3 ms·
That's inane advice. Knowing several opening lines is always an advantage. It's how a beginner becomes an intermediate player.
by Codhisattva 13y ago
That's inane advice. Knowing several opening lines is always an advantage.
It's how a beginner becomes an intermediate player.
- TylerE 13y agoBeg/Ints don't PLAY the book openings anyway so you're out of book by the 4th or 5th move 99% of the time. There are some lines that are useful to know (Avoid various <10 move mates, mostly), but beyond that basic principles will get you to 1800-2000, IF you have the tactics and calculation skills. Plenty of examples in the high ranks too - notably Magnus Carlsen (World #1) spends very little time on openings compared to most 2600+ GMs.
- Codhisattva 13y agoHog wash. Knowing the SCO took me from 800 to 1600.
- TylerE 13y agoHey, if it worked for you...it worked for you... but why does ever reputable chess coach advise the exact opposite?
- cpleppert 13y ago>>Knowing the SCO took me from 800 to 1600. Thats absolutely ridiculous and SCO is a poor reference anyway. There are a lot of good opening books that cover specific openings to ever rely on an a comprehensive guide anyway. I'll a little confused that you claim to 'know' it. You reviewed the entire book even if you don't play certain openings or defenses? There is a lot better use of your time.
- Codhisattva 13y agoForgive my short hand. To be precise - "knowing the mainline of common and popular standard openings from the SCO..."
- cpleppert 13y ago>>It's how a beginner becomes an intermediate player. No it isn't. Having a good grasp of chess tactics makes you an intermediate player. So what if you memorize opening lines? Your intermediate opponent isn't going to follow them at all.