Average customer rating:
- Love it, always have!
- A little simple, but an engaging series that doesnt drag on forever
- Nothing inherently wrong with the writing but....
- A good, simple read!
- The Belgariad
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The Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit
David Eddings
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Eddings, David | ( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Belgariad | Series | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Belgariad, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game
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The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, Demon Lord of Karanda
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The Malloreon, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Sorceress of Darshiva, The Seeress of Kell
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Belgarath the Sorcerer
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Polgara the Sorceress (Malloreon (Paperback Random House))
ASIN: 0345456327
Release Date: 2002-08-27 |
Book Description
Millions of readers have discovered the magic of David Eddings’ New York Times bestselling series The Belgariad. Now the first three books in this monumental epic appear in a single volume. Here, long-time fans can rediscover the wonder—and the uninitiated can embark upon a thrilling new journey of fantasy and adventure.
It all begins with the theft of the Orb that for so long protected the West from an evil god. As long as the Orb was at Riva, the prophecy went, its people would be safe from this corrupting power. Garion, a simple farm boy, is familiar with the legend of the Orb, but skeptical in matters of magic. Until, through a twist of fate, he learns not only that the story of the Orb is true, but that he must set out on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger to help recover it. For Garion is a child of destiny, and fate itself is leading him far from his home, sweeping him irrevocably toward a distant tower—and a cataclysmic confrontation with a master of the darkest magic.
Customer Reviews:
Love it, always have!.......2007-08-15
Approximately 15 years ago, I was given a copy of Pawn of Prophecy (Belgariad). I quickly read all the Belgariad, then the Mallorean and moved on to Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress. I have never read anything like these books. Over the last 15 years I have read all these books at least 20 times. Everytime I read the series something else comes out of the books that i either didn't notice last time or that became more important as I aged. David and his wife Leigh Eddings intersperse just enough philosphy and aged wisdom to enhance the reading experience. Dialog is often funny, while maintaining the seriousness of the story.
For a great read, and an engaging read, I recommend you read the best series of books I have ever read.
A little simple, but an engaging series that doesnt drag on forever.......2007-07-11
While the plot line is of a simplish epic quest, good vs evil, type, that doesnt detract from the enjoyment of reading these books at all. Not only is the entire series fast paced and full of action, but the interactions between the characters, whom I love dearly, are also very entertaining and hilarious.
Both this series, and its sequel series, are well worth the read, so buy them, and don't cheat yourself out of a great read by only buying the first few.
Nothing inherently wrong with the writing but...........2007-07-06
I read some good reviews of this series and thought it might be worth checking out. There is nothing horrible about the writing. The storyline is interesting, though a bit of a cliche. The problem with the books (I only read the first two) is that every character is a stereotype. All Drasnians are cunning and secretive, all Chereks are big brutes who get drunk and like to fight, all Murgos are bad etc. etc. No one in the books seem to have a free thought apart from where they are from. There is nothing inherently bad about the writing, but I found the shallow stereotypical characters mundane and a little disturbing. But if you can read the books without actually thinking about what you are reading than go for it.
A good, simple read!.......2007-06-21
I have to admit that when I started reading these stories, I felt the plot was somewhat slow. But keep going! the books are not all that long. You need to read through at least book 3, which is my favorite so far. Eddings writing gets better the further you read. Some people have complained that these stories are cliche. They are not exactly original, but if the writing is good, it's worth it to read them. Why can't we every now and then just read a good book and not worry about its originality, how deep is the story? Just once in awhile read a book and enjoy it for the journey it takes you on. This is one of those books!
The Belgariad.......2007-05-31
I regret that I was forced to give it 1 star. If I had to write Cliff Notes for book one It would say "They went from here to there." Over the course of 5 books this kid casts 4 spells and at the end he is Fencing with a God and wins! I will say Eddings writes a character like no one. They really have a personality, but I found the entire experience of reading the Belgariad to be a waste of time.
Book Description
Eight year-old orphan Beth Harmon is quiet, sullen, and by all appearances unremarkable. That is until she plays her first game of chess. Her senses grow sharper, her thinking clearer, and for the first time in her life she feels herself fully in control. By the age of sixteen, she’s competing for the U.S. Open championship. But as she hones her skills on the professional circuit, the stakes get higher, her isolation grows more frightening, and the thought of escape becomes all the more tempting. Engaging and fast-paced,
The Queen’s Gambit speeds to a conclusion as elegant and satisfying as a mate in four.
Customer Reviews:
A terrific, timeless classic ..........2007-09-01
this book is as brilliant as the main character that it protrays ... sharp and resounding, the characters and storyline lift off the pages ... rather than a fictional story, it reads like a staccato of newspaper articles that seem real, upon which you feel sad, thrilled, and marvel at the dexterity with which Tevis writes this brief masterpiece on the game of chess ... you cannot imagine the excitement of chess, journeyed from the basement of an orphanage onto its grandest stage against the Russians, until you see it through Beth Harmon's eyes, which is expertly captured through the penmanship of Tevis ...
chess will exist for ages to come ... as long as chess endures, so should this book ... BTW, you do not have to be a fan of chess to enjoy the elegant prose and contents of this story ...
highly recommended ... ;-)
amazing sports novel.......2007-06-29
Although Walter Tevis is perhaps better known for his two novels about pool, The Hustler and The Color Of Money, both of which are very good books, The Queen's Gambit outshines both of them.
Tevis has a beautiful narrative style that manages to be both taut and fluid at once. That clear, sharp voice carries you right through the novel so easily it's less like reading than like gliding through the story in a boat, watching events unfold around you. What Tevis really is is a sports writer, someone who can convey to his readers the tension, the anticipation, and the joy in excellence a sportsman who truly lives for his sport feels every time he plays. It's why you can read this novel and love it even if you don't play chess well. So long as you know what it's like to play a game and play it well, to train long and hard so you can beat out your opponent in the most elegant possible way, you can understand what makes Beth Harmon want to win and keep winning, no matter what it costs her in the end, because all that really matters for her is the exhilaration of outmaneuvering her opponent, spotting the weakness in his attack, and finding a way to use that weakness to win the game. Every other high and every other emotion pales in comparison with the feeling of winning. And if you don't know what it is to feel that way about a game, you will by the end of this book.
Pick up a copy if you can. It's been a long time out of print, and it's hard to find in libraries, but it's worth every dollar of the $12-14 you'll pay for it.
A chess story that transcends the sport.......2007-06-13
This is one of those rare sports stories that transcends the sport it discusses. It's the story of Beth Harmon, a child chess prodigy who was "discovered" by the janitor in her orphanage. She's a richly-drawn character, with a suite of personal problems including substance abuse. The result is a compelling story of a "heroine."
Tevis does a great job dealing with the central challenge - - how do you make chess exciting for readers who aren't international masters, and may not play chess at all? His solution is brilliant. He tells the story of chess games not in terms of moves but in terms of Harmon's feelings - - "that rook is annoying" or intentions - - "getting the bishop in the middle would wear him down." This puts the emphasis on people and plot, without getting bogged down in grandmaster-level chess.
That said, Tevis doesn't quite get the chess world right. Even child prodigies have to work their way up the ranks more - - think of, say, Yasser Serawan. Nor does he have the economics of the chess world right. Harmon depends on tournament prize money, but that's not where the real action is in professional chess. Exhibitions can be lucrative, as can other appearances as well as articles and books (as feature or as author). Obviously, prize money makes for a more dramatic story, but given Harmon's personality, making a slog of the more mundane part of the chess biz would have strengthened plot, characterization, and verisimilitude.
Nonetheless, it's a quick-paced, impressive novel.
Like Glue.......2007-05-17
It's hard to put this book down.
If you have played chess you will enjoy this book.
If you're not a chess player ............2007-01-08
you'll probably enjoy this book much more than someone who has played in tournaments and understands the chaotic and often irrational psyche of a single-minded player.
I saw this book on a "must read" list and being a chess enthusiast, I had to read this book. In short, the story is compelling but not convincing. The author tried to write on a subject that he didn't really have a first hand feel for. In the book Word Freak, you could see the author changing his viewpoints and attitudes as he became more and more involved with top notch Scrabble players. If Walter Tevis had done the same thing, the book would have turned out much differently.
For the non-chess playing reader, they have no alternative but to believe what Tevis writes and creates in their mind. For someone that knows and has seen the neurotic chess player, his depiction just don't work quite right. In the end, I don't believe that Tevis created the sudden rush of an overnight genius. His writing attempted a psychological treatment but ended up as entertainment instead of a truly "psychological thriller" as the back cover guarantees.
All in all, if you want an interesting read, this is okay. If you really want to understand the psyche of a chess player, start by attending a tournament and staying up until 2 in the morning while guys play speed chess and forgot that their ride left three hours ago.
Customer Reviews:
Stunning work on QGA!.......2002-11-22
There are several Cadogan opening works from the mid-90s that are so far above the quality of most of the stuff being poured out by Everyman since that it is shocking. The Everyman stuff are like the cliff notes, and this book on the QGA by Neishtadt and the two-volume work on the English defence by Bagirov, are like the real deal. This book is 286 pages long (not 224 pages as stated above, plus this is a Cadogan book that has not been re-issued by Everyman), is packed full of thousands of variation, tons of explanatory text, and is carefully laid out with a compelte index in the back. Equally stunning is that throughout the book , each variation is carefully indexed numerically, and each variation heading re-states the opening moves up to that point. This feature allows you to re-play moves to that point without having to flip back and forth all the time. This is a variations format book, with tons of games in the notes, but no "illustrative games per se. It is a challenging and massive work. Neishtadt is an excellent chess writer. Everything he has ever done is absolutely first rate. Other than this book, I especially love his two books, "Winning Quickly with White/Black."
Product Description
Rizzitano, author of Understanding Your Chess, presents a full repertoire for Black against 1 d4, based on the Queen's Gambit Accepted (QGA). The QGA is an extremely popular opening amongst players of all levels, as it gives Black free development and counterpunching potential, especially if White takes up the challenge and tries to set up a broad pawn centre. The QGA's soundness is shown by the number of top-class grandmasters who have used it in critical games - it was a key factor in Short's victory over Karpov, and has even been used by Garry Kasparov at world-championship level. Rizzitano has chosen to recommend dependable main lines of the QGA, and throughout emphasizes how Black can create winning chances and White's typical ways to go wrong. The repertoire is completed by a set of weapons against White's alternatives to offering the Queen's Gambit, ranging from the stolid Colle to the weird Hodgson Attack and the reckless Blackmar-Diemer.
Customer Reviews:
An average repertoire book.......2007-06-04
This book is divided into three parts. Part 1 consists of queen gambit accepted lines which not include the classical variation, part 2 handles the classical variation and part 3 handles openings where white do not follow up with c4 (Colle, London, Veresov, etc.)
Rizzitano handles the 3 parts very differently. While the classical variation is very deeply explained (as for 2300 players), Rizzitano handles for instance the Torre Attack more lightly (as for 1700 players).
So this book is not for ordinary club players. In many positions where white has more than just one alternative, Rizzitano often just describe just one alternative. The other alternatives may be less attractive, but for an ordinary club player who plays black, it is not easy to understand why. This book is full of variations and variations. Rizzitano surely knows how to use a chess database. But I miss some informative text, and not just variations after words like: Alternatives:, then:, now:, White has some alternatives here:, Let's examine: When someone write "Let's examine" I want some explanation text, not just variations. I believe it may be difficult for a normal chess player to benefit 100% from this book, without doing his one opening description from this book.
So I will not recommend this book for players rated below 2000.
What I also miss in this book is a more specific description of strategically ideas about each variant and some complete games showing when these strategically ideas are successful.
Great Book.......2007-05-11
This is an amazing book, extremely detailed and thorough. It is a totally complete repertoire against 1.d4. I don't know what the last reviewer is talking about. Contrarily, this one of the most complete and thorough opening repertoire books I've ever seen.
This is your road map when white plays 1.d4. Keep in mind that it's a repertoire book, not an instructional manual on how to play every single move in every single position. (But it comes close!) One thing the book lacks is an "Illustrative Games" section. If this is your only reference, then you will need to either find a supplemental book, well annotated QGA games, or a coach to help you work through the positions once the analysis stops.
The good news is that he basically quotes his sources on every book, game fragment, and annotator. If you want to see more, just pull the game up on your computer and have at it. This is a window into a titled player's opening preparation, so be prepared to do some work to digest the material.
I think this is good for players rated 1800+, because it can be an overwhelming amount of material at some points. It is definitely *not* the "Easy Guide" to the QGA.
I am looking forward to seeing more from the meticulously thorough Rizzitano.
Good Repertoire Book, But...........2007-04-29
Missing a couple of critical lines that Black should be aware of.
Of course, all the initial analysis through the earlly stages of the ooening is spot-on, but at that nebulous threshold between the end of an opening and the onset of a full-blown middle game, this book serves the function of dropping us off at a couple of key (and very complex) intersections with a map that does not show all the avaliable roads that can be taken. Of course, this is not an real big deal if these are options for our side (the good guys!-- it is a repertoire book afterall), but when these options are important (and powerful) moves that are opponent can spring, and they are not even mentioned, it makes me wonder what the full intent of the author really was.
Don't get me wrong, I like this book, and if the player with the white pieces cooperatively stays within the confines of the repertoire proffered, Black is doing fine. But for a volume of this size and reputation, I was disappointingly surprising to see it completely overlooks some key lines that Black will probably see OTB.
Won my first two QGA games after reading this book.......2006-03-26
I'm an ICCF Master Class player and I recently bought Rizzitano's book "How to beat 1.d4". I ever had problem with black vs 1.d4 and I read with great interest Rizzitano's book. The book was clear, extremely interesting, up to date, with all strategic ideas behind the opening well analysed and explained.
I recently tried the QGA in an ICCF Master Class tournament (EM-M-307) and the result was : +2 =0 -0 that is 100% for the first 2 QGA I ever played!!!!
Compliments to the author: the good result I get in the tournament is fully due to his book!!!
Dr.Mauro Marchisotti, Torino, Italy
An Exemplar of Chess Opening Books.......2006-03-26
Rizzitano's "How to Beat 1 d4" is an example of how opening repetoire books should be written. The reader can tell how meticulously the author approached this work- all the relevant analysis, along with many suggested improvements from the author himself. The book presents the Queen's Gambit Accepted as the centerpiece of the repetoire, and also offers lines against all of White's second-move alternatives. A welcome bonus is analysis of 3 e3 e5 in the QGA, which allows Black to play alternatives such as 4...Bg4 in the main line after 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 e3. A great work.
Average customer rating:
- A Great Read
- To bad it is all finished and in the past
- Belgariad & Malloreon. My Favorite.
- Great Entry-to-Mid-level Fare
- Praise-worthy
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The Belgariad Set, Books 1-5: Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit, Castle of Wizardry, & Enchanter's End Game
David Eddings
Manufacturer: Del Rey Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Eddings, David | ( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Belgariad | Series | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, Demon Lord of Karanda
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The Malloreon, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Sorceress of Darshiva, The Seeress of Kell
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Belgarath the Sorcerer
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Polgara the Sorceress (Malloreon (Paperback Random House))
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The Rivan Codex: Ancient Texts of THE BELGARIAD and THE MALLOREON
ASIN: 0345340442 |
Customer Reviews:
A Great Read.......2005-10-14
Eddings' series The Belgariad is one of my all-time favorite reads. It's the classic fantasy good-vs.-evil, coming-of-age, lost-kings-returning, quest-with-companions epic. These are common themes in fantasy, but Eddings' writing is so witty, and his characters so intriguing, that it never gets old. He seems very aware he is using some well established cliches, but puts new twists on them and even makes fun of them as the story goes on. I especially love Eddings' twist on the concept of prophesy: In this story, the prophesy is actually sentient, and does not hesitate to tell our hero, Garion, when he is being an idiot.
This series is funny, entertaining, engrossing, and complex. It was my introduction to the sword and sorcery genre of fantasy, and I absolutely love it.
To bad it is all finished and in the past.......2004-04-17
I recomend all of david eddings books to any reader of any age.
David eddings is my idle in a short way of putting it... he has brought a new light to me and my writing since i was a child... His books have a certian amount of amusement in them. Yet the characters are all lovable. This is a book that i promise all will remember and read again... I love all of his books. his philosiphy is simple to understand, yet the writing syle is one that i still have not seen in any other books. He allows a certian amount of ammusement into them, yet keeping them serious. His books are like a good movie that you dont want to end. After reading one of them you want more and more. until you have devoured the very sould of his writing.
To put it short i dont know why i like them there just fun loving and honest to god books.
Belgariad & Malloreon. My Favorite........2004-04-02
I have never came across a set of books that is so moving,very few authors have made me as emitional as this athor has with this set.I hope their will be a follow up,it would be nice to see how everything whent after all was said and done,peace doesn't last for ever. Highly recomened,own the full set,have read them so much I can almost tell the story myself.
Great Entry-to-Mid-level Fare.......2001-10-16
This is, I believe, Eddings' first real foray into the realm of true Fantasy, and it doesn't disappoint. Eddings does well to develop characters over time and doesn't sacrifice depth for brevity. I've always enjoyed the sense of humor he brings to his works and the repartee that develops between the characters.
If you are looking for a great starter series in the fantasy genre or a more developed work, look no further. Those looking for the complexity and seriousness of high-fantasy should stick with Tolkien and Donaldson.
This was one of my favorite starting fantasy series, and continues to entertain after all these years.
Praise-worthy.......2001-06-23
David Eddings' Belgariad series is one of the masterpieces of modern fantasy literature. I fell in love with his books many years ago, and re-read them to this day. His characters are lifelike and amusing, and written in a very human manner. Every time I read, I feel like I am visiting with old friends. Although Eddings writes conflicts into his story, he writes with an assurance that success will come which parallels the great epics of history. His novels, though not thrilling, are relaxing and enthralling in a more stoic fashion-- you will care about the characters and want to see them succeed.
I would recommend this book to the starting fantasy reader, or the reader of modern fiction who hasn't yet delved into the genre. Eddings' personal style and lovable characters have turned me into a dedicated fantasy reader, and I have not yet found his equal among the other authors I've read.
Book Description
Few would disagree that the Queen's Gambit is one of the most important openings in chess. It has a long and distinguished history and has been played by virtually all the strongest Grandmasters: Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, Anatoly Karpov, Vishy Anand--the list goes on and on! From the very beginning White develops actively, takes the initiative and strives to dominate the center. Most agree that the Queen's Gambit is White's best chance for an opening advantage after 1 d4 d5.
Despite its many advantages, some prospective Queen's Gambit players are put off by the possibility of having to learn a labyrinth of different variations. In Play the Queen's Gambit Chris Ward solves this problem by presenting the reader with a concise and workable repertoire, offering a solution against each of Black's possible defences, whether it's a critical major variation or a tricky sideline. Ward examines the tactical and strategic motifs for both players and arms the reader with enough information and self-assurance to begin playing the Queen's Gambit in his or her own games.
>Explains an opening favored by the world's elite
>Written by a renowned Queen's Gambit expert
>Covers all of Black's defences
>Ideal for club and tournament players
Customer Reviews:
A fine repertoire book on the Queen's Gambit.......2006-07-23
My favorite opening move with White is 1 e4. But sometimes I play 1 d4. And this book is really useful for those who want a 1 d4 opening repertoire.
I would like to point out that it is also good for those who want a 1 c4 opening repertoire:
1 c4 e6 2 Nc3 d5 3 d4 is, of course, the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Semi-Slav, both of which have big chapters in this book. And for those who play 1 c4 Nc6 2 d4, there's some material on the Chigorin Defence. Over half the book is devoted to these three defences.
Still, I confess that I prefer to play Queenside openings by starting with 1 d4, not 1 c4. And that means that I can use the whole book. As a matter of fact, looking through my games, I noticed that I've actually played three games with White using lines recommended in this book. And I won two of them!
Chris Ward does warn us about 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 c5 4 cxd5 cxd4. This is the Hennig-Schara Gambit (I call it the "Trash Gambit" but I admit that I have never beaten it). Ward shows some of the trouble White can get into here, and he calls it a "very dangerous opening." He's right. For one thing, many of those who play it for Black know it very well. In addition, there are very few lines against it, so even after 12, 15, or 18 moves, you may well still be in Black's "book." And chances are good that you will walk into some surprise from Black, not vice-versa. Witness what happened to me: I think I played the opening and middle game really well, but I still didn't win:
1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 c5 4 cxd5 cxd4 5 Qa4+ Bd7 6 Qxd4 exd5 7 Qxd5 Nc6 8 Nf3 Nf6 9 Qd1 Bc5 10 e3 Qe7 11 Be2 O-O-O 12 O-O g5 13 b4 Bxb4 14 Bb2 g4 15 Nd4 Nxd4 16 Qxd4 Bc5 17 Nd5 Nxd5 18 Rfc1 (incredibly, we're both still in book; Ward shows all of this and recommends it for White; I thought I was winning easily here) 18...Bc6 (I didn't expect this) 19 Rxc5 Rhe8 20 Qxg4+ Kb8 21 Qc4 Nxe3 22 Qf4+ Ka8 23 Qxe3 Qxe3 24 fxe3 Rd2 (is Black going to win that piece back?) 25 Bc1 Rxe2 26 Kf1 Rxg2 27 Rxc6 Rxa2 28 Rxa2 bxc6. Yes, I kept that extra piece, but Black had two pawns for it, and eventually drew the ending.
The openings that Ward recommends are sharp and definitely suit "aggressive" players. Such players like to attack, and try to play moves that will allow them to win huge amounts of material or deliver mate should their opponent make a decisive error. We see 3 e4 against the Queen's Gambit Accepted, the Shabalov Gambit against the Semi-Slav, and some lines I like against the Queen's Gambit Declined, the Slav, the Chigorin, and the Baltic Defence (as well as an interesting line against the Albin Countergambit). But I think we need to realize that such positions tend to come up more often in Kingside openings than Queenside ones, and that the bulk of one's wins may come when one's opponent simply falls apart positionally and offers very little further resistance. Here is a simple example of a Queen's Gambit Declined that I played:
1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 cxd5 exd5 5 Bg5 (Ward's recommended line!) 5...Bb4 (not in Ward's book) 6 e3 h6 7 Bh4 g5 8 Bg3 Ne4 9 Nge2 Be6 10 a3 Nxg3 11 Nxg3 Bxc3+ 12 bxc3 Nd7 13 Bd3 c5 14 Nf5 c4 15 Ng7+ Kf8 16 Nxe6+ fxe6 17 Bc2 Qf6 18 O-O Kg7 19 f4 Raf8 20 Qg4 Qe7 21 fxg5 Rxf1+ 22 Rxf1 hxg5 23 g3 Rf8 24 h4 Rxf1+ 25 Kxf1 Nf8 26 Qxg5+ Qxg5 27 hxg5 Nh7 28 g6 Nf8 29 Kf2 Nxg6 30 Kf3 Kf6 31 g4 b5 32 e4 dxe4+ 33 Bxe4 Ne7 34 Kf4 Nd5+ 35 Bxd5 and White easily won the endgame.
I was also victorious in a Queen's Gambit Accepted which followed Ward's line for the first five moves:
1 d4 d5 2 c4 dxc4 (at this point I wished I'd played 1 c4, avoiding the whole line) 3 e4 Nf6 4 e5 Nd5 5 Bxc4 (Ward's recommended line!) 5...e6 (not in Ward's book) 6 Nc3 Nb6 7 Bb3 Nc6 8 Nf3 Be7 9 O-O Bd7 10 d5 exd5 11 Nxd5 Bg4 12 Bf4 Bxf3 13 Qxf3 Nd4 14 Qe3 Nxb3 15 Nxb6 Nxa1 16 Nxa8 Qxa8 17 Rxa1 O-O 18 Rd1 Rd8 19 Rc1 Qc8 20 Qxa7 c5 21 Qb6 Qf5 22 g3 Rd7 23 Qb5 Qd3 24 Qxd3 Rxd3 25 b4 cxb4 26 Rc8+ Rd8 27 Rxd8+ Bxd8 28 Be3 Kf8 29 Bc5+ Be7 30 Bxe7+ and White won the pawn endgame.
My overall feeling is that once out of book, White has to play more good moves to win a game in these Queenside openings than in most Kingside openings. But the winning moves in Kingside openings might be harder to find. So it is a matter of taste which one wants to play. And if one's opponent is clearly worse at defending Queenside openings than Kingside ones, I think one ought to try to take advantage of that.
I highly recommend this book.
A welcome learning tool, highly recommended for intermediate to advanced chess players seeking to improve their game.......2006-05-03
Written by chess Grandmaster and former British Champion Chris Ward, as well as an expert in the Queen's Gambit tactic, Play The Queen's Gambit is an in-depth examination of everything about this well-known tactic, in which White takes the initiative from the beginning and strives to dominate the center of the board. Play The Queen's Gambit discusses Black's many defenses and popular variations of the initial gambit, offering a wealth of sample games illustrated with figures to clearly make its point. Indeed, Play The Queen's Gambit lives up to its title by demonstrating its points almost entirely through sample games, and is best read with a chessboard nearby to act out the moves and reveal the nuances of chess technique discussed. A welcome learning tool, highly recommended for intermediate to advanced chess players seeking to improve their game.
A strong Queen's Gambit-repertoire for aggressive d4-players.......2006-04-12
British grandmaster Chris Ward is known for the quality of his books. His works about the Sicilian Dragon are outstanding, full of ideas and inspiration. His books about the Nimzo-Indian, especially about the "Kasparov-Variation", are good to very good - for one simple reason: Ward practises what he preaches and knows his stuff! As a reader of his books, you can be sure to have an expert at your side guiding you along. And - unlike just too many other authors - he does not shy away from giving away secrets that other grandmasters would have kept their own. Ward truely knows the Queen's Gambit!
First the sad thing, then the critic followed by nothing but praise: Ward dedicates the book to his cousin who recently died tragically. The critic: though I had been looking for it for some time, I could not find a biography. So, unfortunately, we do not know which sources and books he used which is a pity in my eyes. But at the end of the book there is a very good
index of variations.
Ward's book is aimed at first players who like to play the Queen's Gambit. Thus, he deals with everything after the moves 1 d4 d5, 2 c4. The presentation was quite unusual for Everyman: first of all, the pure theory is given in good old famous tree-format with complete annotated games following thereafter. Of course, there is nothing new with this concept, but I like it very much and hope to see more of it in future chess literature.
The repertoire itself is quite sharp and will suit aggressive d4-players best. Ward offers 3 e4 against the QGA, the exchange variation with Bg5 and Nge2 against the QGD plus 3 Nc3 followed by 4 e3 against the Slav with Shabalov's gambit with g4!? (of course, you will say!) against the Semi-Slav. He also gives quite good antidotes to rare lines such as the Albin countergambit, Tchigorin's Defence, 2 ...Bf5, 2 ...Nf6, 2 ...c5 etc. Ward's repertoire in the Queen's Gambit differs almost completely from what Palliser gave us in his "Play 1d4!" and that is what I like about both books! While Palliser presented a whole d4-repertoire - including e.g. the Indian defences, the
Dutch etc - his choices in the Queen's Gambit were well chosen, but rather solid. Those who own Palliser's book and would like to add some more aggressive lines in the Queen's Gambit, should definitely buy Ward's book! I strongly recommened Ward's book to all the other Queen's Gambit-players as well, of course!
In a nutshell: a strong Queen's Gambit-repertoire for aggressive-minded d4-players, written by an expert on this topic who knows how to fill a book with enthusiasm! Great stuff!
Book Description
Everyman Chess continues its original and best-selling Starting Out series with detailed coverage of the Queen’s Gambit Declined, an opening that is very much at the forefront of contemporary chess. The Queen’s Gambit Declined is Black’s fundamental answer to 1 d4 and an opening of great historical importance.
Customer Reviews:
Another masterpiece from Neil McDonald.......2007-02-17
There aren't that many books on the QGD -- Marovic and Polugayevsky are the only authors that come to mind off the top of my head, and they're both somewhat dated. So there's definitely a niche for a book on the subject. The book under review is a godsend for a 1.d4 player like myself who wants a clear explanation of ideas. For instance, in the classical set-up (...c6, ...Nbd7, ...Be7), what does one aim for in the tabiya position that arises after 12....e5?
The book, as the author makes clear, doesn't cover every main line: it restricts itself to the Tartakower, the Lasker, the Exchange, the Classical, the Cambridge Springs, and the Bf4 lines. The author explains the ideas in each of these lines using games from both past and present. Every class player who plays or encounters the QGD will benefit from this, and even experts may pick up a few things.
In my humble opinion, mastery of QGD and QGA postions is essential for every chessplayer, regardless of whether he plays them or not.To this extent, the book belongs on every player's shelf.
Customer Reviews:
Master that doesnt know e4 lines?.......2005-08-16
I had to write a review of this book after reading another reviewer who gave it stars. For the most part, Ward covers all possible move orders, not ducking giving his opinion about which lines lead to advantage and which dont. A lot of chess books these days are written without making any firm statements, this book is not one of them.
One statement the author makes, that was reviewed as being bunk is that 3.e4 is the real test to the QGA. Whether or not you share that opinion it doesnt really matter(i happen to also) the point is that he at least makes an opinion and tries to back it up with analysis.
Unfortunetly the bar is fairly low right now for chess books, so even though this book is far from perfect, it is better than many other books. For the next edition I would like to see more variations, alternative opinions from other sources, and incorporate some computer engine analysis. Think John Nunn, or John Watsons books. But as I said, besides that, its a good book, and so much as I can tell, has accurate analysis
Some lines good, others spotty .......2005-08-11
(My rating would be two-and-a-half stars if that were possible.)
I'm a master who's played the QGA on and off for about 20 years. My other reference works were getting old, so I got a copy of Ward's book. The parts I've read so far have disappointed me.
He spends a bit more than 1/3 of the pages on the 3.e4 lines, writing, "If the QGA is to be refuted, then 3 e4 is probably the place for White players to look." This statement is puzzling. He's implying that there could be a _refutation_ to the QGA (an eye-opening claim), and he says nothing of the likelihood that White can get an _advantage_ in this line, rather than in other lines (a more useful consideration).
I don't know the e4 lines well, but I'm familiar with other QGA lines. He skips over some significant variations in those. Two examples:
A) In the line 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bg4 5.Bxc4 e6, he doesn't analyze a common Black setup built around the moves a6, Nc6, and Bd6. [In a note -- not his regular analysis -- he mentions one game that began that way, in which White played weirdly and got into trouble.]
B) In the line 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3, he never mentions one of Black's sensible responses, 4. ... Nc6, which has been played many times.
Skipping lines such as these would make sense if this were a repertoire book, advising the Black player to choose certain variations. But it's not; it's a survey of the entire opening. Of course, you can never include every little subvariation of an opening, but the two I mentioned are hardly obscure.
Ward does a nice job of describing some positional ideas in his analysis (rather than just complex variations). However, as he analyzes games, he focuses much more on the moves actually played than on possibly superior alternatives, which he either omits or glosses over.
This book could also have used better editing and proofreading. A few examples:
1. Page 91: "The queen had look after the knight."
2. Page 100: a note mentions the move h5 for Black, but it should have been Bh5.
3. Page 103: a note says "As we shall see elsewhere," referring to something that happens in other games, but we are not told where to find those games.
4. Page 154: the text reads "It's inconceivable" when it clearly should have said "It's conceivable."
A book by a grandmaster on an important opening raises the reader's hopes -- too much so in this case. If I were a specialist in 3.e4, I might have a much better view of this book. From my perspective, though, it merits no more than a lukewarm recommendation.
Chris Ward: As good as usual.......2002-07-19
This book, like all Mr.Ward's books, is filled with generous texts and explanations joined to only the best players games.
He admits giving more space to the variations with an early e2-e4 because he thinks it is the only real way to test Black's choice of opening. In this sens, probably the more positional players could be more attracted by other books on this system.
I have seen on Amazon.com at least one book that puts more emphasis on the early Nf3 variations.
A book that fits the needs of those who wish to understand the basic and more on the Queen's Gambit Accepted.
Book Description
In this book Grandmaster Sadler explains the ideas behind the Queen's Gambit Declined, one of Black's most dependable replies to the queen's pawn. He discusses all of the major variations in popular practice, explaining the key plans and ideas and highlighting important recent developments. Written by Grandmaster Matthew Sadler, one of the world's top young players, this book offers a full explanation of both the latest theory and important thematic ideas and covers the ever-popular Queen's Gambit Declined.
Customer Reviews:
Best opening book I've seen!.......2006-07-26
I recently purchased Sadler's QGD book because Silman had recommended this line as a solid, easy to learn response to d4 and I wanted a deeper understanding than what Silman provided in his short article(available on his web site). My initial reaction to Sadler's book is simple, "Why don't chess publishers REQUIRE all opening books be written like this?" QGD uses the typical complete game method found in most opening books. What sets it apart is the Socratic method Q and A that explains just about everything about the lines discussed. I believe that far too many opening books expect you to know a lot about the line before you begin the book, this book does not make that fatal error. In short, this book can TEACH you the lines it covers. My understanding is growing daily. Hats off to Mr. Sadler. Now let's urge publishers to follow his format with all their opening books.
A must-have for the 1 d4 player (and his opponent!).......2005-09-17
This book deals mainly with 4...Be7 systems, with chapters on the Lasker, Orthodox systems, Tartakover, Exchange, Bxf6 systems, and the 5.Bf4 variation. All 110 games in these chapters are complete. The notes are relevant and a joy to read, with complete sentences to explain the moves or alternate moves in question, unlike those in pretentious books that try to be exhaustive by giving too many irrelevant variations, and are just tedious and boring. The last chapter, "Queen's Gambit Declined: `General Knowledge'", is four pages long and has two classical traps and a paragraph for each of four alternatives to 4...Be7: Bb4, Nbd7, c5, and dxc4. If you want a QGD book that delves deeper into some of these variations in addition to 4...Be7, check out Bogdan Lalic's "Queen's Gambit Declined: Bg5 Systems", also from Everyman and runner-up for the British Chess Federation's Book of the Year award, the award "Queen's Gambit Declined" got in 2000. If you want a book on the Tarrasch, look at Jacob Aagaard's "Meeting 1 d4".
But missing those lines is not a problem, because the author aims to give the reader a general understanding of the opening, not a complete repertoire. To this end, Sadler uses several examples from other queen pawn openings (like Semi-Slav, QGA, Nimzo-Indian) which are not digressions, but very relevant because after all, "(t)he QGD is the original queen's pawn opening; modern systems such as the Slav and Semi-Slav or the QGA have developed by taking features from the QGD and accelerating them..." (Sadler).
Sadler uses a wonderful Q&A format to explain the ideas of the QGD. These questions and answers give the reader a more solid understanding of the opening based on general strategy, which is something missing in most chess books.
"QGD" gives advice to both sides on how to transpose into the QGD. For example, 3 Nf3 avoids the Nimzo-Indian, 1 c4 avoids the QGA, and then 1...e6! can transpose into the QGD. This flexibility makes knowing the line good for both Black and White players.
Don't let the fact that Sadler deals mainly with 4...Be7 discourage you from buying this book. You will find after reading it that 4...Be7 can be much more solid than the alternatives, and that your game against other queen pawn openings will improve.
Advanced book; in-depth analysis; many digressions; lacks some lines.......2005-07-03
First please note: I'm not an advanced player. My online rating is around 1400. I'm not in the USCF. I rarely study with a board. I just like chess and want to get a little better, without allowing it to become an obsession. It is not my life, so I won't ever become great at it.
My parents taught me chess when I was little and they taught me QGD. I have always known it a bit, and continually try to learn more about it and QGA.
Now to the review:
I bought this book about three years ago and now rarely refer to it. I have since gathered other instructive texts that are more appropriate to my level, and which I find easier to read.
I want to like this book, but find that it is not for someone like myself who merely wants to read about openings and look for the dumb moves to avoid. You really have to study this book. You should set up a board or even two or three.
The author continually starts reviewing/examining a game, then spends a lot of time on what happened in another game, or what might happen [on a long side-line] if a player did a specific move. This is great for those of you at that high rating level.
As someone who rarely uses a board with a book and who reads the book, I found the diagrams not so useful in this book, because so amny of them relate to the side-line, not the game that is actually being analyzed. I got confuded sometimes; I couldn't match a diagram with the game that was being discussed in nearby text.
Others have pointed out how not all lines are covered, and a few other things. I just wanted to point out that this book is not an intro to QGD, but is a more advanced book.
It's not for everyone, but for some of you it may be the thing to get you even higher on the food chain, I mean ratings chart. :-)
It's not the right book for me; it could be for you. be sure to consider your rating and study habits before buying it.
QGD with Be7.......2003-12-18
Hi, Sadlers book revolves around systems that play Be7. You should know this before purchasing the book. That said, it is top notch work again by Sadler. The question and answer format is a pearl unto itself, found only in Sadler's books. The format is intelligent. To play an opening correctly you "should" know the mainline as well as any possible traps. Sadler scores well here, detailing both. His personal comments at the end of each chapter reflect his likes & dislikes of the presented mainline. All in all, if your wanting to know the Be7 systems inside and out, I can fully recomend this book. On the downside, like all books from Everyman press, they are without algebraic notation. In my mind this hinders any chess book from becoming more that it is. Multiple systems are given in each chapter, concerning your opponets move orders. Sadler does make it clear that move orders are very important, stating that you must know them. examples are given for each and evey case.
Both Slav and Queen's Gambit Declined books - great!.......2003-10-12
I have read many chess opening books. These are easily 2 of the best opening books I have ever read. The author selects a few relevant games and explains them in some detail. They have a question and answer style that gives much information in a few pages. He doesn't try to analyse every sub variation. They are well organized, and well written. I have had the books for a few months, and still go back to refresh my memory. They are permanent additions in my chess library.
I recommend them highly to anyone from beginner to expert level.
(My current USCF level is A - 1990)
I would also buy any book GM Sadler writes on openings.
Book Description
The Queen¿s Gambit is one of the most popular and fundamental chess openings of all time and it has been the battleground for countless world-class encounters throughout the history of chess. Adherents include a long list of World champions, including Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, and Vladimir Kramnik. With his first two moves, Black creates a super-strong foothold in the center, one that is incredibly difficult to break down. In this book, John Shaw revisits the basic principles behind the Queen's Gambit and its many variations. Throughout this easy-to-read guide readers are aided by a wealth of notes, tips, and warnings from the author, while key strategies, ideas, and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated. This book is ideal for the improving player.
*Written by a seasoned Queen¿s Gambit expert
*All the important lines are covered
*A back-to-basics look at one of the most important openings
Customer Reviews:
Not quite what you expect.......2007-07-29
This book deals with the various lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined (QGD), and covers all the major variations: the Tartakower, the exchange variation, the Slav and the Semi-Slav, the Tarrasch and the Queen's gambit accepted. The writing is clear and the presentation of the different lines is well organized. On the plus side, it needs to be acknowledged that it provides a neat and tight summary of an opening with an enormous ammount of theory behind it. However, as a fan of the QG, this book was a bit diappointing to me. In contrast with other volumes of the excellent "Starting Out" series, this book does not ever present the basic ideas behind each line. As such, it is deffinitely not useful for begginers, which is really a shame. Even intermediate players will probably have a hard time figuring out what the basic ideas behind each line are. And for advanced players, this book is probably too basic. Also, one can't help getting the impression that the book is written mostly from white's point of view. If you play the QGD with black, you'll probably be disappointed by this. Summarizing, this book unfortunately is not as good other opening books in the "Starting out" series, and will be useful for intermediate rather than beggining players.
Good overview, but more is necessary to play this opening.......2003-08-13
If you are interested in playing the queen's gambit, or in discovering how to play against it, then this general introduction book is right up your alley. It covers all the options for both white and black in a neutral way, meaning that good and bad moves for both sides are explored.
The only possible problem I can see with this book is, due to its scope, it can not pay too much attention to any one variation. So if you decide you like the Slav Defense, or the Cambridge Springs Variation, then you'll probably have to purchase another book to delve deeper into that particular variation. Why? Because you'll find at most 2-3 games covering each variation in the book, which is no where near enough to allow you to master the opening.
This isn't meant to be that much of a criticism of the book however. As the title suggests, this is a "starting out" book, designed to whet your appetite for a particular variation and allow you (with or without help from another book) to explore that variation.
So why only four stars when the book does all that it claims to do? Because the book probably should have been about 75-100 pages longer to really give a nice introduction to the openings covered. With all the openings covered, that would mean adding about 5-10 pages per section, which isn't too much to ask. The book feels rushed. However, it is still an excellent introduction to the queen's gambit and is usable by people playing from either side of the board.
No focus.......2003-08-13
I was looking forward to this book coming out as the other books in the series are great. However, this book covers too many openings and as a result lacks focus. Covered in this book is the Queens gambit declined and all resulting variations (orthodox, tartakower, cambridge springs, exchange, etc.), Tarasch defence, Queens Gambit Accepted, Slav and Semi-Slav. The end product provides little coverage of any lines in these families. This is unlike the other books in teh series (Caro-Kann and KID) which provide a great introduction to an opening system and provides a great starting point for an opening repetoire. The writing is good, but the book is not helpful. A better approach would have been a starting out book covering QGD or Slav individually.
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