Modern Chess Openings: MCO-14 (McKay Chess Library) [Paperback]

Nick De Firmian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1999 | Series: Chess

Why is Modern Chess Openings called "the chessplayer's bible"? Because since it was first published over a half-century ago, it has been one of the most trusted books in the chess world. Because it is the world's most current and comprehensive one-volume reference work on the chess openings. And because it has been completely revised to reflect the changes and advances made in chess over the past eight years, including major tournament matches and published theoretical works.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Why is Modern Chess Openings called "the chessplayer's bible"? Because since it was first published over a half-century ago, it has been one of the most trusted books in the chess world. Because it is the world's most current and comprehensive one-volume reference work on the chess openings. And because it has been completely revised to reflect the changes and advances made in chess over the past eight years, including major tournament matches and published theoretical works.

About the Author

Nick DeFirmian, the reigning United States chess champion, taught chess openings to Deep Blue.

Product Details

• Paperback: 752 pages
• Publisher: Random House Puzzles & Games; 14 Revised edition (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812930843
• ISBN-13: 978-0812930849
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #243,054 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

300 of 304 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great One Volume Reference Book on the Openings, June 15, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Modern Chess Openings: MCO-14 (McKay Chess Library) (Paperback)

Every series chess player should have at least one good reference book covering the openings. "Modern Chess Openings" goes through regular new editions to keep it updated.

You will not find the ideas behind the moves explained (for that get "Winning Chess Traps" or "Understanding the Openings" along with this book), but the important lines and a general idea of who stands better at the end of each line is given.

I have not seen a more complete and accurate one volume opening reference book than this one. Definately recommended.

250 of 253 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice book to look up the major opening lines, June 14, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Modern Chess Openings: MCO-14 (McKay Chess Library) (Paperback)

Modern Chess Openings does a good job of giving you a general idea of the most important lines in all of the major openings. It will not teach you the ideas behind the openings (get Understanding the Openings or Winning Chess Traps to learn ideas and tactics in the openings) but it will give you a general idea of what is considered to be up to date theory.

I don't know of a better single volume book to be used as a reference on openings. So as far as I am concerned, and want to express my opinion here, this is a good book for a dedicated chess player to get.

198 of 204 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars There are better one-volume books on the market, May 8, 2000

By 

A. Ali "Harkonnen" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Chess Openings: MCO-14 (McKay Chess Library) (Paperback)

There are two rivals to MCO-14 that I can think of offhand: Nunn's Chess Openings and the Small Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (pub. by Chess Informant). I think both have the edge over MCO-14. Though NCO has two hundred pages less than MCO, it provides more coverage, simply because there's less white space. Three GMs and one FM (Burgess) have pooled their efforts; all have have a reputation as good chess authors. The lines given are absolutely main-line. In fact, whenever I'm learning a new opening, NCO is my first port of call, since it gives the crucial, essential lines. The lines have all been computer checked. I don't think MCO can compare. The Small Encyclopedia also gives only essential lines and is not bad, but in my humble opinion is probably not as good as NCO.

For those wanting words, might I suggest Kallai's 'Basic Chess Openings' and 'More Basic Chess Openings'?

The only advantage of MCO is that the abundance of white space makes the text more readable. NCO has attempted to pack the maximum amount of information in its 500+ pages