Opening

Despite its title, this book really works as an introduction to opening play for players of all ages. It's not as simplistic as you might think. The only real concession Walker makes to juniors is in introducing a few characters with silly names, such as Mr. Woodpusher, Bobby Blunder, and Count Alberic O'Kelly de Galway.

The first two sections explain the principles of development, space, and controlling the center. Walker uses full games to illustrate his points. I have to admit, I've never been a fan of this method because it seems to imply that sound opening moves automatically lead to checkmate by move 30, which is an oversimplification. Still, these sections nicely (re-)enforce the basic principles of opening play.

In the next section, Walker surveys the openings by showing the main lines of about 25-30 different openings. The lines go about 10-15 moves deep, but probably do not include enough explanation for you to actually play them without other sources.

In the final section, Walker provides a full repertoire to use as White (Giuoco Piano) and as Black vs. e4, d4, c4 and Nf3. Here he shows you more than just the main line. I think any player below Class C can probably use this repertoire in actual play. I know people will complain that he doesn't give you enough options as to what to play, but I think you pay the price if you want a book that shows you detail on every opening.

I'd recommend this book as a first opening chess book and perhaps the only opening text you'll need until you reach at least 1400, provided you utilize Walker's repertoire advice.

I have not seen much better on the subjects of space, development, and time. I have used this book to coach many chess players and they quickly become much harder to beat. I think it is a great buy.

Text book openings are described move-by-move including justification and capitalizing on error

Whether you're writing your first novel or your seventh, you can find useful information in Rendell-Smock's book, Hooking the Reader: Opening Lines that Sell.

More than 100 published authors share their techniques and secrets of hooking their readers.

Rendell-Smock didn't just throw all of the author's responses in a hodgepodge manner and call it a book. She reviewed all the material she received, looked for similarities, and found patterns that she formatted in an easy-to-read, expansive source of "first line" information.

Award winning authors quote first lines from their own creations as well as from authors they admire.

Rendell-Smock arranges her book with insights from each author and examples of first lines from classic to contemporary.

Not only do these great authors share their techniques for hooking their readers with first lines, they share their thoughts and feelings about what motivated them to chose the words they did.

So, what makes a great first sentence? The hook. The hook is what captures the reader's interest and draws them into the author's imagination. Authors who use the hook effectively understand the importance of first impressions and carrying their reader's interest from the first page to the last.

You only get one chance to make a great first impression - Your book is no exception. Sharon Rendell-Smock understands this concept perfectly.

She tells us that "books can start with a bang or a whimper." A great first sentence can be the start of a wonderful relationship between the author and the reader.

Discover the secrets of other authors and learn how to hook your reader from the very first sentence!

Hooking The Reader: Opening Lines That SELL by award winning author Sharon Rendell-Smock is a no nonsense compilation of literary tips, tricks, and techniques for hooking readers' attention, as provided and described by more than one hundred notable and successful authors ranging from Anne McCaffrey, Sir Arthur C. Clarke, and Larry Niven, to Poul Anderson, Gene Wolfe, and Greg Bear. From first-rate opening lines to ways to best sustain the reader's interest, Hooking The Reader is a veritable showcase of useful insights, information, tidbits, and examples -- and has the absolute highest recommendation for aspiring authors everywhere, regardless of their chosen genre or subject matter.

Without question, writers must hook the reader immediately. Many will stop reading if they are not hooked within the first paragraph. But how does the writer hook the reader? To answer that question Sharon interviewed over one hundred well-known authors for her ambitious book. Hooking the Reader is chopped full of great examples of winning opening lines, as well as good advice from writers, and deserves a place on every writers' bookshelf.

It's unfortunate that this book is no longer readily available because this is the way the openings should be taught to club players. Rather than give numerous variations or even annotated games, Bellin & Ponzetto give schematic intros to annotated games that illustrate strategic and tactical themes in the major variations of the KID (and not divided up by the variation's name, but by its pawn structure). I personally found this extremely effective and wish similar books were published in all my openings. Books like this are timeless and need to be reprinted often because they focus on ideas, not the latest theory. I do not own the other two books in this series on the Benoni and the Spanish (I play neither), but I have seen them and they, too, are very good. If you see them, buy them.

This book is absolutely excellent - it is a shame that it is out of print.

The book features a rather unique approach to learning the opening - pawn structure. Each chapter focuses on a different characteristic structure arising out of each of the major variations ; saemisch, classical, orthodox, yugoslav, panov, four pawns, averback, etc. etc.

Each pawn structure is carefully dissected as to where the optimal piece placement is, typical and recurring themes and ideas, and finally any tactical motifs that are regular.

Each chapter concludes with a couple of Grandmaster level games illustrating the material covered.

At the end of the book ,there is a statistical survey of each variation, it strategic and tactical complexity, and its tournament results in master level play.

If you play the KID, or would like to, grab this book wherever you can!!

I own the series of Mastering the Openings books - on the King's Indian, the Benoni/Benko Gambit, the Spanish, the French, and the Nimzoindian - and love them. The only one I can criticize is the one on the Nimzo, by Tony Kosten. He doesn't break the structures down the same way the other books do. The others, this one included, teach the openings based on the central pawn structure, which is what guides the middlegame plans. Developing players (under 2000 ELO) will find these books very helpful in understanding these openings.

This book focuses entirely on the actions at the Battle of Gettysburg preceding the arrival of the Union 11th Corps. The main focus is the encounter between the Union divisions of John Buford and James Wadsworth and the Confederate division of Harry Heth. The book gives a regiment by regiment account of the fighting on the morning of July 1st, but manages to stay fairly confusion free by using many maps (which, while being very simple, are quite good) and not jumping from action to action too quickly.
There is no overall weakness of the book that substantially detracts from it. The only real problem is a few instances of carelessness in which Shue called people by the wrong name or messed up other small facts. These mistakes are fairly insignificant, and do not detract substantially from the book.
The real strength of the book is in the last chapter. Much as Harry Pfanz did with his appendices in Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill, Shue uses this final chapter to discuss the various controversies of the mornings fighting and discuss his conclusions. In this part of the book Shue calls upon various firsthand accounts (all of which he cite, making it even more valuable) to weigh the various sides of the controversial issues and eventually come to a conclusion. These controversies include who fired the first shots for each side, evaluations of the performances of all the generals on both sides, and various other little tidbits.
This book provides a clear story of the mornings action on July 1st at Gettysburg in both narrative and analytical form, making it a worthwhile read.

In Morning at Willoughby Run, Richard Shue provides an in-depth look at the opening combat of the battle that came to be known as Gettysburg. With energetic prose, Shue leads the reader from the banks of the Rappahanock River to the meandering rivulet of Willoughby Run, just west of Gettysburg. His story, while very focused, flows very well, and keeps the reader's attention despite his attention to detail, which in other works has led to monotony. It seems that most treatises on the battle of Gettysburg glaze over the first day's fight, especially the opening action. Yet this action was critical in determining where the great contest would occur. Shue brings to light this importance in an intriguing way by showing the inaugural action to be the result of particular personalities, rather than great, uncontrollable events. The main characters in the developing drama are Buford, Reynolds, and Heth. To some degree, the aggressive spirit of all three men led directly to the conflict west of Gettysburg. Showing that personality shapes warfare, particularly here at Gettysburg was refreshing, and differentiates Shue's volume from other accounts of the first day, such as Coddington's, which takes a Risk-like* view of war. While the entire book was very readable, the most interesting part came at the end when Shue discusses some of the major controversies surrounding the opening engagements. Somewhat separated from the rest of the book, this one chapter allowed Shue to express his opinions, outside of the regular narrative. This was a pleasant surprise as he provides strong evidence for his assertions, and makes the reader believe his point of view-something that only analytical writing can accomplish-a very nice addition to the book. On the whole, this was a very good book, one that illuminates an aspect of the battle that is largely forgotten, but was vitally important. Shue brings to life the characters, both large and small, in order to relate a story of men and action instead of maps and numbers.

Richard S. Shue has given me the exact information I was looking for. I have studied the Civil War for some time now and continually get duped into buying books that I could write myself. This book explains Bufords actions to the letter, and gives a great description of the Iron Brigade, Archer, Doubleday, and Heth. If you are tired of hearing the name Chamberlain get this book.

I decided to buy this book after reading all the reviews. To tell you the truth, I expected some new good info that could be of help to those 'knocking the corporate doors'. What I got was a bunch of common knowledge 'tips' in big font. I learnt nothing from this book. Give me your e-mail and I'll send it to you for half the price.

this book is really great especially for graduates who have not given an interview as yet. It really boosts your confidence.

How Hard Are You Knocking is a great book if you don't have a lot of time and you want to get a head start before you start your job search. I had the opportunity to see the Author in person at a career seminar. He knows what he is talking about. He is a recruiter and does this stuff everyday. Great young speaker who understands what college is like. I would recommend this book to any college student.

Kosten provides much new analysis in this book and goes along way in correcting previous faulty analysis in this opening.Unfortunately some lines have clearly been lifted from data basis without being scrutinised and are wrong.Similarly some suggested lines are wrong as computer checking demonstrates.e.g. 12--kd7 p60 loses.In addition some lines are not given proper weight of analysis.e,g. 4d4 p64 is close to a refutation of Blacks play Nevertheless the book is a must for players of the Latvian.

I bought this book out of curiosity about how playable an opening the Latvian Gambit is.The answer is:it's risky but worth trying.The book gives extremely in-depth analysis.The only minus is that some of the evaluations are a bit vague.

Published in 1995, this 140 page volume tackles the advantages and disadvantages of 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 f5!? Considered a King's Gambit with colours reversed, White can get in trouble real early if care is not taken. This is not the most solid defence in the world, but it's fun to play and fits my style of 'what they dont know WILL hurt them'. 13 Chapters on the various lines played are given, so it's not lacking in study by any means. I've always enjoyed Tony Kosten's books and this one is no exception. Buyer Beware though: if you're not prepared to venture into uncharted waters then you may find this book a waste of your time. For the rest of us, who occasionally grow tired of facing the Spanish or Guioco Piano, or using the Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann, Philidor, Petroff or the Modern defences, it's well worth the effort.

This book is well thought out. It contains a number of well annotated games in virtually every sub-variation of the Philidor defense.

I played the philidor defense in tournament conditions over a period of about two years at the 1700-1800 USCF level. I found that players of the white pieces were not well equipped to handle the positions over-the-board with clocks ticking.

Frequently I was able to equalize (or even much better) fairly early in game.

I agree with the comments of the other reviewers in this regard.

The philidor may appeal to both stodgy, positional wood-pushers, and very agressive players as well. For example the philidor counter-gambit (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 f5!?) is razor sharp and requires very accurate play (for both sides).

For the type of player that thinks Nimzovich was brilliant (a.k.a blockade, restrain, etc. etc.) the Hanham variation would appeal the most. (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6, etc.).

This is a good book on a very underrated opening. It could be used as a way to develop an very effective (and relatively low maintenance repertoire against 1. e4).

If you open with 1. e4, e5; 2. Nf3, you may not be prepared to play against 2... d6. Also, if you are like me you may conclude that your opponent is a wimp, a novice, or both. You may be in a for a shock, as in many variations of the Philidor, black comes out looking better than he does against a Ruy Lopez. This is because white players know how to get through the Ruy opening, but often have to figure out their way against the Philidor over the board. I find that this book is really essential, and is very well-done. In many ways, I recommend this book to all chess players, because there is something so basic to chess theory, and easy to understand, about the Philidor, that it pays to study it. Plus, you will find many great 19th century games to review which include this opening. Kosten does a great job making this work entertaining, alive, with his suggestions and recommendations. A fine job by Batsford. Good bibliography and index as well. All in all, a great book.

I'm playing the Philidor for a couple of years with the advices of Mr. Kosten in his remarkable book. I NEVER get out of the opening with a disadvantage! Philidor is in my opinion one of the most underestimated defences and it is very well covered in this book. Even against very strong opponents (GMs and IMs ) i got good positions out of the opening. I have a rating about 2100 and limited time to study. The Philidor is the perfect weapon for me, and it might be for you.

This book has something to offer those searching to trust again in identifying factors that negate trust (i.e. fear). Lee does well at identifying what keeps us from trusting. However, he seems to offer abstract, cloud-like solutions for trusting that seems to be based on his personal experience in meditation and martial arts. He walks a slippery slope in bringing borderline religious verbage to describe the dynamics of trust. I wish I had an online version of the book to keep what seems appropriate and throw away the rest--however the book isn't all that expensive and does well at qualifying the factors that contribute to a lack of trust.

In our world today, surrounded as we are by the dialogues of terrorism and war, and with heavy hearts following the events of 9-11, and violence in the Middle East, remembering the "art of trust" becomes a daily challenge. Dr. Jampolsky's book is, for me, a reminder of what each of us can do, as one person, to help heal not just ourselves but those around us. This is a book of skills, grounded in the realities of everyday life. What I most appreciate in reading Jampolsky's pages is the realization that spirituality is not a distant prayer but is really about living our lives with a focus not just on our own selfish needs but on the needs of all people, and all of life, on our planet. It comes down to learning the skills to not forget that we are truly ONE--regardless of how that might seem when we have been attacked. This book, in my opinion, makes an important contribution.

The author, a psychologist, explains how he learned to trust. He also cites cases in explaining how to change your thought from listening to the EGO to listening to your WHOLE MIND. This book is for those interested in improving their lives, learning to trust and finding true happiness.

Chess being a mental game itself, it necessarily follows that its devotees enjoy mind games when facing opponents. This is an excellent book for such folks. I recommend it highly.

The book covers one offense, the Dutch Stonewall Reversed, and two defenses, The Black Dragon variation of the Sicilian Defense (for playing against a King Pawn opening), and the Queen's Indian, for playing against a queen pawn opening. It explores only these three openings, no more. It is the author's theory, and my own, that it is better to be able to play a few variations very well than a great many variations badly.

Few people see the Dutch Stonewall Reversed. It is a strong, fluid offense, and frequently takes even expert players by surprise. Many times, the so-called superior player recovers too late. AHA!

The two defenses are somewhat more commonly seen, but each has the virtue of shifting momentum to Black in the event of the slightest error by White. Again, that's what any player wants.

The book is eminently readable and fun. It iexplains the nuances of the three openings and shows you how to play them without drowing you in notation or sterile analysis.

This book has given me a lot of pleasure, and has allowed me to beat players who were easily superior to me under normal circumstances. You will enjoy it a lot. It's not for the real beginner, but you don't have to be Nimzovitch or Fischer, either. Enjoy.

This book is a fun read. The author explains and discusses a number of opening systems for White and Black (including the King's Indian Attack, Queen's Indian Reversed, Stonewall Attack, and Old Indian Defense)in a light and witty style,with a good deal of verbal discussion of strategy, plans and ideas.

These openings are theoretically inferior -- "less than best". However, if you enjoy playing slow, manuevering, Nimzovich-style chess and are satisfied with reaching a merely equal middlegame, then perhaps you'll find this book worth studying.

The chess opening seems to bring out the sincerest form of flattery in most players. Among any particular group of low-rated players, a high percentage in any community tend to play either the opening that the world champion is playing (such as the mid 1970s, when every 'D' rated player wanted to play the Najdorf Sicilian Poison Pawn variation) or what the local experts and masters play (in one community, the Goring Gambit and Smith-Morra Gambit were considered well-nigh a forced win by a local strong player, resulting in a world of people playing who should have been content with the Colle System or the Bird variation to the Ruy Lopez).

Wincor's book is a classic of teaching the chess player to march to the tune of a different drummer. The style is light, humorous, and aimed less at describing intricate variations than at giving ideas on a new way to play. Wincor's suggested style is "baroque", a deviation from the wild tactics of the e pawn beginner or the boring oversolidity of the 1. d4 2. c4 player.

The influence of this book filters through amateur chess even today, as a minority of fun-seeking explorers move into the B ratings using the odd but very workable ideas contained herein. In the same way that surrealism eventually filtered into mainstream MTV videos, a good day at the Internet Chess Club or any local chess club will net baroque players, who used to be a rarity. Still, second only to Koltanowski's Colle System book, and a nose ahead of Soltis' book setting forth a Slav/Caro-Kann defensive system, this is a book which can help a D player become a B player, and help an E player move towards C. If you haven't read this, let Amazon.com locate it for you, and enjoy!

Published in 1989, IM Michael Basman offers over 250 pages of 3 White openings and 2 Black openings which are considered very soild, plus chapters on Principles, Tactics, Gambits, King in the centre, Attacking the castled King and Entering the Middlegame. Even though Basman has been a leading proponent of 'irregular openings' such as Grob's Attack and the St. George, his aim here is quite simply to help the lesser player improve with the ideas expounded upon by using more conventional openings. For White: The Guioco Piano (1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.Bc4) is one of the oldest opening known. The Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5, 2.c4) is also a solid choice if the player as White prefers a Queen pawn opening. For Black: The Sicilian Dragon (1.e4 c5, 2.Nf3 d6, 3.d4 cxd4, 4.Nxd4 Nf6, 5.Nc3 g6, 6.Be2 Bg7) is the most basic variation. This is a very popular opening defence for Black. For White: The Morra Gambit, more recently called the Smith-Morra Gambit. This is a response by White to the Sicilian defence (1.e4 c5, 2.d4 cxd4, 3.c3) which is a true Gambit, unlike the Queen's Gambit, but offers open lines of play for White that can throw Black for a loop if they're not expecting it. Lastly, for Black, The Nimzo-Indian defence (1.d4 Nf6, 2.c4 e6, 3.Nc3 Bb4) which can be quite dynamic. Of all the 'Indian' defences, this one is my favorite unless i really want to shake things up with the Benoni defence. Overall, if you're a beginner or novice player who has very little knowledge of opening theory, i would suggest a copy of this book. It's flexible and done rather nicely by Mr. Basman.

I think most poeple would now agree that Chess for Dummies by James Eade should be everyones first chess book, but this would be a good choice for your second. It might be a little overwhelming for someone who has never read a book on chess, but this book is excellent for getting you to think about basic strategy of openings. He then thouroughly goes over five classic openings;Queen's Gambit, Giuoco Piano, Nimzo Indian, Morra Gambit and the Sicilian Dragon. While Chess for Dummies should be your first book on chess, this would be a good choice for your first book on openings

This is a wonderful unique book. It is great for the intermediate player looking to find a gifted teacher talk about theopenings. And you know something else that makes it really special? When discussing black openings, the diagrams show black at the bottom! So you don't have to flip your board around to re-set the position. This is such a simple yet effective touch (those of you who study a lot will understand), and it shows the great care that went into this book. I have never seen another chess book do this in its diagrams. Great book, re-kindled my enthusiasm.