Starting Out: The Scandinavian [Paperback]

Jovanka Houska (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2009

Jovanka Houska reveals everything you need to know about the Scandinavian, whether you are playing it as Black or facing it with White.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘Houska has provided an excellent and much needed repertoire for the Caro-Kann player, and I would recommend it to anyone – including myself!’

Evan Kreider reviewing Jovanka Houska’s Play the Caro-Kann for Chessville.com.

 

‘Houska writes clearly and effectively and is especially good at explaining thematic ideas.’

International Master John Donaldson reviewing Jovanka Houska’s Play the Caro-Kann.

From the Back Cover

In recent years the Scandinavian has been catapulted into the limelight, and it has now firmly established itself as an opening to be reckoned with. Why has it become popular? Because it’s easy to play – in the majority of lines Black relies upon the same system of development. Also there’s still relatively little theory when compared to mainline defences to 1 e4. One further attraction is that it can lead to both tactical and positional play – there is something to suit all styles of player. Opening expert Jovanka Houska has successfully played both sides of the Scandinavian, and in this book she reveals everything you need to know, whether you are playing it as Black or facing it with White.

The Everyman Chess Starting Out series has firmly established itself as the leading guide to studying openings for up-and-coming players. These books are distinguished by their easy-to-read layout, the lucid explanations of the fundamentals, and the abundance of notes, tips and warnings to help the reader absorb vital ideas. Starting Out opening books are ideal for enthusiastic chess players who have little experience of the openings in question and who wish to appreciate the essential principles behind them.

 

*User-friendly design to assist readers

*Concentrates on the fundamental principles of the openings

*Ideal for improvers, club players and tournament players

 

In 2006 Jovanka Houska won the English Chess Federation Player of the Year award, the first time a female chess player had received this prestigious recognition. Highlights of her career so far include winning the European Girls Junior Championship, representing the English team at numerous Chess Olympiads and qualifying for the 2006 Women’s World Championship. Her first book for Everyman Chess, Play the Caro-Kann, was very well received by both reviewers and the chess public.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Everyman Chess; 1st edition (October 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857445821
• ISBN-13: 978-1857445824
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Chess

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete and instructional, October 30, 2009

By 

D. Waite "Ph.D." - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Starting Out: The Scandinavian (Paperback)

This book is written by Jovanka Houska, a young woman who plays the opening. She primarily covers the ...Qxd5 and ...Nf6 (without ...Qxd5) variations. The bulk of the book is on ...Qxd5. Throughout the book are tips, notes and points of danger. She makes a convincing argument.

The Scandinavian, also known as the Center-Counter, was my "first" defense that I used to win my first few tournaments. It has been useful in games against Master class opponents.

While an introduction, the book seems geared to players who know more than just the moves and can understand basic combinations and positional concepts. However, this book can offer fresh ideas to those at least through Expert class.

The book is formatted to be heavy on explanation, illustrated by games. The idea is to introduce the ideas in a way the average player can understand. She details and explains how the player of the dark side can get in trouble very quickly, and how the light side can go very wrong. The best part is that there does not seem to be a way for White to win without serious mistakes by Black. In some sense this book is truly for "dark siders" because it will muddle the mind of the first player, confuse them, and blind side them with a very solid opening.

The book is filled with interesting ideas born out of Houska's personal experience and research. One interesting idea is on the "Scandinavian Bishop" (...Bf5) and the resulting fight for the light squares. My preference is for Ian Rogers' ...Bg4 set up but Houska's instructions are so clear and precise I just might have to give it try.

It's time for you to join the dark side and stack up easy wins!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Coverage, March 5, 2010

By 

Parker Rose "Parker" (Casper, Wyoming) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Starting Out: The Scandinavian (Paperback)

A fine job on all major lines of the Scandinavian. The reviewer who commented that this really should not be a "Starting Out" book is correct - The coverage is too deep for beginners. But lines are explained and concepts discussed very well, from both sides. Very useful whether you play the white or black side of the Scandinavian.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, December 7, 2010

By 

Mark (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Starting Out: The Scandinavian (Paperback)

This is probably one of my favorite chess books. Extremely easy to study along with and covers the main 3..Qa5, 2...Nf6, and 3...Qd6 lines as well as a few others. I personally like to play the ...Nf6 defense and have won many games with it. Highly recommended !