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I have played the Stonewall Dutch at various times over the years and the best book to date was Aagaard’s Dutch Stonewall, but that book focused on theoretical best lines, master and above games, and it did not always support me in finding improvements to my poorer played games. I believe this Stonewall Dutch book will be appealing to the club player as this book fills the void. Publishing Quality: As I mentioned, this book is consistent with the two previous efforts that Sverre Johnsen has been involved with. The presentation of the analysis and diagrams are in Gambit’s usual high quality. Analysis lines are easy to find and follow. Subject Coverage: I believe the Stonewall Dutch is one of the harder openings write about since it can be played in different styles. Variations can be approached in a positional or tactical style. The authors’ solution was to provide illustrative annotated games, a detailed analysis section, summary (of key ideas), and the exercises to test if ideas were learnt. With that said, the book is presenting a repertoire approach, analysis centers on ..Bd6 lines, with an additional emphasis on a queenside fianchetto. Author’s Knowledge: In the Preface, Sverre says he started the Stonewall Dutch book project with GM Simen Agdestein who helped with the first seven chapters. Agdestein is a noted creative player and I have seen games where he used the Stonewall Dutch. It was nice to see his input, but then Sverre says Agdestein could not complete the project. A loss, but this led to Norwegian Ivar Bern becoming the replacement co-author. Ivar Bern’s name may not be readily known by most readers, but he is a FIDE International Master and he was the 17th International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) World Champion! Correspondence chess at that level requires extremely thorough preparation and knowledge. I am happy to see the Stonewall Dutch working in that forum. Informative: I believe a true measure of the book is whether or not it can truly help the reader. I have limited experience with the Stonewall Dutch, but I do have one old game that jumps to mind where I felt I missed something. Would this book help me find an improvement?
NM Sonny Kamberi (2343) – FM Keith Hayward
(2281) [A90]
New Ideas: The detailed coverage presents plenty of ideas that I was not acquainted with. The summary sections outline strategies for both sides which I believe is critical to play either side of the Stonewall Dutch properly. Accuracy: As I reviewed lines I found myself agreeing with the authors’ comments and conclusions. Sverre state Rybka 2.3 and Fritz 11 were used. I believe an accurate picture of the Stonewall Dutch has been portrayed with this effort. Overall Appraisal: I believe the Stonewall Dutch will play differently for master strength and above players versus the average club level player. Sverre Johnsen and Ivar Bern have provided detailed analysis to show theoretical solidity for the former group, but also they have given adequate explanation to help the club player. I can warmly recommend this book to both audiences. It will be interesting to see who Sverre Johnsen teams up with on his next writing effort.
For another view of this title, read Win with the Stonewall Dutch by Sverre Johnsen, IM Ivar Bern & GM Simen Agdestein, reviewed by NM Bill McGeary. From the Publisher's website:
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