Not a new newsletter, yet. Instead at this pdf link you will find the same material in a more user-friendly layout. In fact, more like one of our books.
Also, a new version of the pgn. The only change in the pgn is making one of the puzzles slightly easier by giving the correct side to play (thanks to Adolfo for telling us).
Now it’s perfect (just tried on a Mac)! Thank you guys!
Checkpoint by Carsten Hansen, August 3, 2011.
http://www.chesscafe.com/hansen/hansen.htm
“Overall, I am impressed with the amount of work that has gone into this book, as well as with the ideas presented by the individual contributors. Though the material is quite demanding of prospective black players, particularly in the more provocative lines. The emphasis is on lines that challenge White to go outside his comfort zone. However, to do that requires a lot of memorization of lines by Black; whereas the amount of explanatory prose about key ideas and strategical themes is limited. The immense diversity in types of positions and style of play for Black, requires a deep level of understanding. So, with that in mind, I would say that the reader should at least be rated 2000-2200 in order to get the most out of it.”
@Alekhine Power
Alekhine Power,
Thanks. A review of “Experts on the Anti-Sicilian” from Carsten Hansen who gave it 5 out of 6 stars. Of course we wanted that 6th star! Carsten says lots of very kind things about the book (e.g. “a genuinely fine catalog of ideas”) so it may be unwise to quibble about his quibbles, but here I go anyway:
“Neilsen’s chapter on 2 b3 should have had some coverage of lines such as 2 Nf3 e6 3 b3, particularly because the line recommended by Nielsen would not work after 2 Nf3 e6 3 b3.”
It “should have”? The chapter gives a repertoire for Black against 1.e4 c5 2.b3. It could also have given a repertoire against 2.Nf3 e6 3.b3, but that is a very different line. Nielsen could also have covered lots of different b3-lines.
Carsten also criticized Andrew Greet’s chapter on the Moscow variation with 5.c4 for not covering 5.0-0: “”it is hardly fair to leave the reader entirely on their own without any kind of guidance from the contributor on this subject. He could at least have offered one indication of where he would want Black to go”
Andrew’s chapter is written about White’s attempts to fight for an advantage with 5.c4, so it’s true it does not give Black guidance against 5.0-0.
There were a few other quibbles that I would respond to in similar style. Carsten likes the 440-page book we did write, but points out we could have written a different (longer?!) book.
Anyway, our mutual quibblings shouldn’t disguise the fact that it’s a favourable review.
Love the PDF, you are right it is just like one of your books!!
ps… John, what happened to all the Scots in British Champs this year (only 3)? Boycott? lol
I was hoping to announce some big England vs Scotland head to heads on my blog http://www.mattywebbchess.com but No Rowson, No McNab, No you! Disappointing…
@Matthew D Webb
Hi Matthew (my White Rose team-mate?),
Nothing as dramatic as a Scottish boycott of the British Championship. I think the main reason for our non-appearance is that all the Scottish GMs are working full-time (three of us at Quality Chess). I like Sheffield, but two weeks at the British is hard work for a holiday, especially for a rusty player.
The problems for Scottish players since I won the British Championship in 2007 have ended, I think. As far as I know they all received invitations. Obviously I now represent Denmark (but not actually, as I am not playing) and was not invited, which is fine. The new president of ECF is really trying to do things, and I appreciate this immensely, even if my time as a player are sort of over.
@John, re. the Carsten Hansen review of “Experts on the Anti-Sicilian”
I do understand that in each review there must be some criticism to avoid looking one-sided or not objective. But as one of your customers I must say I did not feel left alone, if the material in the book does not cover all, but does cover the critical lines. I found the way Andrew presented the chapter about 5.c4 in the Moscow to be excellent, and I’ll have no problem bringing me up to date with 5.0-0
Neither was it promised, nor did I expect a book about all possible anti-sicilian lines. I also did not miss 2.Sf3 e6 3.b3, while still the chapter about 2.b3 will serve me well.
The thing I expected the least for myself is that after looking into Jacobs material I will most likely be taking up his recommendation against the Alapin. Having always played the Nc6, Nb6 lines, I felt safe with this, but Jacobs presentation convinced me I could try for more and take White out of his comfort zone (which he typically builds up in the lines I played so far).
You cannot start a book review with: this is not the book I wish they should have written :-). Against 3.Bb5+, Tiger gives two lines. The Moscow chapter is mainly seen from White’s perspective.
Another complaint was too much on the Tiviakov line. Certainly the book felt endless to edit, but we did not know anyone cared about us :-).
@John Shaw – Yes, your White Rose team mate! 🙂
Cj de Mooi has really made this years British truly great… Mickey & Nigel’s presence has made the whole atmosphere in the playing hall excellent. I hope this attracts the dormant British GM’s & IM’s for next year!
Hopefully see you next season John…
Matty