Gambit with a kingside fianchetto. In recent years it has become an increasingly popular choice at all levels of chess, and elite grandmasters such as Vladimir Kramnik have developed major new ideas for both White and Black.

Most competitive players are very familiar with the idea of a sacrificial checkmating attack, but the positional sacrifice has been strangely neglected. By means of a subtle positional sacrifice, a player can sometimes fundamentally alter the course of a game in his or her favor. In this instructive and entertaining book International Master Neil McDonald demonstrates just how effective well-executed positional sacrifices are. Topics covered include sacrifices to open lines for the pieces, sacrifices as a defensive weapon, the exchange sacrifice, the psychology of sacrifice and much more.

Part of the "Starting Out" series, acclaimed for its approach to tackling chess openings, this work provides the basics of the Queen's Gambit Declined, an opening of historical importance, introducing the key moves and ideas, and explaining the reasoning behind them. It also provides tips and warnings highlighting the characteristics of this move.

Neil McDonald studies the key components of successful rule-breaking in chess. He examines how to avoid stereotypical thinking, how to exploit typical thinking patterns, and how to win with unexpected ideas.

Rudolph Spielmann was one of the most fearsome attacking players in the history of chess. In this book, Neil McDonald takes a look back some of Spielmann's most glorious attacks and famous combinations.

Neil McDonald advocates his favourite opening - the French Defence - and chooses a repertoire for Black that requires minimum study.

Ideal for those wanting to understand the basics of the English Opening. The English is a sophisticated and popular opening system that is suitable for all types of players and can lead to both positional and tactical middlegames. Many of the world¿s top players, including Kasparov and Kramnik, include the English in their openings weaponry. In this groundbreaking book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald revisits the basic principles behind the English and its many variations. Throughout this easy-to-read guide the reader is aided by a wealth of notes, tips and warnings from the author, while key strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated. This book is ideal for the improving player. *Written by an openings expert *All the important lines are covered *A back-to-basics look at one of the most important openings.

A modern look at the French Minawer, which remains the sharpest variation of the French Defense.