"The Open Game II" by FM Chuck Schulien, 1996 Bookup,
English algebraic notation, $29.

As computers have become faster and more sophisticated, the
opportunities available to chessplayers who wish to study and
improve using them have also increased. Million-game databases,
endgame instruction and even talking playing programs are all designed
to make a player's study time more productive.

For the last decade or so, Ohio-based Bookup has manufactured a
very nice program designed to assist a player with the study of
openings. Available for Windows and Mac platforms, it has proved
popular with players; Bookup has also branched out into the
production of databases and so-called "Books-on-Disk." This week
we take a look at one of those "Books-on-Disk," "The Open Game
II."

The "Book-on-Disk" is basically a large file/software  designed 
to be used with Bookup software. You need Bookup to view 
and play through this file. We reviewed "The Open Game II" 
on a Windows95 platform, using a modest 133mz chip in 
conjunction with Bookup version 1.5.2. Since it was designed 
to work with Bookup, it was no big surprise that it loaded effortlessly.

The author of this "Book-on-Disk" is FIDE master Chuck
Schulien. When this BoD is first loaded, the commentary box
contains what a regular book would call an introduction. It reads as
follows:

"Chess positions may be categorized as open, semi-open and
closed. When we speak of openings, 1.e4 e5 comprises the Open
Games. These moves generate positions which feature rapid
development, an early central skirmish, and a variety of attacks and
counterattacks. The direct strategies and exciting tactics make this
system of play an excellent way to learn the game, but it also offers
chances for the stronger player to show his or her superiority. 

"The Sicilian Defense is currently the most popular response to
1.e4, but this is merely due to fashion. All of the top players have
1.e4 e5 in their repertoire. Gata Kamsky, now rated third in the
World, defended the Open Game in his critical 1994 match with
Vishy Anand, and won! 

"The tremendous success of Gregory Kajdanov, the 1992 US
Open, World Open, and Grand Prix champ, shows that a full time
usage of 1.e4 e5 is quite apt in Swiss System tournaments. 

"The Open Games present a bewildering welter of variations to the
student, and the purpose of this book on disk is to present a
repertoire for Black. The lines chosen are all sound and generally
aggressive. The possibility of transposition is fully utilized and
documented, so that one need not tackle more material than is
necessary. There are many good choices for Black, and in this
updated version we have added some new options, giving the
player more ways to answer White's attack. 

"One cannot learn the Open Games just by studying a few opening
variations. It is also necessary to look at complete games, and to
play them yourself. This data contains several complete games,
some from the author's personal experience, plus many other
selected Master games. After studying this material, the reader
should be prepared to defend 1.e4 e5!, as all lines are examined."

Well, not quite. Part of the problem is trying to determine if or
when the author is presenting material on behalf of one side or the
other. It turns out that in contrast to the "repertoire" approach -
looking at a line from only one side - most of the time he seems to
be making statements about positions without having a
recommendation in mind so much as a simple observation. This
is a bit confusing, in spite of the fact that the book is presented as
"a repertoire for Black after 1.e4 e5" (online publisher's blurb).

This BoD is touted as being for "Class C to Master." We
respectfully disagree. The analysis is simply not as deep or as
current as masters would demand. What Schulien does seem to do
quite nicely is give the student an overview of the theoretical
underpinnings of double e-pawn openings. Considering the method
and depth offered, the BoD seems much more suitable for players
in Elo classes D through B (1400-1800).

"The Open Game II" book-on-disk should be helpful to players
who need to increase their understanding of these openings without
worrying about the latest, cutting-edge theoretical innovations.
Indeed, with a release date of 1996, that may be the most that one
can ask for. One idea, though - many software manufacturers
(Symantec, to name but one) have what they call "free, live
updates" of their software. Thus, for example, to update your 
version Norton Utilities, you need but to log on to Symantec's 
web site, and a free upgrade is downloaded and installed for 
you. Wouldn't it be nice if Bookup could update its "Books-on-Disks" 
this way. Just a thought...

More information about this "Book-on-Disk,"as well as Bookup's
other offerings, including how to order from them, may be found at
the Bookup website: www.bookup.com.