Understanding the Leningrad Dutch

“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

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. A good understanding of the themes of the Leningrad is at least as important as detailed knowledge of its theory. Valeri Beim has a wealth of experience with the Leningrad Dutch and is an accomplished trainer, so is ideally qualified to guide the reader through the twists and turns of this remarkable opening.

“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

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.

“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

“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, British Chess Magazine