Two of America's top rated players present an up-to-date study of an opening which was once casually dismissed as suspect, but more recently has been played at the top levels of international chess. Bent Larsen's stunning defeat of World Champion Karpov at Montreal '79 with the Center Counter focused attention on the line. Former U.S. Champion and International Master John Grefe has teamed up with 1981 U.S. Open Co-Champion Jeremy Silman to present a clear picture of the current status of theory in the Center Counter. They have made independent evaluation of the lines of play, often debunking old analysis, and offer suggestions for new approaches for the enterprising player. The Center Counter can be a significant tournament weapon beyond its recognized surprise value.