This book is actually something I don't see too often: it covers a rarely played but highly important line (rarely played but unimportant variations are, for some strange reason, more common book topics) in a major opening by one of its leading practitioners (Forintos).

After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nge2, the authors provide detailed analysis covering all Black replies--laying out their material in a clear, readable, format. We are also given a great introduction (exploring the themes for both sides), deep and, sometimes, original analysis, honesty (they admit that Black has good chances to equalize if he knows the line well. Of course, this doesn't mean that the resultant play isn't sharp and full of possibilities for both sides), and many fascinating stories. For example, they discuss how GM Gedeon Barcza was helping GM Szabo, one of the original lovers of this 5.Nge2 system, prepare for a candidates tournament. They were working on a particular line but couldn't figure it all out. Barcza finally said, "It must be tried out! And let the better player win!" Szabo cried out, "That is exactly what I do not want to happen!"

In an age where whole systems are (at this point words like inadequately, poorly, badly, and embarrassingly all come to mind) "covered" in under 200 pages, and where "Black (or White) to Play and Win" titles give false impressions about the true nature of an opening, this wonderful little book comes as a breath of fresh air. A MUST buy for anyone who plays the King's Indian as Black, and a great way to score easy points as White if you don't already have an anti-KID system.

One criticism: the authors could (and should!) have researched the existing literature a bit better. They overlooked several important sources, in particular J. Watson's excellent The Unconventional King's Indian (1997). Because of this lazy mistake, they missed out on some important analysis, and were not able to challenge the written opinions of those who don't hold 5.Nge2 in such high esteem. A real shame, but hopefully they will address this in a future edition.

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