Judging by the e-mails I get, I've noticed that these repertoire (or White to play/Black to play) reviews sometimes get me into trouble. For example, when I reviewed "The Pirc Defense" by Chernin and Cartier, many readers failed to realize that such a book can't be compared to more complete works on the same opening (like Nunn's excellent The Complete Pirc).

Instead, a repertoire (White to play/Black to play) book must be judged by its ability to lead the lower rated player through a labyrinth of lines, and to explain the opening's basic strategies in a clear manner.

Our present review concerns another repertoire book (from White's side). By definition biased towards whatever side they are representing, repertoire books must mix instructive prose with just enough variations so the less professional reader won't get hopelessly bogged down.

Winning with the Catalan fulfills these goals in impressive fashion. Mr. Dunnington starts us out with an introduction that gives us basic plans, typical endings, and common structural situations. He then explains the idea of every Black set-up, tells you what White wants to accomplish, and backs up his words with whole games and analysis that leaves you feeling invulnerable with the White pieces (if such a book doesn't make you cheer and feel excited, toss it in the fire and look for something else).

Yes, it's all a bit of a trick since things simply can't be that simple (every repertoire book is indeed pulling the wool over your eyes in some way!). However, the lines this book offers should enable anyone to do very well at the amateur level (be warned: The Catalan may prove alien to the styles of many amateurs and might not be to everyone's taste). Strong masters and IMs can also get a lot from this work.

Using it as a foundation for further study, they can let Mr. Dunnington give us the basics (saving us a tremendous amount of time and work). It's then up to the professional to fill in the gaps (and, in some cases, uncover the truth) with detailed database searches and home analysis.

For those looking for more analysis on this fascinating and subtle White system, check out Neishtadt's highly regarded two volume set (Play the Catalan Volumes one [on the Open Variation] and two [on the Closed]. English translation: 1987).

I should also point out that Winning with the Catalan only explores the Catalan. After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Black is by no means forced to play 3...d5. Instead, he can avoid the Catalan entirely with 3...c5 when White must choose between a fianchetto Modern Benoni (4.d5) or an English with 4.Nf3. This is more than anyone under class "A" should take on, but those willing to invest the time should be amply rewarded with some nice victories and a deeper understanding of chess in general.

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