Openings of the 80s, vol 1, 2, 3

[Javier]

 

ISBN: Vol 1 - O-87568-190-5; Vol 2 - O-87568-200-6

Year of publication: Vol 1 - 1991; Vol 2 - 1992

Publisher: Chess Digest

Pages: Vol 1 - 288 pages; Vol 2 - 224 pages

 

Both these books are excellent general works on the opening. Volume One covers 'modern' openings, such as the Sicilian and the various Indian defenses, while Volume Two covers 'traditional' openings, such as the Ruy Lopez (perhaps Spanish would be better for this site and Queen's Gambit.

Both books cover the development of the openings through examples from throughout the 20th centruy, with the focus on ideas and their logic, rather than on heavy variations.

In the introduction, Soltis says he would like the book to be something of an extension of Rueben Fine's classic 'The Ideas Behind the Chess Openings', and both books, though particularly Volume One, do this admirably.

Going through the book, you get an appreciation of how ideas have developed in various openings, and how masters try to solve problems, with varying degrees of success. It also gives a quick, yet usable guide to various opening plans and themes which crop up in particular lines.

If you had to choose between the books, then Volume One is the one to go for, as not only does Soltis cover more material, but he seems to have a greater interest in the subject matter, as well as being able to present many recent (late 80s) games which are topical. I suppose I also have an inclination towards Volume One as I have been a player of the Benko Gambit (when the opportunity presents itself of course) for a long time, and found the material rather interesting.

As for it being for 'advanced' players, I think it is simply an indication that it is not intended for rank beginners, but anyone 1500+ should be able to learn a great deal from these works.

Highly Recommeded.

 

 

 

(Originally edited by Jean Saulnier on June 30, 2002)