Everyman Chess continues its original and best-selling Starting Out series with detailed coverage of the Queen s Gambit Declined, an opening that is very much at the forefront of contemporary chess. The Queen s Gambit Declined is Black s fundamental answer to 1 d4 and an opening of great historical importance."

The chess world has been blessed by a number of wonderful strategists, and in Chess Secrets: The Giants of Strategy, Neil McDonald decides upon his selection of the most prominent ones, highlighting the major contributions they have made. McDonald examines their differing approaches and styles, and from Nimzowitsch to Kramnik, how they followed in each other's footsteps.Throughout history there have been many famous players who have dazzled the chess world with their swashbuckling approach to opening play. In Chess Secrets: The Great Gambiteers, John Cox picks out his selection of famous...

It's not easy finding a good opening to play against 1 e4, especially if you don't have endless time available to study the latest theoretical developments. If you choose fashionable openings, it's often a necessity to keep pace with modern theory if you want to succeed with Black. This book provides a solution. Neil McDonald advocates his favourite opening - the very popular French Defence - but chooses a repertoire for Black that requires only the minimum amount of move memorization. The lines he selects are very easy to learn and play - perfect for those who are unwilling to be slaves to...

The extraordinary wealth of ancient and historical sites on the Welsh island of Anglesey represents a microcosm of British history, from the deep Neolithic past to the Roman occupation, through the rise of the Welsh princes to the heyday of the Victorian resort of Beaumaris. It was on Anglesey that the ancient Druids took their last stand against the Roman invaders. Neil McDonald is an expert on the mythic and historical geography of Anglesey. In this fascinating book, he explores the island's heritage and countryside, providing vivid descriptions and rich historical backgrounds for its...

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.

Grandmaster Neil McDonald examines one of the most important openings of all, the Ruy Lopez. He shares his experience and knowledge, and continually challenges the reader to answer probing questions, thereby encouraging the learning and practising of vital opening skills.

Neil McDonald examines in depth the many variations of the King's Indian Attack. He outlines White's most promising options and Black's best defences, and provides answers to all the key questions.

Mysteries of The Cathar Country, is a look into the Histories and Mysteries of the Languedoc. Including the Cathars, Rennes-le-Chateau, the Knights Templar, the Nazi connection, Sacred Geometry and the Priory of Sion. Neil McDonald has been visiting and running tours to the Cathar Country for some years and is an expert in the rich, diverse and fascinating history of the area, including the Cathars and the story of Berenger Sauniere and Rennes-le-Chateau. It is with this background that the book is presented and to provide the reader with a comprehensive journey through this wonderful area of...

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.

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.