The Spanish Chess Opening, also known as the Ruy Lopez, named a Spanish clergyman who made it popular, is one of the oldest and most heavily analyzed of openings, with many variations having been analyzed up to move 20. Yet, there are still new things being discovered about it. This book covers early attempts by either side to wrest the initiative from the other by means of an early pawn sacrifice.

Among the most popular gambits covered in this thoroughly researched work are the Jaenisch and Marshall Gambits, with substantial original analysis of less common lines such as the Cordel and Dilworth Gambits.

This volume concentrates on the lines which are likely to be of use to the practical player, with the emphasis on variations which are ideal for playing for a win in tournament chess.

Leonid Shamkovich was an experienced Soviet Grandmaster. He was the author of The Modern Chess Sacrifice and many other works. His analysis in Soviet chess magazines was invariably studied diligently by Bobby Fischer. Some of Fischer's wins were attributed to analysis by Shamkovich. Eric Schiller is a FIDE Master who has authored, researched and edited many chess books.