Cherniaev's book is a good survey of the Saemisch. Where there have been developments in the theory, he covers them.  And, as mentioned, he presents an idea to take on the ..c5 gambit directly.  The issue with the book is simply that the theory hasn't changed all that much in the last decade or so, and because of that, there's not much new.  If you're new to the Samisch, you won't mind, since it will all be new to you, but for those of us who play the Saemisch and were hoping for some insight, the book, while nice to have, was a bit of a disappointment.

Ward's book is terrific -- I didn't mention it in my first post only because its not as recent as the other two -- but its not a standard opening book.  He moves through the different variations in a chatty sort of way, sharing games and thoughts as he goes.  He's not trying to survey or analyze the opening in the usual way; more his personal approach and preferences.  A lot of gold here, but you need to do some sifting.

So, I'd say Cherniav for an overview and more standard opening survey.  Ward more for getting into the spirit of the opening and helping to choose lines.   

     

Thanks for the replies, guys. Sounds like the biggest problem people have with Chernaiev's book is its lack of imagination on combating the 6...c5 gambit line. But since it seems like it presents a good layout of the theory to a newcomer, I will get it and Ward's book.

Seth_Xoma wrote on 08/19/09 at 02:09:52:


This is great book, in my opinion better than Chernaevs ...

Both Cherniaev's book and Schipkov's CD have a bit of a White slant.