Chess Openings for Juniors [Paperback]

John Walker (Author)

Book Description

Series: Chess Openings

Discusses one aspect of chess, the opening moves, where game development occurs and game strategies are formulated.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Everyman Publishers (May 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185744180X
• ISBN-13: 978-1857441802
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #428,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars how to play openings, plus good repertoire advice, March 30, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chess Openings for Juniors (Paperback)

Despite its title, this book really works as an introduction to opening play for players of all ages. It's not as simplistic as you might think. The only real concession Walker makes to juniors is in introducing a few characters with silly names, such as Mr. Woodpusher, Bobby Blunder, and Count Alberic O'Kelly de Galway.

The first two sections explain the principles of development, space, and controlling the center. Walker uses full games to illustrate his points. I have to admit, I've never been a fan of this method because it seems to imply that sound opening moves automatically lead to checkmate by move 30, which is an oversimplification. Still, these sections nicely (re-)enforce the basic principles of opening play.

In the next section, Walker surveys the openings by showing the main lines of about 25-30 different openings. The lines go about 10-15 moves deep, but probably do not include enough explanation for you to actually play them without other sources.

In the final section, Walker provides a full repertoire to use as White (Giuoco Piano) and as Black vs. e4, d4, c4 and Nf3. Here he shows you more than just the main line. I think any player below Class C can probably use this repertoire in actual play. I know people will complain that he doesn't give you enough options as to what to play, but I think you pay the price if you want a book that shows you detail on every opening.

I'd recommend this book as a first opening chess book and perhaps the only opening text you'll need until you reach at least 1400, provided you utilize Walker's repertoire advice.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first 51 pages is the reason you should buy this book., March 13, 1999

By 

Bitbythebug "winkatya" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chess Openings for Juniors (Paperback)

I have not seen much better on the subjects of space, development, and time. I have used this book to coach many chess players and they quickly become much harder to beat. I think it is a great buy.

5.0 out of 5 stars User Friendly, September 7, 2010

By 

Kevin Macleod "kmac" (Jersey) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chess Openings for Juniors (Paperback)

This book explains the basics of openings, using actual game scenarios, before delving into the openings briefly. The format worked better for me, because it doesn,t jump right into openings at an advanced level as many other books do.