Book Review: "The Slav: Move by Move"

Chess books on openings have been around for a while but they all look more or less the same. Very little thought have been invested in improving the layout or the usefulness of the opening books. There are a few gems out there but they tend to be opening books of a more general nature.

The development of endgame books took a gigantic leap some years ago when Silman's excellent "Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master" was released. Silman's daring approach to present the material by "need-to-know basis" by rating class was indeed a success. Finally a book on "The putting of Chess", as Purdy phrased it, that would guide the improving chess player to better results.

So, Will the Move by Move Series by Everymanchess have the same impact on Opening studies as Silman's book had on studies of endgames? Not quite, but I think the series has potential to stay head and neck well above the rest of the books in the genre. The perfect opening book in my world would be a blend of Everymann's "Move-by-move approach" and the structure often used by Chess Stars Publishing which is a little along the lines of Silman's "by rating approach". The Chess Stars Publishing books start off with a few pages on each topic called "Quick Repertoire" which is more or less to get started (and for many improving players all you need!) and the add two more layers of knowledge called "Step by Step" and "Complete Games".

How about this specific book: "The Slav: Move by Move" by Cyrus Lakdawala? In short, a good book! I like the Questions and stuff to make you read actively. I like somewhat chatty and easy going prose in the book. It might be a good thing to read a few sample pages before you decide to buy the book. The slightly unorthodox tone in the book is most likely not for everyman.