What should a chess player aim for in the opening? Setting a few traps may be tempting, but experience quickly shows this to be a suspect approach. Beginners' books recommend quick development and early casting - but blindly following this well-intended advice has led to countless missed opportunities. Here, Chris Ward explains how thoughtful opening play, with middlegame plans in mind, is a key ingredient to success in chess. Part of the Think Like a Grandmaster series, the book includes annotated diagrams and examples taken from recent practice. Question and exercise sections which involve the reader in the subject and practical tips on how to pounce on the opponent's inaccuracies in the opening, and to avoid early disasters are both included.