Cox has written a number of well-received chess books, and he has contributed to the
New in Chess yearbooks. Four of his books were published by
Everyman Chess, three of them introductory level books in the
Starting Out series. His 2004 book on the
Alekhine's Defence, ''Starting Out: Alekhine's Defence'' was credited by
Watson as his main source on the Alekhine, Since the book was written, Cox has largely abandoned the Alekhine because of perceived trouble for Black in the Four Pawns Attack variation. Cox has since taken up 1.e4 e5. The idea of this book was proposed by Cox who believed there was a niche for a book on how to deal with these openings which are common at the club level. Watson also remarked the recommendation of such difficult lines for an amateur audience, but Cox notes that the complex main lines may well appeal to players of club level strength. Cox's book for
Quality Chess,
The Berlin Wall which is about the solid Berlin Variation of the
Ruy Lopez, received top marks for its writing and thoroughness. ==References==