Hypermodern Opening Repertoire For White

Rating:
Summary: Pressure with Hypermodern Systems as White
Review: If you are of USCF playing strength 1600 to Master level, I believe you will find this book interesting (surprisingly interesting, I should say). The book gives solid examples of how hypermodern opening systems can ellicit poor play by black (primariliy due to apparent black non-familiarities with resulting non-classical and/or hypermodern opening structures). The non-familiarities inevitably lead black into inferior positions. The book also provides sound theory against solid black defensive systems adopted against white playing a hypermodern opening. In becoming intimately familiar with the Reti-System as outlined in this book by Schiller, you will find yourself going (1-0) against players who are rated several hundred points above your current USCF rating. I can attest to this because I have done so myself utilizing theory presented in this book! I must warn that if you are not a patient player, using the Reti system is probably not for you. Black will occupy the center until pawn breaks at e4,d4,c4 or even b4 will destroy the stronghold. The fact of the matter is simply this; Because there is still much to be learned about hypermodern play and inventions, the competitive player can prepare lines using these systems where black will be caught off-guard. I have also found much success in 5 min. blitz games with the Reti opening. I simply attribute this to too many players being comfortable with common/classical opening play.

Rating:
Summary: Great repertoire book for club player
Review: This is an excellent, eminently practical book. Schiller has been accused of churning out books, but this one comes across as a labor of love. It is an excellent blend of text and variations, and he really gives you a feel for the Reti opening. There are lots of good reasons to play the Reti; the flexible first move, Nf3; the avoidance of queen's gambit theory; the avoidance of traditional approaches to the king's indian and grunfeld. In that sense, the Reti allows you to largely call the shots as to the direction of the game. This book has a special magic for the club player who wants to play the opening--one can get started almost right away, as you do not get bogged down. In that sense, the book is simpler than many opening manuals. But there is as much depth as I need, and one feels that one has a coach along for the ride in Schiller. He has great enthusiasm for the opening, and includes some of his notable wins, but he does not sugarcoat it either. The book is also very well made and solid, and is a pleasure to work through. All in all, a great chess book.