Series:

The Modernized

6 total works

Cover of The Modernized Nimzo-Queen's Gambit Declined Systems
The Nimzo-Indian and Queen's Gambit Declined are amongst black's soundest and most universal answers to 1.d4. In his trademark style, Milos investigates the most positional ways to proceed after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6. He analyses all the critical lines whilst also taking a close look at all the sidelines and gives Black many new possibilities to spice up the game. We are convinced that this book will bring you inspirational games and results.

Cover of The Modernized Marshall Attack

The Modernized Marshall Attack

by Milos Pavlovic

Published 22 September 2020
This book is about the Marshall Attack and the lines which can be grouped together under the banner of the so-called Anti-Marshall. The theory has developed so much in the last decade that there is more than enough material to be going on with just in those areas, but I also decided to include a detailed look at an important line in the Exchange Variation. Black’s key concept in the Marshall is giving up a central pawn in return for activity, and I have tried to give as many lines as possible which adhere closely to this principle. Why is this so significant? Well, for starters, usually in the Ruy Lopez Black is looking for long, slow games in solid, closed positions. The Marshall flips this on its head and Black tries to accelerate the play and radically change the character of the game at an early stage. Let’s briefly discuss the material of the book itself and the lines that I have decided to give. First of all, I started off with the standard Marshall Attack, after the initial moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d5. I have given direct analysis wherever possible and I have tried to cover all the essential lines. Of course, with the passing of the years and the continual development of theory we can see how the popularity of some positions has shifted and, in some cases, how certain lines have simply been rendered obsolete. I also discovered, to my surprise, that there are still new, unexplored, and interesting paths for further analysis.

Cover of The Modernized Colle-Zukertort Attack
In his next book for Thinkers Publishing, Milos Pavlovic, took a fresh look at the relatively unexplored but most dangerous Colle-Zukertort attack. Drawing upon his considerable opening experience and using plenty of illustrative games, he reveals the secrets how to pose Black serious problems using different subtle move orders. Milos created a comprehensive repertoire for White and highlighting the many tactical and positional themes this dynamic opening contains. The author is keen to show how easily White can obtain a strong attack against a classical sub-optimal black development. Pavlovic preferred along the way to delve quite deeply in to the theory and possible important transpositions to other openings.

Cover of The Modernized King's Indian - Mar del Plata
Do you relish the prospect of setting your
opponent awkward problems from the early start of the game? If so, you should
just continue reading, for in the Mar Del Plata and King's Indian, it’s every man for himself,
and only the best informed and most creative resourceful player survive. This variation
gives both colors very dangerous attacking ideas, and you really needs to know
a precise defense to come out of this variation alive. This book provides
weapons that are ideal choices for those who revel in forcing opponents into
chaotic and uncomfortable positions.

Cover of The Modernized Semi-Slav

The Semi-Slav Defense transcends its classification as a mere defensive response to 1.d4. 


It embodies a dynamic and multifaceted system that offers Black not only solidity in defense but also active counterplay and strategic flexibility. Here's why the Semi-Slav is more than just a defense:


Rather than passively defending, the Semi-Slav allows Black to counterattack in the center and on the flanks. Moves like ...e6-e5 and ...c6-c5 often lead to sharp, tactical positions where Black can seize the initiative.

By delaying the development of the knight to f6, Black achieves a solid pawn structure with pawns on d5, e6, and c6. This structure provides a firm foundation for Black's pieces and restricts White's options for pawn breaks.

The Semi-Slav leads to strategically rich positions with multiple pawn breaks and piece maneuvers. Both sides must navigate intricate plans, making it a fertile ground for creative play and deep strategic understanding. Within the Semi-Slav, there are numerous variations and sub-variations, each with its own unique characteristics and strategic ideas. Players can tailor their repertoire to suit their style and preferences, whether they prefer solid, positional play or aggressive, tactical battles.


The Semi-Slav has been embraced by many top-level players, including World Champions like Vladimir Kramnik and Viswanathan Anand. Their success with the opening at the highest levels of competition demonstrates its effectiveness and versatility.


In essence, the Semi-Slav Defense transcends its classification as a defensive system by offering Black a rich tapestry of strategic possibilities and dynamic play. It is a complete repertoire choice that can suit a wide range of playing styles and preferences.

Cover of The Modernized London System

Although known for a long time, the London started to catch up in popularity just in the last decade or so. 

I guess the reason for this is probably the desire of many players to focus more on the practical side of chess, with less use of engines and less memorization of long theoretical lines, and more about positional understanding of game. I must say, it received a huge boost not only in the number of games but also in a deeper understanding of the positions arising from the opening. In the past it was used from time to time, but only a few players employed it on a regular basis, such as grandmasters from former the Yugoslavia, Milorad Knezevic and Vlado Kovacevic, and the English GM Tony Miles, who used it often. 

Today, Kamsky is one of the players who uses it very often, and of course Magnus Carlsen, but we have many other grandmasters and non-grandmasters who now have it in their repertoire on a regular basis. I must say that it’s also important to emphasize the move orders of the line, and due to that we have an immense number of transpositions, which you don’t find so much in other openings.