PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION: In the Sixth Edition of this book there is a notable change, which we are sure that all our supporters will appreciate. While we were considering the advisability of bringing it out in the current year we were approached by Mr. Reuben Fine with a suggestion that he should under take the task of revision and we gladly agreed. Reuben Fine needs no introduction to those who are interested in the game of chess. His past achievements had already made him famous and he added another glorious chapter to the story of his career, just as he had finished his work for us, by tieing for the first place in the great A. V. R. O. Tournament towards the end of 1938. Naturally we gave our reviser a free hand in dealing with his task, merely reserving to ourselves the editorial right of making such slight changes in his text as might seem to us necessary. Mr. Fine, however, scrupulously adhered to the traditions of Modern Chess Openings, while availing himself fully of the privilege which must be con ceded to a master of his rank of expressing his personal opinions on the lines of play which are