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I am not a big fan of Encyclopedias, not lately anyway.  Why carry around a huge book or collection of books if the information is readily available on your computer?  However, there is one exception - Encyclopedia of Opening Errors by Matsukevich.

Highlights: 800 pages, 4000 games, each 13 moves or less.  Language - Russian cover / English + FAN inside - Informant style.  Practically every opening is represented, so you can see what the typical traps are and safely avoid them.  Each game has a diagram so one can study all of the critical positions without a chessboard.  Even though the games are so short, make no mistake, there are plenty of masters and grandmasters among the unfortunates who had to resign so fast.  Some games have numerous players making the same mistake.

My favorite example, that is still useful in the era of ICC battles:

This is an old tricky idea, that first happened in one of Alekhine's game from a simul, and later in many serious games.  Nowadays, it is the favorite way to win a game in a 1- minute blitz game on the Internet Chess Club, when after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 White plays 5.Qe2!?!

...and unsuspecting Caro-Kann players mechanically move 5...Ngf6.  And after 6.Nd6 mate they scream and challenge opponent for a next game.

This is one book that I would recommend for multiple uses -

• to review common traps when learning a new opening;

• to take with you to the tournament and use in preparations for the game;

• to practice your tactical skills, specifically - Tactics in the Openings.

While there might be other uses, here are a few specific suggestions/tips, some of these (and a lot more!) are mentioned in my new book Chess Exam and Training Guide: Rate Yourself and Learn How to Improve.

• When you are learning new opening - find the games in the Encyclopedia and make sure you are familiar with the common traps for both sides.

• If you know what your opponent likes to play, see if there is a sideline listed in the book that is worth considering.

• Open the book at random and study the diagram to see if you can find a tactical shot that ended the game.

Finally, on a personal note - recently I was invited to do a presentation and a simul against 20 or so players (rated 1200 - 2100) in the local club.  One of the players before the simul mentioned that I play boring lines against the Sicilian as White.  To which I responded, even boring lines can bring quick results.  20 minutes later we had the following miniature:

Khmelnitsky - NN
1. e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.c3 Bg4 4.d4 Nc6 5.d5 Ne5??

After 6.Nxe5 Black resigned.  He loses a piece for nothing.  To give my opponent credit he handled the loss well and we had a nice conversation afterwards.  I suggest he takes a look at this Encyclopedia.

Later I checked the Encyclopedia myself and the line we played is indeed listed, game #1452 Madera - Francisco, Spain 2000.

Who should use this book: – Experienced players with ratings of 1200 (USCF) and above.

Strongly recommended!

Check out IM Igor Khmelnitsky's books:

This review is Copyright © 2004 by Igor Khmelnitsky & www.IamCoach.com and is used here by permission.  It may not be reprinted or reposted in any format without the express written permission of the author.
 

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