QUICK CHESS KNOCKOUTS

Author: Julian Hodgson

Cadogan Chess (1996)

144 pages

Reviewed by Donald K. McKim

We’re always fascinated by the “quick knockout!” How was it done? What were the keys? Can I do it too?

This book by Grandmaster and twice British Champion, Julian Hodgson, is written for the beginning to club player. The examples all show how traps in the openings can result in won games or in a significant advantage as one moves into the middle and end games. The author succeeds in his goal of making the book “educational, enjoyable, and entertaining.”

The ten chapters are devoted to common openings from the 1.e4 e5 openings through the Giuoco Piano, Ruy Lopez, Sicilian Defense, Anti-Sicilians, Pirc/Modern Defense, French Defense, Caro-Kann Defense, to modern Black defenses to 1.d4 and classical black defenses to 1.d4. Hodgson introduces each chapter with comments on the openings from which the knockouts arise. This approach provides an array of openings from which to choose and also shows us some of the pitfalls that arise early in games – in all openings. An index at the end of the book shows exactly what openings are covered where in the book.

But Hodgson warns that playing for a cheap trick trap is usually not a good policy. Instead, “the traps that you set [for] your opponent should arise from playing good moves rather than hoping that your opponent will make a stupid mistake. But you should be ever alert to exploit any opportunity that may arise.” Good advice!

This book will certainly sharpen the eyes of players to be on the look out for opportunities to set patterns that can bring positive results as well as to be wary of the kinds of traps into which one can easily fall. So a good acquaintance with the games here will bring excellent benefits and even some “knockouts!”