The Leningrad System of the Dutch Defence is an interesting hybrid of the Dutch and the King's Indian. For many years, it was viewed with some suspicion in view of the slight positional weaknesses created in Black's position. However, in the 1980s dynamic new approaches were introduced by such players as Sergei Dolmatov, Evgeny Bareev, Mikhail Gurevich and especially Vladimir Malaniuk. These players showed how an active approach could compensate for these defects, and offer Black excellent winning chances. Since then, the Leningrad has been a popular and effective opening choice for players of all levels.

Valeri Beim is a grandmaster who lives in Austria. He has won numerous tournaments and plays in the Austrian and German leagues. For many years, he was the head trainer at the chess school in Odessa (Ukraine), and he was also the trainer of the Israeli olympiad team. This is his second chess book; see also Chess Recipes from the Grandmaster's Kitchen, Lessons in Chess Strategy, How to Play Dynamic Chess, and How to Calculate Chess Tactics.

"At the time I was living in Israel I met played alongside Valery Beim in many tournaments. He was one of the most talented players I've come across with a deep understanding of chess, but often became nervous in practical play. Amongst his many strengths as a player was his superb handling of the Leningrad Dutch and I don't recall seeing him lose with this opening. So when he wrote a book about this opening I had to get it and it's as good as I expected it to be. ... Highly recommended." - Nigel Davies

"Understanding the Leningrad Dutch is recommended as an entertaining but still sufficiently theoretical introduction to a very popular opening." - John Watson

"...Grandmaster Beim, now living in Austria, has formerly been a trainer with both the Odessa chess school in Ukraine and the Israeli Olympiad team. An impressive pedigree, which shines through the pages of this rather impressive book..... Good teaching usually involves homework, hence the closing chapter consists of 35 exercise positions taken from real games where Black has reached a position requiring formulation of a plan. The 12 pages of suggested solutions provide an excellent tutorial on decision taking, without the normal reassurance of forced variations typical of most chess test questions. Summary - highly recommended; if only all opening book authors followed Beim's example!" - David Gillespie, WEEKEND CHESS

"Interestingly conceived, and apparently well executed, this a real insider's guide to this opening which should be of interest even to strong players." - Phil Adams

"There is enough theory for the stronger club player, but emphasis does rightly remain on understanding, making this an excellent repertoire book. Particularly commendable is the final chapter of 35 typical Leningrad positions to test readers' newly acquired understanding. Overall Beim is very readable and his affection for, and knowledge of, the Leningrad should persuade many to take up the opening." - Richard Palliser, CHESS MOVES

"This is another successful Gambit production - a lively and concise introduction to the counterattacking Leningrad Dutch. Grandmaster Beim equips Black with a full repertoire, covering 1 Nf3 f5 2 e4 and all White's second-move alternatives after 1 d4 f5, before getting into the Leningrad proper. The theory is up-to-date, the explanations are lucid and the illustrative games well-selected." - James Vigus, BCM

"Beim attempts to impart his ideas on studying the openings in general and about chess as a whole, as such it is a model to be followed by all would-be writers." - Mark Donlan, CHESS HORIZONS

"...To conclude, this is an opening book written by a conscientious, articulate teacher who has not only attempted to explain the Leningrad Dutch, but also give the reader a feel for what is important in any opening a player is studying." - Munroe Morrison, OPEN FILE

"....Unlike most Gambit books Beim covers the material by means of complete games although detailed notes are only given up to the point where the game ceases to be of theoretical interest. Beim not only gives the theory but more importantly explains the ideas behind the opening..........Beim's method is very effective and I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who has the Leningrad in his repertoire or who is looking for a new defence to 1 d4 or 1 Nf3. I may well give it a go myself!" - John Pugh, CHECKMATE

"The sub title of this book reads "An experienced chess trainer's guide to a dynamic opening system". Valeri, as well as being an experienced chess trainer, is a player that uses the Leningrad Dutch defence himself which is a big plus when writing a chess book. Through nine well-written chapters Valeri covers not only the Leningrad Dutch but also covers what to do if white plays a gambit or tries to deviate early. At the end of the book there is also homework in the form of exercises to do to see how much you've learned. lf you wish to learn and understand how to play the Leningrad Dutch then this is the book for you." - Michael Stevenson, NZ CHESS

Download a pdf file with a sample from the book.