Once I'm comfortable with the main lines, I create a PGN file with them (and eventually some key variations). There are far too many lines in an opening book to memorize them all, so when I go through a third time, this time looking at all the variations as well, I evaluate the variations as worth knowing or otherwise. Those deemed worthwhile get added to the file, while those that I would never intend / allow to be played are immediately forgotten
If you want to change selection, open document below and click on "Move attachment"
How do you read an opening book? : chessmain lines, this time looking at the short variations as well. These are typically tactical shots that one must be aware to avoid (or exploit), several of which may persist into the middlegame. <span>Once I'm comfortable with the main lines, I create a PGN file with them (and eventually some key variations). There are far too many lines in an opening book to memorize them all, so when I go through a third time, this time looking at all the variations as well, I evaluate the variations as worth knowing or otherwise. Those deemed worthwhile get added to the file, while those that I would never intend / allow to be played are immediately forgotten. As an example of what I mean, if you don't play the French as black, you don't need to book up on both the advance variation and the Tarrasch -- just pick one and always play that (at Summary
| status | not read | | reprioritisations | |
|---|
| last reprioritisation on | | | suggested re-reading day | |
|---|
| started reading on | | | finished reading on | |
|---|
Details