THE
SYMMETRICAL ENGLISH
by Carsten Hansen
tratto dalla rubrica Bianco e Nero... in Libreria di Torre & Cavallo
di Mauro
Reggiani
Il precedente libro del medesimo autore sull’Inglese con 1…e5 ha raccolto un meritato successo, e non è difficile prevedere la stessa cosa per quest’opera di completamento. L’Inglese simmetrica (a torto considerata da qualcuno un’apertura piatta e tediosa) si è conquistata uno spazio sempre più vasto e importante nella teoria e nella pratica d’oggigiorno, e praticamente nessuno può ignorarne gli sviluppi. In quest’opera su 1.c4 c5 l’autore prende in considerazione (oltre alle varianti di “simmetria pura” e a quelle… un po’ meno simmetriche) anche i sistemi del Bianco per evitare Benoni e Benko, e l’infido sistema difensivo “Hedgehog”, che al Bianco conviene non sottovalutare. Peccato che a differenza del precedente volume qui manchino (forse per ragioni di spazio) le strutture di pedoni e i rispettivi piani tipici.
The
Symmetrical systems of the English Opening constitute a large and important area
of modern chess opening theory. The strategic variety to be found within this
book is staggering: from the sedate Symmetrical Variation to the wild gambit
lines of the Anti-Benoni, and almost everything in between!
This
book provides detailed coverage of the theory of all lines stemming from 1 c4
c5. It includes many variations that often arise from different openings
entirely, such as the Semi-Tarrasch, or when White avoids a Benko or Benoni. A
particular highlight is the discussion of the Hedgehog, which is a popular
workhorse for many tournament players, as it enables Black to play for a win
without taking undue risks. Throughout the book, though, Hansen shows that in
many lines regarded by a lot of players as boring and uninteresting, there is
plenty of scope to liven the game up, if one is familiar with the subtleties.
Carsten
Hansen is a young FIDE Master from Denmark. He has a wealth of experience at
international level, and a reputation as an original thinker and thorough
researcher. His first book for Gambit, The Gambit Guide to the English Opening:
1...e5, has received high praise in the chess press:
”For
all systems, Hansen gives a detailed and intelligently-chosen overview of
practice ... it’s extremely useful to have a thorough and considered overview
of theory such as Hansen provides.” - John Watson.