With nearly 319 billion possible positions after only the first four moves, sheer intuition is not enough. To play at master level one's brilliant intuition must be grounded in a thorough command of advanced chess theory - the time tested essential elements by which grandmasters direct their every move. Because top players seldom discuss their methods these theories are generally hard to come by. Departing from the traditional and laborious algebraic discussions of various potential lines of play here these master level theories are presented in a learner-friendly format designed to instruct the average player up to master level.