This is an opening book unlike any other. It is not an opening
encyclopedia. It is also not a repertoire book. It is not a survey of
a specific opening. Rather, it seeks to give the reader a holistic
view of openings, focusing on ideas, plans, structures, and even
tactical themes that cut across many systems. Those who are familiar
with Watson's award-winning "Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy" and
"Chess Strategy in Action" will find the same level of scholarship,
depth of thinking, and rich insights in this work. As an example, in
the early chapters we explore the importance of Black's d5 break in the
"open" games (i.e., those that begin 1.e4 e5). We go on in the Chapter
on the Giuoco Piano to see how this advance is tied to Black's quest
for equality. Then in the Ruy Lopez chapter, we compare the effect of
3...a6 4.Ba4 b5 5.Bb3, when the Spanish bishop is on the same diagonal.
Watson keenly observes that now the d5 advance lacks sting (it does
not attack the bishop, being on b3 rather than c4), and hence the Ruy
Lopez can be seen as a way for White to achieve the ideal two pawn
center while diminishing Black's ability to counter effectively with
d5. Very illuminating. And so the idea of the equalizing pawn break,
and many other ideas, weave their way through the treatments of various
responses to 1.e4. Game fragments and complete annotated games help to
illustrate these deeper themes in a concrete fashion.
Much of the material is quite sophisticated, and yet this book can be
of great use to advanced beginners and above. It will benefit anybody
who wishes to understand the ideas behind the openings, rather than
memorize moves. In fact, I think it would be good for all serious
students of the game to work through the entire book, even where the
opening is not part of their repertoire. (It may profoundly affect
your repertoire!) This is because good chess is about ideas, and
seeing a wealth of these ideas unfold in this book will surely
strengthen your game. A recommended companion to MCO and the
repertoire books on your shelf.