The
KID is one of Black’s most popular openings.
This is due both to its adoption by Fischer and
Kasparov, and also to the fact that it’s
a fighting system that gives Black a “slugger’s
chance” right up to the last move. There
has been an enormous amount written on the KID,
some books presenting extremely detailed theory,
and others showing typical tactical themes. However,
the books I usually recommended on this opening---Winning
With the King’s Indian by Andrew Martin,
and Mastering the King’s Indian Defense by
Bellin and Ponzetto--tried to merge simplified
theory with detailed explanation of ideas and
plans. Sadly, both the Martin and Bellin books
have long been out of print.
Gallagher’s book brings back
the good old days that its predecessors ushered
in by offering just enough theory (for players
under 2000) to keep you chugging along, while
also informing you of the KID’s nuances via
the following devices:
NOTE: “The d4-square is slightly
weak because having played e4 and c4 this square
can no longer be protected by pawns.”
WARNING: “When Black plays
…h6-h5 in this variation White must immediately
check to see if his Bishop on h4 is safe. It certainly
isn’t here as Black now threatens 14…g5
and 15…h4.”
THEORETICAL: This tells you “…whether
it is necessary to burn the midnight oil learning
variations or whether it is possible to get by
simply on general principles.”
STATISTICS: “…a useful
guide to which side has performed better in each
variation.”
TIP: “I can’t stress
strongly enough how in sharp positions one should
not be tied down to defending weak pawns. Give
them up in return for the initiative or some positional
compensation.”
Along with all of this, Gallagher
gives the reader a summary at the end of every
chapter, many full games, exercises, and explanations
of both side’s proper plans. At the moment,
Starting Out: The King's Indian is the best introductory
book on this fascinating and dynamic system. If
you play the KID and your rating is under 2000,
it’s a must buy!
YOU
CAN FIND THIS BOOK AT
|
