Hi, someone here ready to use this old (but very good!) book as my main reference in my repertoire (occasionally, I'd have to say). The few times I am going to use 1.c4 in important games it's not worth to get a massive "up-to-date" repertoire source. This one is perfect because it's direct, easy and to the point.

Any major change I would have to consider? At my level of opposition (mainly <2000 fide OTB) I don't expect great refutations, I only want playable games knowing plans, typical structures, pawn breaks to accomplish, etc. I basically want to use the 1.c4 e5 part (part 1 if I am not mistaken) and some ideas in the part 3 (other responses but 1...e5 and 1....c5).

Right now I am using it exclusively in blitz (all my games start now with 1.c4), and getting good positions. I am in training mode

My two main concerns (in advance) would be the c6 systems (2...c6 / 3...c6) and, mainly and basically, the e5-Nc6-f5 complex (trying to double my pawns with Bb4 and Bxc3). Happily for me, not seen in any single game. Very few 1.c4 e5 games, btw. Lots of 1.c4 Nf6 and 1.c4 c6.

thx !

TonyRo wrote on 12/28/21 at 13:17:35:

Well, I do have quite a few copies, but only of the original printing where a couple of pages were in the wrong order, I don't know why I kept them. They immediately destroyed this print run and corrected the mistake back in 1999. 

MW wrote on 12/27/21 at 00:16:54:

The book is actually over 20 years old (it came out in 1999)! They are also re-printing Win With the London System and Win with the Stonewall Dutch, two other very out-of-date opening books. My guess is they are re-printing the books that sold best but how many people are going to buy these extremely out-of-date opening books now?

I imagine Tony's home desk is made out of copies of The Dynamic English. They're just everywhere. 

TonyRo wrote on 12/27/21 at 01:53:42:


I couldn't agree more Tony. The trend towards encyclopedic coverage is an unwelcome (and unhealthy) one. The Dynamic English is just a perfect size and format for me.

I felt much the same about the first edition of Donaldson's small book "A Strategic Opening Repertoire" and was very disappointed to see the second edition had been so bulked out with games that IMHO added little to the reader's understanding (but I suppose it was still a reasonably small book by modern standards).

Without a major up-date something of a commercial risk I would have thought .....if it still sells after 8 years without an up-date imagine how well it would do with an up-date.

I still have my original copy so I won't be tempted!

Great book in its day, but I'm not sure why you would re-print an opening book 7-8 years old without a major up-date. No doubt some marketing guru will provide the answer, because I don't get it!