Understanding the Leningrad Dutch

Rating:
Summary: Misleading Title
Review: One would think that a book whose title contained the word "Understanding" would be full of explanations of the strategic and/or tactical ideas in a given position. This is sadly not so.

This book does have some of those explanations, but not anywhere near as many as one would expect. I read through several chapters, and I found myself not only still lacking understanding of the covered lines, but unimpressed by the book and the opening itself as well (the latter is probably because I lack the understanding I should be getting!). One particular example is "the position is now very sharp, and both sides should be fully aware of the latest theoretical developments." It stops there; gee, I thought I was supposed to be learning something.

On the positive side, the author does cover the critical lines thoroughly. However, the coverage is mostly in variation-by-variation form and wanting in clear explanation. This might be helpful to a strong player who could understand what was going on, but not to the rest of us.

In short, do not buy this book if you are hoping to have your eyes opened to the beauty of the Leningrad Dutch and gain a healthy understanding of it. You will find yourself disappointed [...].

Rating:
Summary: Misleading Title
Review: One would think that a book whose title contained the word "Understanding" would be full of explanations of the strategic and/or tactical ideas in a given position. This is sadly not so.

This book does have some of those explanations, but not anywhere near as many as one would expect. I read through several chapters, and I found myself not only still lacking understanding of the covered lines, but unimpressed by the book and the opening itself as well (the latter is probably because I lack the understanding I should be getting!). One particular example is "the position is now very sharp, and both sides should be fully aware of the latest tactical developments." It stops there; gee, I thought I was supposed to be learning something.

On the positive side, the author does cover the critical lines thoroughly. However, the coverage is mostly in variation-by-variation form and wanting in clear explanation. This might be helpful to a strong player who could understand what was going on, but not to the rest of us.

In short, do not buy this book if you are hoping to have your eyes opened to the beauty of the Leningrad Dutch and gain a healthy understanding of it. You will find yourself disappointed and $22 poorer.