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Very Hot Topic (More than 25 Replies) New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov (Read 41500 times)
Wintermondnacht
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #29 - 11/27/20 at 12:58:56
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Wintermondnacht wrote on 11/13/20 at 07:28:12:
Besides the 6. c4 g6 stuff, I also noticed that many new games have been played with: 6. N1c3 a6 7. Na3 Be6 8. Nc4 Rb8.

It seems that there is some new interest into the Kalashnikov, especially at the elite level.


By coincidence, in the November update, 8...Rb8 was presented as well as yesterday Radjabov used it against So at the Skilling Open to get an easy draw. For me it looks like as if this variation promises Black easy equality.
  
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Wintermondnacht
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #28 - 11/13/20 at 07:28:12
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Besides the 6. c4 g6 stuff, I also noticed that many new games have been played with: 6. N1c3 a6 7. Na3 Be6 8. Nc4 Rb8.

It seems that there is some new interest into the Kalashnikov, especially at the elite level.
  
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halbstark
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #27 - 11/12/20 at 12:12:23
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Wintermondnacht wrote on 11/12/20 at 09:05:04:
In the recent CBM magazine 196 Kapnisis presented an interesting overview about: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 cd4: 4. Nd4: e5 5. Nb5 d6 6. c4 g6 !?

His evaluation was double-edged and a relatively fresh idea for brave people.

Any thoughts about this "new" variation?


Thanks for the hint!. I just looked at it and it makes a good impression. 6.c4 was always the most annoying to move to meet for me and I always had the feeling, that White has the easier game especially in shorter time controls.

Maghsoodloo played this setup a few times- even though he went for it via 6...Be6. The dynamic potential of this line is nicely demonstrated in the game Anand-Maghsoodloo, Online olympiad 2020, where Black went for an exchange sac with b7-b5 and then Rxc3 and Nxe4 proving, that the two center pawns are nicely supported by the black bishops. (The old setup was with Nge7 and f5 which is somehow a pretty dubious Kings Indian.)

I haven´t looked to much in the details of this variation, but it seems to be reasonably sound and I will take a closer look if I have more time:)
  
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Wintermondnacht
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #26 - 11/12/20 at 09:05:04
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In the recent CBM magazine 196 Kapnisis presented an interesting overview about: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 cd4: 4. Nd4: e5 5. Nb5 d6 6. c4 g6 !?

His evaluation was double-edged and a relatively fresh idea for brave people.

Any thoughts about this "new" variation?
  
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TonyRo
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #25 - 06/11/14 at 22:15:14
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najdorfslayer wrote on 06/11/14 at 18:53:14:


Is it true that Cyrus Lakdawala has written 31 books for Everyman whist you have been writing this?  Smiley



Good to see you again! 

Sadly, you're probably not far off, likely around 15-20 I'd guess. Do translations into other languages count?
  
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najdorfslayer
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #24 - 06/11/14 at 18:53:14
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TonyRo wrote on 06/11/14 at 18:08:22:
Imagine having to use it as a reference, and cross-check a bunch of analysis vs. theirs. I think I'd find actually eating the book more enjoyable.


That's very funny!
Used to play you regularly on red hot pawn! We were both about 2100 rating!
Looking forward to it eventually coming out.

Is it true that Cyrus Lakdawala has written 31 books for Everyman whist you have been writing this?  Smiley

Only kidding I bet it's brilliant, all the best!  Wink
  
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TonyRo
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #23 - 06/11/14 at 18:08:22
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Imagine having to use it as a reference, and cross-check a bunch of analysis vs. theirs. I think I'd find actually eating the book more enjoyable.
  
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Bibs
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #22 - 06/11/14 at 02:04:14
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najdorfslayer wrote on 06/10/14 at 18:40:33:
TonyRo wrote on 06/04/13 at 12:26:17:
I acknowledge that C&L's book is mostly fine on a theoretical level (I have some minor quibbles, but they're not worth reproducing here, as it's obviously going to look like I'm biased anyway), but I agree with what everyone is saying - the organization, typesetting, editing, call it whatever, is just horrendous.

I think even if I had the English copy, I wouldn't want this to be my first book on the Kalashnikov (again, somewhat biased) - it reminds me of an old, well-researched Nunn analysis/database explosion that's somehow been transported through time!  

Wink


I have the English copy, it is easily the worst book (not necessarily in terms of theory) I have ever seen. It is so difficult to follow which lines is which, whoever edited/formatted it should look for another job!!


Yes, it is an atrocious layout. 
A decent book in terms of content, but the navigation is indeed a nightmare. Subtitled: "Lost in...e5"
  
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najdorfslayer
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #21 - 06/10/14 at 18:40:33
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TonyRo wrote on 06/04/13 at 12:26:17:
I acknowledge that C&L's book is mostly fine on a theoretical level (I have some minor quibbles, but they're not worth reproducing here, as it's obviously going to look like I'm biased anyway), but I agree with what everyone is saying - the organization, typesetting, editing, call it whatever, is just horrendous.

I think even if I had the English copy, I wouldn't want this to be my first book on the Kalashnikov (again, somewhat biased) - it reminds me of an old, well-researched Nunn analysis/database explosion that's somehow been transported through time!  

Wink


I have the English copy, it is easily the worst book (not necessarily in terms of theory) I have ever seen. It is so difficult to follow which lines is which, whoever edited/formatted it should look for another job!!
  
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TonyRo
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #20 - 06/05/13 at 12:33:11
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I will no doubt allow it if I have any choice in the matter.
  
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Bibs
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #19 - 06/05/13 at 06:59:13
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TonyRo wrote on 06/04/13 at 20:53:23:
More or less. 

I think with great play by White is White in nearly all of the variations you'd expect (e.g. 6.c4 Be7 7.N1c3, 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 Be7 8.Nc4! or 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 b5 8.Nd5 with 9.c4!), but White's edge looks to be about the same as in the initial position (less in some variations), and not more than other Sicilian lines.

The thing with the Kalashnikov is that a lot of positions lend themselves to a very large number of tries for both colors, tries that a lot of times lead to similar positions or have negligible impact on the overall evaluation. It's way less concrete than a lot of the more well-known Sicilians, and that makes it somewhat harder to write the material and come to iron-clad conclusions without using an obscene amount of space, but more enjoyable to play and analyze in general.

Grin


That all sounds good to me. Still some space to play chess. 
Are you allowing an ebook version?
  
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TonyRo
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #18 - 06/04/13 at 20:53:23
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More or less. 

I think with great play by White is White in nearly all of the variations you'd expect (e.g. 6.c4 Be7 7.N1c3, 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 Be7 8.Nc4! or 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 b5 8.Nd5 with 9.c4!), but White's edge looks to be about the same as in the initial position (less in some variations), and not more than other Sicilian lines.

The thing with the Kalashnikov is that a lot of positions lend themselves to a very large number of tries for both colors, tries that a lot of times lead to similar positions or have negligible impact on the overall evaluation. It's way less concrete than a lot of the more well-known Sicilians, and that makes it somewhat harder to write the material and come to iron-clad conclusions without using an obscene amount of space, but more enjoyable to play and analyze in general.

Grin
  
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #17 - 06/04/13 at 20:34:56
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TonyRo wrote on 06/04/13 at 14:22:28:
Working tirelessly. Soooooo close!

Undecided


So, is Black OK?
  

The Great Oz has spoken!
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TonyRo
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #16 - 06/04/13 at 14:22:28
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Working tirelessly. Soooooo close!

Undecided
  
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Bibs
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #15 - 06/04/13 at 13:50:46
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Stigma wrote on 06/04/13 at 12:49:22:
Bibs wrote on 06/04/13 at 12:40:06:

And I look forward to seeing the anti-Rossolimo stuff too. And the c3.

This will be a big selling point for Tony's book of course. And 3.Nc3 coverage too.

Both the author and the editors at Everyman should be capable of better English and organization than CE (understatement of the year)!


Well, I do not actually mind slightly wobbly English. Askew Chess Stars language never bothers me, not a jot. 
As an applied linguist I am happy working within the English as an International Language (EIL) / English as Lingua Franca (ELF) paradigm. 
Because they are spot on with their pedagogy (the Quick Repertoire works a treat), with their organisation of the material, and the level of research.

What bothers me:
1) Awful 'look at me' style (e.g. Taylor, Lakdawala). Cringe, look away. Partly their own hapless solipsism. Partly lack of effective editorial oversight. 
2) Ridiculous organisation (degainez kalash).
3) Half-arsed stuff (usual suspects are obvious, dont need to bash e.g. Lilov any more)

Back to the ranch:
Yeah, the 3 Nc3, 4 Nf3 stuff will be a definite boon too. Look forward to it. Get thee to the finish line TonyRo!
  
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #14 - 06/04/13 at 12:49:22
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Bibs wrote on 06/04/13 at 12:40:06:

And I look forward to seeing the anti-Rossolimo stuff too. And the c3.

This will be a big selling point for Tony's book of course. And 3.Nc3 coverage too.

Both the author and the editors at Everyman should be capable of better English and organization than CE (understatement of the year)!
  

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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #13 - 06/04/13 at 12:40:06
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TonyRo wrote on 06/04/13 at 12:26:17:
I acknowledge that C&L's book is mostly fine on a theoretical level (I have some minor quibbles, but they're not worth reproducing here, as it's obviously going to look like I'm biased anyway), but I agree with what everyone is saying - the organization, typesetting, editing, call it whatever, is just horrendous.

I think even if I had the English copy, I wouldn't want this to be my first book on the Kalashnikov (again, somewhat biased) - it reminds me of an old, well-researched Nunn analysis/database explosion that's somehow been transported through time!  

Wink


Make yours very accessible Tony, we beg of thee. And allow an ebook soon too please.
ETA?
And I look forward to seeing the anti-Rossolimo stuff too. And the c3. 
Mind you, right now I am dead happy as Japan just qualified for the World Cup footie, so the annoyance of the Kalash book not getting me down...!
  
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TonyRo
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #12 - 06/04/13 at 12:26:17
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I acknowledge that C&L's book is mostly fine on a theoretical level (I have some minor quibbles, but they're not worth reproducing here, as it's obviously going to look like I'm biased anyway), but I agree with what everyone is saying - the organization, typesetting, editing, call it whatever, is just horrendous.

I think even if I had the English copy, I wouldn't want this to be my first book on the Kalashnikov (again, somewhat biased) - it reminds me of an old, well-researched Nunn analysis/database explosion that's somehow been transported through time!   

Wink
  
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #11 - 06/04/13 at 12:17:10
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Excellent points, and a useful reminder that there's a heck of a lot more to good chess book editing than dealing with unidiomatic or ungrammatical expression, critical though that is!
  
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Bibs
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #10 - 06/04/13 at 12:07:11
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I have the French version. 
It is indeed remarkably difficult to keep track of what is where. 
Just Really Badly Organised. 
Needs to be more broken up into MANY more sample games. Not just oodles and oodles dumped into single games. Just masses of subvariations to wade through, and poorly signposted. Reeks of a CB 'file merge' effort on a grand scale. 
And this is someone who has played the Kalashnikov on and off for more than 20 years, so very familiar with the lines. Some interesting stuff when I have been able to spare some time to wade, but it is soooo user unfriendly.
*Grumpy face*
  
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Michael Ayton
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #9 - 06/04/13 at 10:23:26
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Quote:
Or maybe their readers don't care enough about correct language to make it worthwhile, economically...

This may be true, who knows? But I think the purely economic stumbling block is probably more significant: chess book publishers' margins presumably just don't allow them to employ professional copy editors. But it's a question of 'culture' as well -- chess book publishers' editorial personnel usually don't have the understanding of what professional copy editing actually involves that the editorial staff of publishers producing books on more mainstream subjects do as a matter of course and of 'tradition'.
  
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #8 - 06/04/13 at 10:05:02
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Chess Evolution is run by a bunch of strong grandmasters, I believe. So "decent knowledge of the subject" (chess) is certainly in place. It's the English language skills and/or the realization that they need a competent translator/editor that's lacking.

Or maybe their readers don't care enough about correct language to make it worthwhile, economically...
« Last Edit: 06/04/13 at 12:40:39 by Stigma »  

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Michael Ayton
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #7 - 06/04/13 at 07:37:22
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Quote:
When will publishers wake up to the fact that, to produce a good translation of a chess book, you need a native speaker, as well as someone with a decent knowledge of the subject?

Or alternatively a decent editor with a decent knowledge of the subject. I or anyone competent could have sorted this out for them very easily. But chess book publishers often haven't a clue. Alas, it's far from unheard of for an in-house 'editor' to reintroduce mistakes that a competent translator-editor has previously carefully eliminated!
  
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #6 - 06/04/13 at 01:31:52
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Flear gave the French edition a glowing review, which is probably justified purely from the point of view of the chess content, but I found the layout, although superfically attractive, very user-unfriendly indeed, rather as in Sakaev's book on the Slav, from the same stable. So I hope they've improved on that in the English edition - but I'm not holding my breath....

To judge from the sample, the so-called translation has been done on the cheap. The authors may even have done it themselves, with predictable results.

When will publishers wake up to the fact that, to produce a good translation of a chess book, you need a native speaker, as well as someone with a decent knowledge of the subject?
  
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #5 - 06/04/13 at 00:55:37
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Bibs wrote on 06/04/13 at 00:33:37:
This is a translation of the French version I think. No? Grrr - I just bought the French one.

It is, more or less. In the intro, they write: 

Quote:
With the translation of our book “The Complete Kalashnikov” into English, we have performed some updates to it. Following some feedback we received 
about the first edition, we carried out some small changes, added news games and of course found some improvements.
  

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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #4 - 06/04/13 at 00:51:00
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Looking at the pdf, I'm excited to see it seems Cornette and Libiszewski are trying to revive Black's case in the old, sharp main line 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 b5 8.Nd5 Nge7!?. This is what I always played when I used the Kalashnikov, and when I lost too many games with it, I gave up the entire opening (the quieter 7...Be7 never appealed to me).

11...Bd7 "!" in the contents must mean they believe Black is alive. So now I only need to find something I like against 3.Bb5 and 3.Nc3 (the other big headaches of Kalashnikov players), and I will have a sharp new/old defence to 1.e4.
  

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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #3 - 06/04/13 at 00:33:37
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This is a translation of the French version I think. No? Grrr - I just bought the French one.
  
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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #2 - 06/03/13 at 23:52:58
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Thats great! But I believe in Rotellas book when I see it on the bookshelf  Wink

Will it be published finally ? I now see it is delayed till August 2013 and October for the U.S.  Whats going on ?


  

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Re: New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
Reply #1 - 06/03/13 at 22:40:59
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See posts 114-17 here:

http://www.chesspub.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1271701647/105

Writing a book on this opening is a truly heroic undertaking! And this summer promises two!
  
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New Book: The Complete Kalashnikov
06/03/13 at 22:09:01
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"You must lead your opponent into a deep, dark forest, where 2 + 2 = 5 and
  where the path back out is only broad enough for one of you." (((Mikhail Tal)))
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