Quote:Your calling 8 Nd2 a normal move? Tony Kosten analyzed it and thinks it may refute that line of the Ponziani for Black!
Also, I agree that Marin used many sources in this book BUT he didn't use the right sources! Why didn't he use Play the Open Games as Black, Play 1 e4 e5, The Chess Advantage in Black and White, etc? Most other authors use these type of sources. Marin used a lot of sources like Akiba Rubinstein: Uncrowned King which don't help you write a repertoire book.
I advise you to try to write an opening book yourself. Then you will get an idea how hard and how much work it is. Nobody has forced you to buy Marin's book, so if it really is that bad as you suggest you are the d**b guy. You might have taken a look at the bibliography before spending your hard earned bucks.
And why didn't Marin? Maybe because he is not a copycat?
So what to do now, as you won't get your money back?
1. Also purchase Play the Open Games as Black, Play 1 e4 e5, The Chess Advantage in Black and White, etc and compare. That is not the worst way to learn what the most important lines are. As a famous Dutchman always says: every disadvantage has its advantage. Use it to your benefit.
2. How bad, GM Kosten has refuted a line recommended by Marin. Guess what, that happens all the time in chess theory, often before a book even has been published. Now there are three paths you may follow (and, how nice, you may try them all).
2a) Refute Kosten's refutation.
2b) Find a good alternative for Black before 8.Nd2.
2c) Develop a Ponziani repertoire based on Kosten's line and beat all those s**kers that follow Marin blindly.
But I assure you that whining like you do in this thread will not bring you one inch further. And yes, I am very serious. Let me give an example.
Five years ago I bought Williams' book on the Classical Dutch. After working my way through it I 1) decided not to follow any of his recommendations 2) felt that I understood the opening way better than before.
So I am happy I bought it.
One last question: is your glass always half empty?