I don't really know about Schneider's book(s), but I own a fairly recent work in German entitled, I believe, Koenigsindisch: Vierbauerangriff that is well worth having.  Maybe it's idle to say this, however, since my internet search didn't reveal an available copy.

Markovich wrote on 12/22/09 at 17:41:34:


That's another way of putting it. Or do you think the old main line is still best andor more promising?

jitb wrote on 12/18/09 at 12:06:41:


If you haven't decided to play the 4PA for sure, then I'd suggest starting with Semko's Kill KID as it does contain a useful summary of the established theory of the main mainline as well as his own suggestion for a new mainline (9...Re8 10.e5 de5 11.fe5 Ng4 12.e6 fe6 13.d6) sharp and tricky play ensues...

For finding Vaisser's book, just google the title within "s.

jitb wrote on 12/18/09 at 14:40:58:


If you can only afford one book, get either Vaisser or Konikovsky, depending on whether you want good explanations (Vaisser) or more up-to-date theory (Konikovsky).  Semko's book is very good but I would say it's more important to learn the existing interpretation of the 4PA than to learn his rather special interpretation of it.

Of the three, Vaisser is (I believe) the strongest player and certainly has the wisdom of a long-term 4PA practioner.  It's just that his book is a little old by now.  If you have a good data base, this might not be a big issue.  I like Vaisser's discussion much better than Konikovsky's, which are thin.

Otherwise truly, get all three.

jitb wrote on 12/18/09 at 12:06:41:


The latter is a pretty good exposition of existing 4PA theory.  The former is a repertoire book and an exposition of Semko's innovations, which are very notable, but not yet entirely proven in practice.  If you have the money, there is plenty of reason to own them both.

The touchstone is Vaisser's Beating the King's Indian and Benoni, which is no longer being printed but is readily obtainable.  It's somewhat out of date, but for an intelligible exposition, there is no substitute.

There are a few of things to remember if you take this up.

1.  The main line is a gambit, so play it in gambit fashion.  Don't be slow, and slug hard with every move.

2.  Come hell or high water, get e4-e5 in.

3.  Ram your d-pawn down his throat.