The popularity of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is largely based on its surprise value, but in fact 1.b3 is one of White’s more logical first moves. By immediately developing his queen’s bishop, White aims at undermining the black centre.

Ilya Odessky’s message in this unusual opening book is:  opening with 1.b2-b3 is a lot of fun! Odessky will amuse and surprise you, but also teach you all the ins and outs of this offbeat system, which has been used by top players like Bobby Fischer and Bent Larsen.

White avoids the many theoretical landmines of mainline openings and steers towards an open battle, right from the start. This system’s basic ideas are strategically sound and easy to learn. But it can also offer wild complications for lovers of tactics.

Odessky does not fool you into believing that White is better in all 1.b3 lines. But you will get to know this opening deeply, and you will be better prepared for the struggle than your opponent will be. You will enjoy playing 1.b3!

Ilya Odessky is an International Master from Russia, a well-known chess coach and an outstanding chess writer. 

British Chess Magazine:
"As entertaining and original an opening book as we have seen in years."

FreeChess:
"Odessky knows brilliantly how to inspire and motivate his readers (..) A complete overview of this opening, which may have been underestimated, and the reader who studies this book closely can obtain good results with it."

Arne Moll, ChessVibes:
"Odessky is not just a creative writer but also an excellent chess instructor who combines crystal-clear prose with elegant objectivity (..) So, my advice is to go to the bookstore and buy 'Play 1.b3!' immediately before it's sold out. It doesn't matter if you don't play 1.b3 or intend to ever play it."

Torre & Cavallo Magazine (Italy):
"Offers all the tools for an excellent preparation."

Mark Donlan, Chess Horizons:
"Not only is Odessky refreshingly honest in his approach and evaluations, he is also entertaining and candid."

John Watson, The Week In Chess:
"If you want an independent opening system which limits your preparation time, all the information you need is in here."

Elburg Chess Reviews:
"Certainly the best book ever written on the move 1.b3"

Harald Keilhack, Schach Magazine:
"It bristles with original ideas and variations"

Carsten Hansen, ChessCafe:
"For fans of this opening or for those who want a surprise weapon that carries a punch, this book is a must-buy."

Paul Kane, Manchester Chess Federation:
"The author also has many interesting things to say about positional chess, chess strategy and simply playing good chess."

IM John Donaldson, ChessToday:
"Odessky is always entertaining and good at creating a dialogue with the reader (..) Full of interesting and thought-provoking comments and observations"

Bill McGeary, ChessVille:
"A book that is worth more than just the variations outlined in it (..) I believe this book should be in the hands of any player with the courage to find and work out his/her own ideas."