The Grünfeld has always been a popular choice with players who aim to counterattack with the black pieces. World Champions Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov head a distinguished cast of grandmasters who swear by its solid and yet dynamic nature. In this original book, Jonathan Rowson delves deeply into the Grünfeld, steering the reader through the mysteries and intricacies of this complex opening. Now you too will be able to understand, play and win with the Grünfeld!

Jonathan Rowson became Scotland's third grandmaster in late 1999, within months of graduating from Oxford University. He was runner-up in the 1997 European Junior Championship, Scottish Champion in 1999, 2001 and 2004, winner of the Canadian Open in 2000, winner of the Hastings Premier 2003/2004, and British Champion in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, he won the British Championship for an extraordinary third year in succession.

Gambit books by Jonathan Rowson: Understanding the Grünfeld, The Seven Deadly Chess Sins, and Chess for Zebras.

Download a pdf file with a sample from the book.

"Completely original... the heart of the book is the text of the analysis, which is simply quite brilliant" – Bernard Harrison, CHESS POST

"informative, energetic, humorous, and most amazingly, fun!" - IM Jeremy Silman, SILMAN REVIEWS

"...a gem which blends vast knowledge and vital ideas, explained with such clarity, energy and enthusiasm that the readers understand of chess in general will surely be enhanced" GM Paul Motwani, SCOTTISH CHESS

"... a high level examination of the opening 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 g6 3 Nc3 d5. There are plenty of words to go with the moves and we hear Rowson's opinions on different lines which is much more interesting than a simple rehash of existing theory" - IM Douglas Bryson, SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY

"Deals thoroughly with this popular defence" - Ken Bloodworth, WESTERN MORNING NEWS

"On his first major venture into the chess publishing field, Jonathan Rowson has produced a book which is both readable and easily intelligible to average club players. I can thoroughly recommend it" - Alan Sutton, EN PASSANT

"An original and excellent debut. The most satisfying aspect of Rowson's book is the depth of explanation he provides. He does not talk down to his readers. On the contrary, he assumes you are his equal and a willing companion in a fascinating search for truth in the Grunfeld" - IM Craig Pritchett, THE HERALD

"Rowson continuation draws upon his own experiences (good and bad) with the Grunfeld to teach the reader important lessons... I both like and recommend this book" - IM John Watson, INSIDE CHESS

"A next-generation opening book which will make the reader feel at home in the Grunfeld" - Munroe Morrison, OPEN FILE