Javier Posted February 18, 2007 Report Share Posted February 18, 2007 ISBN: 1889323071 Year of publication: 2001 Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company Pages: 400 Hello ! I bought a few weeks ago Alburt's and Chernin's book about the Pirc Defense : "Pirc alert". I have a lot of positive comments about this book, and also some (very few.. )critics ! Positive Points : - very good design, lots of diagram, important points clearly emphacized, - this book is REALLY TEACHING an opening, not just listing variations. Another class than the poor standard of most GAMBIT opening productions ... - one half of the book is devoted to the understanding of the main themes of the Pirc, with a particular attention to pawn structures. I found the chapters comparing Pirc, King's Indian, Philidor, and Ruy Lopez structures great. I read it like a thriller, and ... I never played the Pirc in my life ! Other topics as the chapter about queenside pawn play by black are also very enjoyable. - the other half is devoted to a Pirc repertoire (so considered from BLACK's point of view), but theory is also very clearly explained, using complete games. - In conclusion, I would say that the high paedagogic quality of this book can only be compared to those of M.Sadler (have a look to his book on Orthodox QGD !, even if the style is completely different. Some negative points : - it's an EXPENSIVE BOOK ! I found it in France around 50-55 euros. - the variation section is written from Black's point of view, and the scope is limited to selected lines for every variation (Austrian Attack, Fianchetto, Classical , etc...). So if what you look for is only a good weapon AGAINST the Pirc, maybe it's not the best choice. But the first half of the book is great anyway. And ... after reading this book, you are of course convinced YOU HAVE TO PLAY THE PIRC AS BLACK ! About the level : it's of course a subjective matter, so please take what I say with some care ! I am a 1800-1900 player, and I found some topics (maybe 25%) difficult. You understand and enjoy this book better if you already have a good chess practice, and if you already had some experience about related openings (e.g. : Dragon Sicilian, Spanish, King'sIndian). So, I wouldn't recommend this book to unexperienced players wanting to try the Pirc for their first tournaments ! (Originally edited by Jean Saulnier on June 10 2002) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.