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1.b4: Theory and Practice of the Sokolsky Opening
1b4 Theory and Practice of the Sokolsky Opening Author:Jerzy Konikowsky, Marek Soszynski ISBN-10: 1888690658 — ISBN-13: 9781888690651 — Format: Softcover — Publication Year: 2009 — Weird and wacky or safe and sound? The Sokolsky Opening is both. — Sometimes the play is truly deviant both sides initial few moves all on the a-b-c files and the first pieces exchanged a pair of rooks at other times 1.b4 becomes merely a roundabout route to... more » a respectable English, Reti, Kings Indian or reversed French position.
This book, packed with fresh analysis and 95 illustrative games, clearly shows that White can look forward to a rewarding albeit complex or unusual struggle.
The Sokolsky, otherwise known as the Orangutan or the Polish Attack, is an independent opening whose merits are due to chess analysis not psychoanalysis.
1.b4 is sound, the refutations dont work, assessments are disputed, printed theory till now has been inadequate, Whites aims are clear, and the practitioners have been world class.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and hit your opponents with the b-pawn!
The Sokolsky might not be for everyone; you have to be content with achieving equality out of the opening, and winning on the basis of your superior understanding of middlegame plans and positions arising from 1. b4.
Edward Scimia, about.com:
"If you enjoy playing offbeat openings to avoid heavily theoretical lines, or you're already a 1. b4 player who wants to see the latest analysis available, 1. b4: Theory and Practice of the Sokolsky Opening should be right up your alley."
Jerzy Konikowski is one of the most prolific chess authors in the world, with dozens of publications n several languages to his credit. He holds the FIDE Master title as well as titles in correspondence chess and chess composition.
Marek Soszynski is a Master of Philosophy and co-author of the best-selling and widely acclaimed How to Think in Chess.« less