Recommended book to learn classic openings and strategy

Hi,

I would like suggestions on books to help me with my openings, both in strategy and learning proper responses to classic openings.

Any suggestions? I looked on Amazon, but the number of options is overwhelming.

thank you

Scott

Good Chess Openings Books For Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/good-chess-openings-books-for-beginners-and-beyond

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell

Discovering Chess Openings - Building opening skills from basic principles by John Emms is what I am reading right now.

I can recommend this one. It goes through basic openings, explaining what is going on and at the same time explains the opening principles like controlling the center, developing fast, not bringing your Q out too early, king safety etc.

It is not a book about a single opening but does explain the ideas behind some solid openings very well.

I picked up the four knights scotch from the book and have been enjoying playing that in some of my latest games.

Thank you for the suggestions!