Book excerpt: This guide to learning, playing and winning with Alekhine's Defence is designed to be of interest to the chess player at all levels. Alekhine's Defence is one of the most provocative openings at Black's disposal and has always been popular with uncompromising players, such as Alexander Alekhine himself and Bobby Fischer, both former World Champions. In this up-to-date book the principles of play for both sides are explained via complete illustrative games. These provide the reader with a concise means of understanding practical ideas alongside essential theoretical knowledge of the critical main lines.