History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 1

Average customer rating:

Not really mastering the openings
Outstanding book
Great Opening Primer
Book Title Tells All
BEST OPENINGS BOOK EVER!

Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 1
John Watson
Manufacturer: Gambit Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1904600603

Product Description

A major new title from Gambit Publications Ltd. For most chess-players, opening study is sheer hard work. It is hard to know what is important and what is not, and when specific knowledge is vital, or when a more general understanding is sufficient. Tragically often, once the opening is over, a player wont know what plan to follow, or even understand why his pieces are on the squares on which they sit. With this book John Watson seeks to help chess-players achieve a more holistic and insightful view of the openings. In his previous books on chess strategy, he explained vital concepts that had previously been the domain only of top-class players, and did so in ways that have enabled them to enter the general chess consciousness of club players. Here he does likewise for the openings, explaining how flexible thinking and notions such as rule-independence can apply to the opening. Watson presents a wide-ranging view of the way in which top-class players really handle the opening, rather than an idealized and simplified model. This is a book that will make chess-players think hard about how they begin their games, while offering both entertainment and challenging material for study.

Customer Reviews:

Not really mastering the openings.......2007-09-12

John Watson seems to have quite a cult following, and to a point I agree he is unique and insightful. One must appreciate an author who gives their opinion and deep research - that is why you pay for the book. However, I believe the title misses the point, and a couple of openings.

A book that covers the Giuoco Piano, Ruy Lopez, Two Knights Defense, Philidor bypasses the Scotch and Petrov. My database gives the Petrov as the second most common response after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3, and Scotch as the third most common after 2. ...Nc6. Heck, even the King's Gambit gets seven pages.

This is a good book, with tons of insights into the openings and positions covered, as well as a long overview of the goals of the opening and positional considerations. However, it has several large gaps, and can't be used as an openings reference by itself.

Outstanding book.......2007-07-05

The author explains several opening lines from a strategic point of view, and not only by giving variants. This book is both useful and entertaining.

Great Opening Primer.......2007-07-03

If you're a club player looking for a good starting point to actually understand the ideas behind the e4 openings, this is it. It may not go as deep as the standards like the Batsford/Modern/Nunn's Chess Opening manuals, but it's really not meant to. While there's a place for the more technical manuals listed above, they can be overwhelming to a club player. Watson goes out of makes the openings approachable & understandable, as well as giving some additional ideas you can expand on by yourself.

After you've read this and vol 2 of the series (about d4 openings), you should be able to learn enough to get a feel for openings that fit your style and expand your collection into specific opening guides if you feel you need to.

Highly recommended.

Book Title Tells All.......2007-05-30

Another great work by one of the best chess authors in the business. For selfish reasons I wish he could have tackled more variations and more games, but, hey, I understand the Mr. Watson has other books to write. The book definitely gives a great understanding in words and analysis of modern approaches by some of the most novel thinkers in the game today concerning popular openings. Can't wait for Volume II!

BEST OPENINGS BOOK EVER!.......2007-05-11

I am only an amateur chess player, but this book helped me more than any other that I've ever read. The basic ideas in the first three chapters made it easy to advance to the instructive and well-written chapters that follow. Instead of these books with rows and rows of moves I found one clear explanation after another. Yet the author also gives plenty of solid variations to build a repertoire around. It's the best of both worlds. You'll love this book!

Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 2

Average customer rating:

Most Excellent Work!!
Masterful
Finally!

Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 2
John Watson
Manufacturer: Gambit Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1904600697

Customer Reviews:

Most Excellent Work!!.......2007-07-20

First, I must confess that I have only read the chapters on the Queen's Gambit Declined and the King's Indian Defense.

Queen's Gambit Declined chapter
He gives detailed descriptions of the major themes of both the classical and exchange variations. I especially liked his discussion of the Tartakower Defense. I found his discussion of move orders to be quite interesting, subtle and useful.

I should mention that the section, "Declining the Gambit; Other Second Moves", provides important information about the Marshall Defense, Baltic Defense, Albin Counter Gambit and Tchigorin Defense. In my view, the entire Queen's Gambit chapter is a "must read" for anyone who plays this opening or for all players who really wants to deepen their chess knowledge.

King's Indian Defense chapter

I have played the Strongpoint Variation (page 208) for many years but was not aware of many of the themes in this line. Watson's clearly describes various strategies that Black has used against 8.Be3, 8.Re1, and 8.d5. Again, a "must read" in my opinion.

To conclude, as always, Watson has a wonderful knack for describing specific strategies of openings and their variations while also providing interesting example games that illustrate these strategies.

Masterful.......2007-07-20

Well, I followed my own advice and got this book, even though I haven't
played 1.d4 in about 20 years. I wasn't disappointed. Just as in
Volume 1, this book is full of good practical knowledge and deep
insights, tying the 1.d4 openings to fundamental principles, and to
important concrete ideas. Through the theme of "cross-pollination,"
we can see the give and take between different opening systems. As
always with Watson, it is also beautifully written and a pleasure to
read. This book helps me to prepare lessons for my students, and who
knows, maybe I'll dust off that Queen's Gambit sometime.

Finally!.......2007-07-18

This is the book I've been waiting for. The usual approach to chess openings is to memorize piles and piles of endless variations, and hope to outbook your opponent. But we all realize how futile and unsatifsying that really is. Finally we have a book here that truly explains the ideas behind the moves. It also explains why certain moves are not played. It connects different openings to each other, so that you know what to do when your opponent inevitably veers away from theory. And furthermore, it helps you to handle tricky move-orders, which were always confusing to me before. With this book and his Strategy books, I think I'm starting to understand chess.

Modern Chess Openings: MCO-14 (McKay Chess Library)

Average customer rating:

The book suits intermediate players and upwards though beginners will benefit
Over-rated and Outdated
Great One Volume Reference Book on the Openings
Nice book to look up the major opening lines
The Chess Openings Bible

Modern Chess Openings: MCO-14 (McKay Chess Library)
Nick De Firmian
Manufacturer: Random House Puzzles & Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812930843
Release Date: 1999-12-01

Book Description

Why is Modern Chess Openings called "the chessplayer's bible"? Because since it was first published over a half-century ago, it has been one of the most trusted books in the chess world. Because it is the world's most current and comprehensive one-volume reference work on the chess openings. And because it has been completely revised to reflect the changes and advances made in chess over the past eight years, including major tournament matches and published theoretical works.

Customer Reviews:

The book suits intermediate players and upwards though beginners will benefit.......2007-05-08

As you can expect, the sections on popular openings such as the Sicilian and Ruy Lopez are large because these openings are extensively studied. Meanwhile, irregular openings receive small coverage. If you would like to prepare yourselves for a tournament, you need another book that covers a specific opening in depth. In conclusion, I think MCO is good for a survey of openings and give you important variations in a given opening. Apart from the desire to explore the openings universe, I bought this book to prepare for tournaments. To give an example, before reading MCO I played the Sicilian counterattack as Black (with e6 and Bb4 pinning white N on c3). The author says this line contain some tactical points for Black but is bad if White knows what to do. After many games of this line as Black, I agree with him. You can use this book to evaluate whether your chosen variations are strong enough in competitive play. In conclusion, I think MCO serve its purpose as a comprehensive one volume reference work, a book that can give you a lead to some openings or some variations which you have not played or discovered before. For example, over my more than 20 years of playing chess, I just discovered that the Latvian Gambit (1.e4 e5 2 Nf3 f5) is not only playable but often leads to a very exciting game. The opening should receive more attention.

My experience tells me the other side of openings which perhaps no book has ever touched upon it. Many players I played with avoid playing along any line of opening especially among casual games. These out-of-the-book openings may not look strong but some are quite hard to refute. The difference is that 'book' openings often involves pawn push to the fourth rank (1e4 1d4 1c4 1f4 for white and the fifth rank for black. One player who is lower rating than me played 1.f3 and with some elaborate system after that: he developed KN on h3 and then f2. At first I think his opening system was bad but I found it hard to crack his position (actually I lost the game). Therefore, despite many centuries of opening studies, this unexplored side of the openings at least is better than it looks. Among the less played openings (e.g. 1.b4), many are better than its reputation. So I think a book like MCO is not complete without this coverage, though this kind of openings is hard to classify and analyze as the established ones.

Over-rated and Outdated.......2007-04-18

A good book if you want a lot of superficial variations and lines to play that have a good chance of being outdated or maybe even busted. 30 or 40 years ago, during this books halcyon days, this type of compendium info was a blessing, but with the advent of on-line databases and PC databases, this book has become a dinosaur and is destined to become somebody's doorstop on a blustery day.

The book's real value may be only for stronger players (2200+) to see what outdated and recommended (but now busted) lines some unlucky sap will play into so as to be led nose-first into the slaughter-room.

Great One Volume Reference Book on the Openings.......2006-06-16

Every series chess player should have at least one good reference book covering the openings. "Modern Chess Openings" goes through regular new editions to keep it updated.
You will not find the ideas behind the moves explained (for that get "Winning Chess Traps" or "Understanding the Openings" along with this book), but the important lines and a general idea of who stands better at the end of each line is given.

I have not seen a more complete and accurate one volume opening reference book than this one. Definately recommended.

Nice book to look up the major opening lines.......2006-06-15

Modern Chess Openings does a good job of giving you a general idea of the most important lines in all of the major openings. It will not teach you the ideas behind the openings (get Understanding the Openings or Winning Chess Traps to learn ideas and tactics in the openings) but it will give you a general idea of what is considered to be up to date theory.

I don't know of a better single volume book to be used as a reference on openings. So as far as I am concerned, and want to express my opinion here, this is a good book for a dedicated chess player to get.

The Chess Openings Bible.......2006-03-01

This is pretty much the quintessential reference guide for chess openings - it has been called the chess "bible" by many players. Any serious chess player needs a good openings reference book in their library for reference purposes. But remember this book is an overview of EVERY opening so it doesn't spend too much time on each opening for that you need to buy individual books on individual openings. But this book starts each chapter/opening with a brief overview of the opening, it's history, the main ideas of the opening and the sub-variations. Then it list columns of variations that you can memorize (good luck!) or play through to get a feel for the main ideas in the opening. And lets face it, if you make mistakes in the opening you will likely feel them the entire game so surviving the opening is important! I wouldn't bother with this book if you are rated below say 1500, it would be a waste of your study time.

The Modern Morra Gambit: A Dynamic Weapon Against the Sicilian

Average customer rating:

Pretty good review of a very popular opening
Poor organization of various lines

The Modern Morra Gambit: A Dynamic Weapon Against the Sicilian
Hannes Langrock
Manufacturer: Russell Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1888690321

Book Description

Attack the Sicilian Defense aggressively with the Morra Gambit. Starting with 1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 c3, it is well suited for players striving for tactical and uncompromising play, as White's better development often leads to a dangerous initiative. Further, traditional Sicilian players may be taken by surprise and removed from their main line repertoire. If you take the time to The positions that arise are extremely difficult to play, especially if the defender is not familiar with them. One mistake by Black frequently means the end of the game. The theoretical material is divided into eleven chapters. • Chapters 1-10 deal with the Morra Gambit accepted and all begin with the starting position after 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 • Chapter 11 investigates the Morra Gambit declined • An appendix discusses the pros and cons of delaying the pawn sacrifice • Every stem game is introduced by a heading Studying the Morra Gambit, will bring excellent practical results.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good review of a very popular opening.......2007-07-11

I was not planning to reveiw this book. however, when I saw the other reveiwer give it only 1 star I had to chime in to remedy this travesty.

The book, contents, diagrams, text, explainations, and game examples are all excellent. This is the most up-to-date work on this opening.

I share the other reveiwers frustration with some of the format - the font used and the layout do not "flow" as nice as some chess books. but the content and learning value is otherwise quite good.

I have played the Morra gambit for several years in both OTB and Internet play with results that are generally way beyond my rating level. (I make up for it with poor results in other openings :) that bring my rating back down to earth.

My practical results have been excellent. Most players, especially below the expert level consistently fall into well known traps.

But I digress - if you are looking for a good up-to-date book on the Morra grab a copy of this work, spend a few hours to get boned up, and then go trash someone !

Poor organization of various lines.......2007-05-14

Variations should be in format like Modern Chess Openings. Full game results should be an appendix of wins and losses by white.

Some notation is very clumsy.

I would like a book that does a better job of presenting this opening.

Average customer rating:

Pachman's classic work....
How to improve your chess fast
Nimzowitsch made easy
Good strategy book
Solid

Modern Chess Strategy
Ludek Pachman
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486202909

Book Description

Modern classic offers thorough, systematic analysis of the use of the queen, active king, exchanges, seven different uses of pawns, minority attack, dynamic elements, much more. Analyses of 129 great games featuring Capablanca, Alekhine, Lasker, Botvinnik, Reshevsky, Bronstein, Smyslov, Spassky, other masters. Indexes of games and openings. 298 diagrams.

Customer Reviews:

Pachman's classic work...........2005-02-22

This book is a compact version of three-volume set of Pachman's original work. For many decades after WW II, he was known as one of the leading chess theorists. For this set of books, there are:
Volume 1: about piece plays and exchanges.
Volume 2: about pawn structures and the center.
Volume 3: about attacking on the wings, where one has superior position like pawn majority or weakness and subjected to a minority attack. (How Yin-Yang can chess be?)
I found in a local library the first two volumes, and like them very much. For some time, I had a few chess books. In the openings, I have: Horowitz', Korn's and Fine's. For the endings, I have Fine's. I also have Tartakover's 500 master games. I could not find any GOOD books about theory in middle games. Then I got the books of Chernev (Most Instructive Chess Games...) and John Love's (Positional Ideas...). They teach about the middle games. Love's is good but not enough details, and I could not follow the logic (arrangement) of Chernev's. Finally I found this impressive work of Pachman. I know I must have Pachman's books in my collection. One day, I found at a local used chess bookstore these books. The curious thing was I here found only the last two volumes. I grasped them at once and knew that my collection was still incomplete. A few years ago, I found this compact version of Pachman. I got it, knowing that in this book the new editor dropped out lots of games. I agreed with other reviewers, Pachman took great care to select good games for his books. The new single volume book lost some of its value. It is still good enough to carry to a tournament as reference book, however to fully appreciate Pachman's effort, only the complete 3-volume set can do its justice. I plan to get the first volume to complete my collection, and the compact one is for reference.
The arrangement of Pachman's work makes lots of sense. For tactical (easiest) chess, the piece play has the dominant roles as we see sub-1500 players often do. At the super-1800 level, the players begins to play positionally (more difficult), work with pawn structure and center more. After that, if both players are at higher level, they will work on the dynamic elements (most difficult): space superiority, square weakness, development lead, positional sacrifice, etc.
Of course, this superficial opinion is from my only sub-1700 level, for sure the higher rank reader will think differently.
This book was written in the pre-Fischer and Tal era, so the games didn't have much the dynamical aspects of the late 20th century chess. Even so, the theory and application of Pachman's work still find its characteristics in Nunn, Burgess, Karpov, Kasparov's chess and writings.

How to improve your chess fast.......2003-07-29

In my chess development there have been three books which each caused a step change improvement in my game, this one on chess strategy, Averbakh's Chess Endings: Essential Knowledge and oddly enough a small book on combinations entitled "The Penguin Book of Chess Positions". Each of these books provides a compete introduction to an essential part of the game. I immersed myself into each of these books and emerged a much better player after each reading one.

Pachman gives clear direction on learning to think strategically by dividing the book into two sections, one on piece play and one on pawns. He leads the reader systematically through each part by giving verbal generalizations followed by numerous examples from master play. In this abridged version, the editors used game fragments to replace some of the complete games found in the three volume version. I for one feel that the use of fragments does not detract from the educational aspects of the example games while enabling this book to be an inexpensive one volume version of the original. In particular, the chapter on rook play is superb.

I first read this book twenty years ago and the concepts of this book have stuck with me. Every time I play a game in which I use a rook lift to deveop a rook outside the pawn chain, I have Pachman to thank directly.

Nimzowitsch made easy.......2003-06-29

This is one of the first books any aspiring chess player should read. The book is basically a compilation of the classic texts by Nimzowitsch and Euwe, in a clear and readable style. It covers issues such as pawn structure, bishops vs. knigths, rook power, that are the bread-and-butter of every chess player. I am a researcher in Computer Science, retired from competitive chess, but I am still a strong club player (best rating: 2250 ELO). I read Pachman on my teens, and it had a very positive influence on me. Therefore, the earlier in your carrer you read Pachman, the better. When you advance to the ELO 2000 level, you should also read John Watson's "Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy" which is a very nice complement to Pachman's classic book.

Good strategy book.......2003-05-07

A book like this one stays with you forever... Pachman's book is very thorough and organized. As a manual for the middlegame this book should be read after going through tactical training books like 1001 mates / combinations by Reinfeld, Polgar's brick, or any similar book with combinations.

Once the tactical training is finished, Pachman's book will aid you to develop the complex strategical aspect of the middlegame.
Pachman's examples are very illustrative and going through the book twice provides good returns in OTB games. For instance, the chapter about rooks and the handling of minor pieces will by themselves pay for the book...

One of my objections to the book is its chapter about the minority attack. To my taste it was confusing and not as well written as the rest of the book.

How does it measure up with other strategy books? Maybe some people are going to be upset about this but the book is clearer than Nimzo's "My System" and It is more complete than "Judgement and Planing" by Euwe. [ I haven't have the chance to read other books on strategy ] But let us be fair, Euwe's and Nimzo's book are excellent counterparts to Pachman's book and I also like studying them.

Is it worth buying Pachman's book? In my opinion, yes.

Solid.......2002-04-25

When I first picked up this book I was coming in with the knowledge that the book thrived on it's eloquent writing style, and clear definitions. That pretty much sums up this book by Pachman.

Most chess books are naturally dense. It is a fact that when you try to explain in words your plans in a chess game, someone, somewhere will find it hard to comprehend. But despite this against him, Pachman wrote a book that was not too difficult for ANYONE to understand. (I tested this by having my son read it, he is a Class D player.)

This book isn't filled with interesting positions or mind-boggling concepts for the advanced player. But if you are reading chess books as a novice player, looking to grasp a few "cool" ideas, this is a great book for you.

(It lost one star from me for it's simplicity; but if you are a Class C or below, this is a 5 star.)

[This book could raise a Class C and below's ELO by 100-150 points if studied well enough.]

Average customer rating:

Useless

Very enjoyable repertoire book

An Old Opening with New Ideas

The Modern Chess Openings? Please...

White to play and Win

Ideas Behind the Modern Chess Openings (Batsford Chess Book)
Gary Lane
Manufacturer: Batsford
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Win with the London System

Ideas Behind Modern Chess Openings: Black (Batsford Chess Book)

Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master

Dealing with d4 Deviations: Fighting The Trompowsky, Torre, Blackmar-Diemer, Stonewall, Colle and Other Problem Openings (Everyman Chess)

Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 2

ASIN: 0713487127

Book Description

This repertoire of easy-to-learn openings, based on Garry Kasparov's move 1 d4, offers openings with a modern twist. Each one has simple principles that allow White to play just about the same moves against the Grunfeld, King's Indian, and Nimzo-Indian Defense. There are also modern systems to repel the Dutch, Benoni, and even offbeat lines such as the Englund Gambit. Nothing is left out: the tricks and traps in the opening for both sides; the basic plan and strategy using entertaining games; and how to play the middlegame by following easy plans.

Intermediate

Customer Reviews:

Useless.......2007-01-16

I think one of the most annoying things about chess books is to buy one of them and then find that the content is completely different from what you expected.
This book from Gary Lane can be considered as the typical example. From a title like "Ideas behind the modern chess openings" I was expecting some kind of introduction to the vast subject of the opening, plus some detailed information about the starting moves of a few "modern" openings (e.g. the KID, Modern Benoni and the likes). What I found instead is a few chapter's about the London System and a couple of games about the Barry/150 Attack!

So to summarize, this book is completely useless, for the following reasons:

1. it teaches you absolutely nothing about the "Ideas behind the modern chess openings"
2. if you like the London System, buy "Win with the London System" by Sverre Johnsen and Vlatko Kovacevic
3. if you like the 150/Barry Attack, buy the excellent "A Killer Chess Opening Repertorie" by Aaron Summerscale

The reason why I give this book 2 stars instead of 1 is that, at the time it was published the book by Johnsen and Kovacevic wasn't available, so "Ideas behind the modern chess openings" could have been a little useful to someone interested to the London System.

Now (I have to repeat myself, I'm sorry) it's completely useless.

Very enjoyable repertoire book.......2003-12-18

Yes, the title is misleading. So what! Chess Fundamentals by Capablanca has a misleading title too, but is considered a classic. I feel that every review here has entirely missed the boat on this book. This book aims right at the masses of intermediate players, who are always searching for an opening repertoire. Do you like Summerscale's book, "A Killer Opening Repertoire"? Then you just may really love this one. This one has mych more textutal explanations, far more games referenced in the notes, and overall, a better repertoire, IMHO. The repertoires are similar, but I like the London System recommeded by Lane more than Summerscale's Colle-Zukertort, and I like the London against the King's Indian more than Summerscale's Barry Attack. There is a chapter on the Barry here too. Let me something about reviews of chess books. It seems that the more specialized and highly rated the target audince, the better the review for a chess book. There are not many reviews out there for books like this one, Summerscale's, or The System by Berliner that really apply to the masses of non-professional players out there. I love all three of those books, with this one by Lane the most valuable of the three, to me. This is a great book, that you can stick with for years, gradually adding the products of your outside study to its content and guidance. I am not saying the book is perfect; but that it is an excellent and enjoyable companion for the masses of intermediate players looking for a book that speaks to them, that instructs themn, and gives them a sound,solid repertoire that will avoid masses of theory for which black maay be better prepared than you. Highly recommended, especially for the six dollar price at which I found it here used.

An Old Opening with New Ideas.......2003-11-06

First of all the title of the book has caused much debate. It is now well known it was the publisher who decided to use the 50 year old title of Fine's book. A mistake to use the classics but hardly the author's fault. The soul of the openings are above average for me because I can learn the main one-the London System- fairly quickly. I train kids at school and the idea of easy development appeals to all ages.
A good effort and worth reading.

The Modern Chess Openings? Please..........2003-08-25

This is a repertoire book with something against most of the things you might meet after 1.d4. The lines are superficially explained and analysed, and do not often give white chances of an opening advantage. There are some useful lines here, but you can find better repertoire books anywhere easily.

The title is stolen from Fine's "Ideas behind the Chess Openings", and it is a ploy from the publisher to get more sales. The London system, which this book is based on, is not a modern opening, so the title could not be more misleading. I am sure the author had nothing to do with naming the book.

White to play and Win.......2003-08-11

If you start with 1 d4 then this book has plenty of ideas to help you to win. The backbone of the openings that Lane wants everyone to play is the London System. This has never struck me as being particularly aggressive but it is perfect to make sure that White enters the middlegame with no fear of falling into a trap. The London System is no good against every opening and the author is honest enough to admit this rather than give a game which just happens to demolish the Dutch or something! I have found that how to deal with the side-lines such as the Clarendon Court are very useful. In the main lines the easy to follow guide in the Benoni and the Dutch are well worth a look.
Basically, I have improved my openings as a result of this book and that really is the true test.

Average customer rating:

Now my main weapon against e4
Treasure trove of ideas
Tiger is a Killer Book!!!

Tiger's Modern
Tiger Hillarp Persson
Manufacturer: Quality Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 9197524360

Book Description

In this book Swedish grandmaster Tiger Hillarp Persson presents his own favourite defence against 1.e4, the Modern Defence with a6. With his trademark laidback approach, he explains the different White replies to his system. His repertoire is based on deep understanding, common themes, and interesting games, rather than simply theory to be memorized. Pieces are sacrificed in a great number of games and famous grandmasters meet their doom on the pages of this refreshingly lively opening book. In today's chess teaching, opening theory often reaches deep into the middlegame, and players struggle to create something new and inspiring at the chessboard. Here Tiger Hillarp Persson shows that it is possible to be original at an early stage.

Customer Reviews:

Now my main weapon against e4.......2007-01-13

I am a 1600 to 1700 ranked correspondence (web based) chess player who opens with c4 and D4 with white. Developing a reply to black's e4 has been a bit of a challenge for me. I have tried the sicilian, but there is so much theory to learn, both on your chosen variety, and the anti-sicilians.

The modern is a terrific alternative. Statistically it achieves results almost as good as the sicilian, but more importantly for me, most e4 players at my level don't spend time learning it (unlike the sicilian, which is played as much as 50% of the time against e4). Another thought I had when considering the modern was that unlike D4 players, most e4 players haven't spent as much time learning to defeat a fianchettoed kings bishop (D4 players have to due to the popularity of the kings indian).

I purchased Tiger's book as a backup to my sicilian - another option to try. Well, I have now been converted, and use Tigers modern as my main weapon. This is a beautiful book, which really highlights in the introduction to each chapter the key plans for black and white. I have been amazed how often white players fall for simple traps (like advancing the b pawn to challenge knight on c3, allowing capture of e4 pawn), mainly because white is just not familiar with the idea.

I love the chapter on the Hippopotamus, which can be used as an alternative with some of Tiger's lines. Tiger is a fun author to read, his use of a quote by Talking Heads in this chapter (nothing happens in heaven) is for me almost worth the price of the book!

The chapter on c4 is probably not the strongest, but in fairness, it is not that common for an e4 player to play c4 in the first few moves, as this is a D4 opening (c4 can also often be prevented by Nf6 if not played quickly). I don't currently have the confidence to try the modern against a D4 or C4 opening due to this, but this isn't an issue for me. Tiger is very honest about this chapter, and for me, it is enough for the odd situation when C4 does arise soon after e4. The ideas are still very well presented, and accordingly, quick to learn.

This book and the modern may not suit everyone (this isn't orthodox chess), but it has been a godsend for me, resulting in a lot of fun trying to "blow up" white's centre.

Treasure trove of ideas.......2006-03-06

What an interesting opening book. Tiger Hillarp Persson has really put together a treasure trove of games and analysis of the modern. Many of the games are his own and he is not afraid to include his losses and his flawed gems.

First of all, beware. This is not a book which provides complete coverage of the modern. In that respect, it is more like a repertoire book.

From a strict point of view, it is quite likely that some of the analysis in this book is also flawed. The games are full of queen sacrifices and piece sacrifices and they are not to everyone's taste. But then if you want a safe opening, don't play the modern...play the caro-kann instead.

The modern really defies analysis and opening books struggle to deal with its great flexibility. That is why you will find very little theory on the modern. There are so many possibilities for transpositions. The opening is not for everyone. If you are an attacking player who likes open positions, then this opening is not for you. The modern is a slippery opening that avoids contact between the forces in the first few moves. Any opening up of the position has to be carefully weighed, particularly by the player of the black pieces who usually suffers from less space. That said, the modern is like a coiled spring and in the hands of a practititioner who knows what he is doing, weaker players who play the white pieces may suffer rapid self destruction at the hands of this opening.

The book is nicely presented and I have found no typographical errors (yet), which is always a good sign. The glossy front cover is attractive and the diagrams clear. The games are really worth close analysis. Don't read this book with the aim of memorizing some opening variations. The modern is not like that.
But working through the various ideas and transpositions should be beneficial.

The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is due to the coverage of the Averbakh variation of the modern. I really felt that this section was there to provide complete coverage. I am not sure that the author's heart and soul are written into this section to the same extent as they are in the e4 variation sections. Playing 4...e5 against the Averbakh may not be be everyone's taste and those who like the middle game conflicts of the 1. e4 modern may not like the endgame that results from the variation 4 ... e5 5. dxe dxe 6. Qxd8+ Kxd8 7. f4.

All in all, this is undoubtedly the most interesting of all the books I own on the modern.

Tiger is a Killer Book!!!.......2006-02-24

The Book is 2Good, Maybe 3good!! I almost did not write a review out of pure Selfishness.. "Mine mine, all mine mine," to Quote a Famous Duck. Get IT, NuffSaid.

Average customer rating:

Very well written
Interesting, but what's it for?
enjoyable and instructive
History and practice
Chess strategy changed a lot

Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy
John Watson
Manufacturer: Gambit Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1901983072

Customer Reviews:

Very well written.......2007-07-05

I liked this book: it can give you clear ideas about a set of topics about strategy. The first part is built upon the discussion of the ideas given in "My System", by Nimzowitsch, as seen from a modern master's point of view. Despite of this other-source-dependence, the book if self-sustaining: you do not need to read Nimzowitsch's book to understand J. Watson's.
If you want to improve your strategic skills on chess, buy it (and read it!).

Interesting, but what's it for?.......2007-05-11

Take my comments here with a grain of salt. I'm an intermediate player and no more than that. I will never know as much about chess as Mr Watson. But I have this book, and others like me will buy it (as we probably are the target audience), so I'll put in my two cents worth as to my impressions.

First of all, a lot of work has gone into this book. Mr Watson is very scholarly, and writes very well. My first impressions of this book were "amazing", just like many of the reviews here. But the more I read, and the more I think, the more I have some concerns. So I will try to list them now:

1. Who is this aimed at? As an intermediate player, I am looking for chess books that "teach me", that "help me to improve" or are just "fun to read". But this book purports from the outset to be more of a summary of what is going on in modern chess.

2. Is Mr Watson qualified to summarize modern chess strategy? As a 1700 odd player, I don't really understand a game that a 2000 player is playing. I have read and seen that the jump from IM to GM is enormous. I have serious doubts that anyone less than GM level can accurately describe how GM's are applying strategy, let alone describe all the strategic advances since Nimzovich. In fact, I doubt that Mr Watson, as an IM, could fully explain strategy up to Nimzovich.

3. Why the lack of humility? What's with an IM taking sides for and against ideas of GM's? I think unless you had played at GM level you have no business presenting yourself as an expert who can decide which GM's are right or wrong.

4. What's with "rule independence" the main thesis of the book? So, the position and analysis that has been done on it (probably with a computer today) is more important than strategic rules. Well I think the ability to understand a position beyond rule application has probably always been key at GM level - there's a reason why so few can get there. Does this help me, as an intermediate player, to learn though?

5. Is Nimzovich a decent starting point anyway? Some GM's are very dismissive of "My System" - have a look at Kevin Sraggett GM's book review on his web site.

While a ton of work has gone into this book, and I enjoy browsing from it, and can learn from it (as an intermediate player), I just don't like the way Mr Watson presents himself as the expert who can summarize and provide the word to date on chess strategy. I think IM's can and do write terrific books that teach us chess. But to summarize the state of all chess strategy knowledge? Come on! It would be like me writing a book on IM chess, which would be a total joke.

enjoyable and instructive.......2007-01-03

We are lucky, thanks to this book we can learn chess strategy avoiding to study outdated books like the ones by Nimzowitch and Pachman.
Watson tells us which of the old ideas are still good and which are wrong, and then he give us the modern brand new ideas. All in a enjoyable and instructive way, without thousand of boring and not useful variations in every position. Variations like the ones that make Pachman impossible to read.

History and practice.......2006-07-14

I am about half way through Watson's book. It is very clearly written. I like it because it contributes to two areas. As a student of the game, I am interested in chess's history. It is intriguing to learn more about Nimzowitsch's contributions and to learn how chess theory has advanced in recent years. Second, I am already seeing Watson's lessons influence my play and understanding of the game. All in all Watson is a good teacher.

Chess strategy changed a lot.......2006-06-09

Recently I got this book from Amazon.Compared with Pachman's modern chess strategy which I bought 32 yrs ago it is much more advanced and different in treatment.Basic theory of positional chess play remains same but attitude towards the game by the players are no more like what it was 40 or 50 yrs past.I need more time to read the book thoroughly and study games by playing over the board before giving expertised comments.Games are nowadays computer annotated/analysed.Author presented his work in grand fashion.His depth of teaching the subject is superb. Still all my chess books are excellent five star products.Because I love to read books and play chessto my entire satisfaction.I also have Silman's How to reassess your chess,amatuer's mind and reassess your work book out of which amatuer's mind is the best of the lot.If you just read the book without playing the games over the board,you are bound to enjoy it.Watson treated the subject with new approach and technique.His teaching pattern is altogether satisfactory and of high quality.I fully appreciate this work.

Average customer rating:

good talker
Must Win with Black? Then break glass:
Another great repertiore guide by Watson
"Food for thought ..." (on the Modern Benoni)
God it's complicated!

The Gambit Guide to the Modern Benoni
John Watson
Manufacturer: Gambit Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1901983234

Book Description

The Modern Benoni is one of Black's most swashbuckling openings, used to devastating effect by such players as Tal, Fischer, Kasparov and Topalov. From the outset, Black creates extreme imbalance, setting his piece activity and queenside play against White's spatial preponderance and central majority. However, during the 1980s and much of the 1990s, the Benoni fell under a cloud as a result of some very direct attacking systems by White. In this book, John Watson particularly focuses on various subtle move-orders by which Black can try to avoid White's most dangerous systems and direct the game into more palatable channels. King's Indian players will also find this book invaluable, since Watson covers many lines that can arise from King's Indian move-orders.

Customer Reviews:

good talker.......2005-01-12

we all know watson is a good talker, which shows in this book.

the theory is top rate, but of course it is the benoni so white can choose the tourture method.

well worth the money.

Must Win with Black? Then break glass:.......2004-06-29

When choosing a defense against 1 d4, there are essentially two schools of thought. For those wanting dynamism, there is the Grunfeld, Kings Indian, Benko, Leningrad Dutch, and Benoni. As well, there are less reputable lines such as the Albin or Budapest. For those wanting solidity, there is the Tartakower, the QGA, and the Slav. Somewhere in the middle is the Nimzo-Indian. For those who prefer dynamism, current fashion in top-flight chess might give one pause. The sharp defenses all seem to be in decline, in my opinion, and are wheeled out less than ever before. I have been looking at the games from the on-going FIDE WCh contest in Tripoli, and my comments seem justified. Still, the man who will certainly win this contest, V.Topalov, has in his repetoire the Modern Benoni. In crucial contests at Dortmund over the years, he has played it against Kramnik and Dreev. His victory over Dreev in 2002, in the dreaded Taimanov variation, should hearten any Benoni advocate. The Benoni is a complicated openings complex. Each subvariation gives both sides multiple options. Given the pawn imbalances inherent in this system, play can often become very tactical. By this, I mean that the Black player often has to embark on a tactical combination to break free of the grip white can put on the center. These operations benefit from extensive preparation and planning. Trying to work them out over the board can be a nerve-wracking experience. While black has many options against the various white deployments, the system tends to be very unforgiving if a mistake is made by black in the intial deployment of his forces. So intricate is the Benoni logic, it cannot withstand much stress from plausible, yet dubious moves. If white gets his pawn thrust with e5 or f5 in successfully, the experience is much like being gored with a trident. I have found the Modern Benoni to be a very difficult defense to wield. As an amateur player, trying to improve, and play in higher-rated events, it has been a gruesome experience playing the Benoni. Still, I tend to think that black would still have many problems no matter which defense he tried (among the dynamic ones I mentioned) all of them are under serious fire from one line or another. But to address the Benoni, and specifically Watson's book. Despite my defeats, I have become familiar with the theory of the Benoni. First of all, I think any player wanting to play the Benoni should try to acquire the old "Mastering the Modern Benoni and Benko" book. It explains usefull tactical ideas. To a lesser extent, so does the old Norwood book. I think the new ECO volume A 5th edition is very necessary. Kinsman's book is also usefull, but I have found some glaring omisions in his analysis (in the Modern Main line with 10 Nxb5, to be specific) that suggest caution in his opinions. The Attila Schneider three volume set is also packed with ideas. Watson himself used these volumes, with caution. There is a chessbase CD disk out there, which I found usefull. I have no idea what the upcoming "Starting out:the Modern Benoni" will be like, I have never heard of the author. But the very idea of chess juniors trying to play the Benoni evokes images of a game of chainsaw twister. Anyway, while every line of the benoni has some sting, most players tend to view the Modern Main line, or Modern classical as the key variation. Primarily because of its life-draining potential, this line is responsible for the deep decline of the benoni. It requires carefull knowledge of move-order nuances. A slight-move order twist can open all sorts of possible counterplay for black. But in the main line, most benoni experts tend to think black should play 9..b5, and then the bishop capture leads to a draw (with "best play", Karpov has banged his head against a wall trying to win these positions) where black seems to have no way of stirring up any winning chances. I have no idea what is happening after the knight recapture. Some friends have shown me lines where some of the sharp play seen by black comes under question. Nevertheless, I am still reasonable sure that this is where a benoni player should give his full attention. But not Watson. He recommends 9..Nh5, which ECO gives as +/= for white. Still, his analysis is certainly interesting. I am still too much of an amateur to offer a verdict of his analysis, but if it holds up, then the benoni player truly has something to be happy about. The other line is the Taimanov attack. This line, with dramatic games such as Gulko-Savon, and Kasparov-Nunn frightened many away from the benoni. The main line (seen in Gulko-Savon) seems to put black under fierce attack. But analysis (by Nunn in his brilliant chess minitures, a good book) seems to indicate that black can refute this attack. I tend to agree (although one slip and...) Watson does not try to tackle the main line of the Taimanov (a pity) but looks at the Qh4 lines. These try to soften up the white position by causing a loosing of the white king position with g3. Does it work? I don't know. Others have published refutations of some of Watson's analysis here, but I prefer to label it as "under discussion". These two lines tend to bring into focus what others have mentioned here: that many people's favorite benoni lines are ommitted from this book. While that is true, I can assure the reader that what lines are in the book are no less intersting than what is left out. The previous reviewer who complained about the move 13..Ne5 being ommitted from the Fianchetto line (if I recall correectly, seen in famous games such as Korchnoi-Mecking and Korchnoi-Kasparov) well..the move is a whirlpool of complications, not necessarily better for black. Watson's suggestion of 13..Nb6 is certainly the sounder choice. Another interesting line is the Penrose attack (from Penrose-Tal) where I like Watson's crazy alternative of 9..Ng4. In the Four pawns, his suggestion of Nbd7(also seen in Ward's Foxy video) is worth a look. Watson brings the reader's attention to the danger lurking in the move 7 Bf4, which I noted with horror, as I started going through the lines. Very scary stuff. All in all, I think Watson has done a great service to all would-be Benoni players, and come up with a number of interesting ideas. I keep an eye on Informator, to see what is going on in the Benoni, and I do not see many people tackling the main lines. Unlike the Kings Indian or Grunfeld (about which I know far less)where it seems to me many speak of very real problems that need to be overcome to keep the opening on the map, in the benoni I actually think the situation is not quite that bad. In theory, I think black can stay on the board. As a practical tournament weapon? I am less sure. While I have enjoyed studying the Benoni, playing it has proved a difficult task. It is not an easy opening to work through all the twists and turns. To play or not to play it is like being the battlefield commander trying to decide whether to use chlorine gas or not, and not being sure which way the wind is blowing. Both players could easily end up choking in a green fog..

Another great repertiore guide by Watson.......2003-11-14

As stated by an earlier reviewer, this book will not cover every variation in every line. Watson gives 2 (sometimes 3) workable lines and you choose whichever suits your style. All main lines and sidelines are addressed here, and there are quite a few of them.

A good bit of his analysis is original with the remainder being tweaks on more known lines. The real plus comes with his titanic efforts to come up with new ideas in the dreaded Taimanov and the Modern Main line. I used to have issues in both of these lines, but following Watson's (admittedly crazy looking) recommendations has given me a great chance to fight for the win again! Ah, the looks you will get when you deliver the easily blocked, tempo losing check in the Taimanov or the 5 move journey of your Kings Knight to a4 (!) starting on move 9 (!!) in the Modern Main lines. They'll think you're insane, but you'll know the truth...

For anyone thinking of taking up the Benoni, realize this is an EXTREMELY complicated opening, fraught with tactical pitfalls and frantic attacks for both sides...to get the most out of the opening for black will sometimes require material sacrifices (I am a King's Gambiteer, so dumping material for attack is really sort of normal for me). All of this turns out well, but if you aren't accustomed to the drama when you are down a pawn or an exchange, you may want something less freaky. One thing is for sure: this ain't CaroKann-esque in the least!

"Food for thought ..." (on the Modern Benoni).......2003-08-31

I have had dozens of requests to review this book, 3 or 4 in the last few weeks alone. So ... by popular request - - - (I first started working on this review back in May or June of this year.) You should also know I am a Life-Master, and I have taught chess (professionally) for a number of years now. {I also have played the Benoni many times in tournaments.}

The first thing you notice when you pick up this book is the black color and the chessboard and pieces on the cover. The striking logo by the publisher, and the blurb on the front cover promises you: "THOROUGH coverage and INSIDER knowledge of a controversial opening system," by John Watson. (my emphasis) The book is fairly large ... a tad over 200 pages.

The price is fairly hefty; some book dealers want close to thirty bucks for this volume. (Thank goodness {for} Amazon.com!)

The cover is a sturdy flex-type; the pages are opaque with minimal `bleed-through.' The font is very good, clear and easily readable. The diagrams are excellent. The typesetting was done by P. Nunn, and the editor was G. Burgess. Overall, you cannot ask for a better team than the one that this publisher, (Gambit); brings to you.

One thing that I noticed almost right away was the way the author handles certain systems. For example, instead of having separate chapters for "The Mikenas Attack," (and several other related systems); "The Early Nf3 and e5 Lines," (for lack of a better name); and "The Taimanov `Anti-Benoni' System," (8.Bb5+) ... ... ... the author takes the liberty of lumping them all under one chapter. (This is not necessarily bad, I would have preferred to have independent treatment of these complicated lines.)

So I began to study the lines. Although we are told the author used several chess analysis-engines to check his work, I found at least six or seven `holes' and/or oversights in just one chapter. I also found that I could NOT find many of my favorite lines in this book. For example: In Chapter 5, beginning on page 72, (After the moves 1.d4, Nf6; 2.c4, c5; 3.d5, e6; 4.Nc3, exd5; 5.cxd5, d6; 6.e4, g6; 7.f4, Bg7;) one of the sharpest and most controversial lines is the Mikenas Attack with 8.e5!? The main lines begin with 8...dxe5; any ECO will reveal this. But the author does NOT even examine these lines ... preferring to recommend (instead) the playable, but somewhat tame 8...Nfd7. (He does not even bother to analyze the alternatives.)

This scenario is repeated over and over. For example, In Chapter Six (6), the author deals with the "Fianchetto Systems," (pg. # 110) ... or those lines where the player of the White pieces choose to play an early g3, followed by Bg2 and then Castles. (0-0) Line # A311) page # 117, we find White playing the move, 12.Nc4. Now the hottest and topical lines are ALL the ones that follow the move, 12...Ne5. (They also might be the ones that give Black the greatest winning chances.) But IM J. Watson refuses to look at these lines, and instead provides the comment: "Theory approves of 12...Ne5; as well, but the theory on it could fill a small book. In my opinion, 12...Nb6; is fully satisfactory and provides plenty of winning chances." And turning to page # 120 after the move, 13...Nb6; the author again does not even bother to look at the move 13...Ne5; (`!') and instead tells us: "I'm choosing this move to be consistent with the 12.Nc4, Nb6; of Line A311. Most of the same themes certainly apply."

Now I don't know about you, but when I plunk down my hard-earned cash for a large book, I darn well expect the author to at least look at the main lines of any variation - especially after both the front and back cover promises: "thorough coverage" and "invaluable" analysis.

The above scenario repeated itself over and over again, I would look for the "main line" in a certain variation, only to have the author brush it aside and offer an inferior or less-played alternative. In fact, this happened so often, I went looking for the reason; I found it buried in the foreword to this book. The author tells you there that this book does NOT offer you comprehensive coverage, but rather this is a book where Watson chooses your repertoire for you, and ONLY analyzes those lines he deems as suitable or playable.

So let's talk about what is (majorly) WRONG with this book:
#1.) Many lines are NOT covered or analyzed at all.
# 2.) Players of the White pieces will find this book almost useless ... unless they are overly concerned with what this author's devout followers might have his devotee's playing.
# 3.) Too many sub-variations. (Many of the lower-rated players I showed this book to could not navigate their way through some of the endless lines contained in the various notes.)
# 4.) NOT enough verbiage and explanation telling us what the ideas and common threats are in any particular situation.
# 5.) Doubtful evaluations. (See page # 146. He considers this position equal, a check with any of the popular programs will reveal White has at least a slight edge and went on to win.)

So having said everything above, what is RIGHT about this book?
#1.) A complete repertoire. Any player who is rated BELOW 1800, (and isn't terribly ambitious); will find a complete system that he could play against virtually ANY conceivable line.
# 2.) MUCH new and original analysis - the author was not afraid to go out on a limb and look at many alternatives that have not been previously explored by theory. Any player who is looking for new and original ideas to surprise an `over-booked' opponent, should definitely check this book out.
# 3.) The analysis to the Taimanov System and the Modern Main line is a real blessing and almost completely rehabilitates some of these systems for the second player. (These two chapters are the book's redemption and make it worth the cost of this book, at least in my opinion.)

Players who want complete and concise analysis of the Modern Benoni will not find it here. (See the book by Kinsman instead.) Players who want a COMPLETE repertoire and maybe like the idea of going `out of book' early to surprise some players - should definitely consider getting this book.

God it's complicated!.......2002-06-21

The Benoni is to me one of the hardest openings to master. A lot of schemes seem to be equivalent but they all differ in subtles move order or transpositions or piece manoeuvres. The book is excellent to understand the different systems, but the matter demands a lot of work.

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