| International Master John Watson of Lincoln, Nebraska, is widely regarded as one of the most influential chess writers in the world. His thoughtful masterpieces Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy and Chess Strategy in Action gave contemporary players an updated Nimzowitsch's My System and Euwe and Kramer's books on the Middlegame combined. His latest venture is no less bold. Mastering the Chess Openings Volume 1 ( Gambit 2006, www.gambitbooks.com, 335 pages, paperback, figurine algebraic, $29.95) is the first of a two volume series that is a 21st century update of Reuben Fine's Ideas Behind the Chess Openings and more. This book, which covers open and semi-open games ( 1.e4 e5, Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann and Pirc) seeks to teach students of the game how to really understand opening play at a very fundamental level and progressively build on that knowledge. To achieve his aim Watson uses a mix of prose and concrete examples. One example Watson uses is the Guioco Piano ( 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6) where he examines both the Classical approach with 5.d4 and the modern technical 5.d3. His tabiya for the Classical is the position arising after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Bd2 Bxd2+ 8. Nbxd2 d5 9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Qb3. White has tried and failed in his quest to dominate the center with unopposed pawns on e4 and d4 but the battle shifts to different terrain. After 10.Qb3 Black has a choice between the long-held standard 10...Nce7 and the more modern 10...Na5. In eight pages Watson explains a kaleidoscope of ideas in clear language that can be read with benefit by club players and masters alike. For those below 2000 this material is gold and a necessary part of everyone's chess culture. Mastering the Chess Openings Volume 1 is a first class production from a physical as well as chessic perspective.The two-column format is easy to read, the type-setting first rate, the paper of a good quality and the binding sturdy and ready for hard use. This is a book that belongs in every chess library. Highly Recommended |