Most useful? FCO by Paul van dr Sterren (Fundamental Chess Openings)
Easiest to understand? The 4 volume Chess Opening Essentials
Best historical perspective? Reuben Fine's "The ideas behind the chess openings". Probably good only if you already have an opening library though.
Most useless? MCO and it's parade of unexplained variations found in any good database.
You want a book that explains the main ideas for each side and major variations and how each impacts plans for the middlegame. As I said, FCO is probably best at doing that but Chess opening Essentials is a little easier to understand.
Amazon carries all of them.
Hello everyone, I am looking for a good book that can help me better develop my openings. Right now I am only familiar with the Queen's Gambit and I would like to broaden my knowledge.
I would prefer if they are available for order online and will ship to Canada.
Thanks everyone :)