Fernando Semprun wrote on 09/26/08 at 19:40:24:
Hmmm the RL book would be good if the subject was not iffy. 5.Qe2 is just not good enough, and however well explained, the positions are a bit like those 2.c3 Sicilian books. That may be the problem with the Lopez, black always chooses the variation and white should play main lines...
Accelerated Dragon - A useful drawing weapon in the mould of the Petroff and Berlin.
The Worrall System - More or less useless against 5...Bc5, but the Worrall is only half the book so you can still get it for the non 3...a6 lines provided dealers are willing to accept half price.
The Centre Game - Playable so long as no one writes about it, but practically unplayable once an author brings it into the spotlight. Usually a telling sign that an opening is wanting.
In the absence of mainline knowledge and understanding one needs a very good technique to win with lesser alternatives, simply because they provide less opportunity for a clear edge.
Off topic observation: Improving analytical and evaluation skills will move you from 1700 to 1800 to 1900 to 2000 etc. Improving only your opening knowledge will move you from 1700 to 1720 provided your opponents don't inadvertanlty deviate from the beaten track.
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