REVIEW3

***** Review3 *****

December 1, 1995 book review by Hanon Russell!  "news 257" for more info.
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                         Win at Chess!
                          by Ron Curry
                   Reviewed by Hanon W. Russell

Win at Chess!, by Ron Curry, 1995 Thinkers Press, Softcover,
English algebraic notation, 272pp., $20.00

     When this book by expert-rated Ron Curry arrived, I was
skeptical. Subtitled "A Comprehensive Guide to Winning Chess for
the Intermediate Player" I wondered what a player/author whose
rating admittedly was between 2000-2200 could teach an
"intermediate player." After all, there are those who might argue
that the author himself is an "intermediate player." Actually,
this book may be beneficial to anyone from beginner to about
1500.
     If I may indulge in a slight digression, it should be
disclosed that this publisher, Thinkers Press, owned and operated
by Bob Long, is the publisher of two of my books -
"Correspondence Chess," which appeared about fifteen years ago,
and the second edition of "Russian for Chessplayers." Long has
published some great books (efforts by Stephan Gerzadowicz and
Andy Soltis come readily to mind) and some not-so-great books.
Several years ago, reviewing titles for USA Today Sports Center, I
panned Long's publication of a collection of games by Kasparov
where a certain variation of the English was played. This led to
a violent editorial reaction by Long who railed against anyone
who had the nerve to say negative things about any of his books.
(Alas, an entertaining article could be devoted to publishers and
authors and their reactions to less than favorable reviews.
Perhaps some day...)
     This book is divided into four basic categories, with
additional subdivisions contained therein. The four parts are
opening, middlegame, endgame and then a section entitled
"Practice and Progress," a pot pourri of exercises, suggestions
and summaries.
     The author takes little for granted, explaining most
everything from notation, basic mates and chess jargon to more
sophisticated concepts such as pins, weaknesses and planning.
Concrete recommendations are made as well as tips regarding
study, training and overall approach.
     For a single-volume work attempting to cover all aspects of
the game for the student, Curry does a credible job. Indeed,
there are certain items that do surprise and disappoint. Amateur
chessplayers, when cast in the role of authors, do not seem to be
able to always separate their ego from their work. I have been
guilty of this myself. 
     In Curry's case, he cannot resist naming an opening after
himself! Claiming he developed the opening in 1971, he gives the
ideal sequence of moves for the Curry Opening as 1 d4, 2 Nf3, 3
Bg5, 4 e3, 5 Bd3, 6 Nbd2, 7 c3, 8 Qc2, 9 0-0-0 and 10 h4 (if
...0-0 by Black). So this is the famous Curry Opening? With Edgar
Colle and Octavio Trompowsky smiling in the background, Carlos
Torre and Tigran Petrosyan must be hard put to contain their
chuckles. (Uh-oh, here come the nasty letters again.)
     It would be easy to criticize a work that assumes a task of
this scope. At any rate, both students working alone to improve
their play and teachers seeking an orderly, understandable
presentation of the basics should be able to make good use of
this book.
                                
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   The books which are reviewed by Mr. Russell are furnished
   courtesy of the United States Chess Federation. The views
expressed are those of Mr. Russell and do not necessarily reflect
 the views of the United States Chess Federation. You may order
 this book and/or obtain the latest catalog of chess books and
equipment from the U.S.C.F., 186 Rt. 9W, New Windsor, NY 12553 or
                 call toll-free 1-800-388-5464.
                                
                Copyright 1995 Hanon W. Russell
                      All Rights Reserved
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