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Thank you for reading the January '96 BOOKUP
newsletter email version! Some changes have
been made when adapting the newsletter to
text format. Some information has been updated
and, of course, the graphics and pictures have
been removed.
The biggest items in this issue:
o BOOKUP 1.0 for Windows 3.1 and Win95 has shipped!
o A special offer for books-on-disk is on until
April 1, 1996: Buy four books and get the fifth free!
o MChess Pro 5 hints with EPD files.
o FM Chuck Schulien is releasing his Open Game II on
January 22, 1996.
o "BackSolving De-mystified" -- more information on
BOOKUP's killer feature.
o The Database Man expounds on building your own
"Theory Machine" with Chess Genius, MChess Pro 5,
HIARCS and Zarkov.
===================================================================
Backsolving{tm} De-mystified
by The Database Man
Backsolving is one of the most sophisticated features of
BOOKUP for DOS and Windows -- and one of the least understood.
This article takes a bit of the mystery out of this feature by
showing how it works compared to statistics. Suppose you have
a game database such as ChessBase{tm} or Chess Assistant{tm} and
in it you find 97 grandmaster games with 12.Ng5 in your favorite
opening.
Number White Black
of Games Wins Draw Wins
--------------------------------
12.Ng5 97 51.5% 31.0% 17.5%
12.Bd2 61 34.4% 32.7% 32.7%
12.h3 3 33.3% 33.3% 33.3%
The game tree tells you that 52% of the games were won by White,
31% were drawn and 17% were won by Black. Because you play the
White side, the move 12.Ng5 starts to look very attractive. But
wait -- you look closely at the games and find that while this
variation is still being played, grandmasters have been playing
12.Bd2 for the past three years instead of 12.Ng5, even though
12.Bd2 shows only a 34% winning percentage for White. What's
going on?
Further research reveals that in just two key games Black has
found a way to completely neutralize 12.Ng5 -- and even get a
slight advantage. After those games were published, grandmasters
gave up on that move for White. These game tree statistics could
have lured you into a bad position against any opponent familiar
with those games!
Backsolving does this research for you and it makes the contradic-
tion between the statistics and current chess theory more obvious.
Here's what the candidates might look like after importing the
grandmaster games into BOOKUP for Windows and then backsolving:
{screenshot of BOOKUP for Window's candidate area}
Ng5 =/+ 202 -131
Bd2 unclear 55 +20
h3 = 17 +5
The backsolving process was able to show that with best play by
both sides, Black could achieve a slight advantage. This book was
also analyzed by a playing program (see The Theory Machine!) and
the score of -131 means the computer agrees with this assessment.
Down the 12.Ng5 line it is now easy to see the Black moves that
keep the edge.
Backsolving is much improved in the new BOOKUP 1.0 for Windows.
The manual's page 32 gives the best definition of the process and
the program (in batch mode) can solve an entire book-on-disk up to
30 times faster than version 8.5 for DOS. Automatic solving is
also easier with Windows; simply change the assessment of the last
position in any line (a "leaf node") and press the rewind button.
As the moves are taken back, each position is re-evaluated. This
feature is optional for users who want to keep the rate symbols
and numeric assessments intact.
Backsolving can also show you where the largest parts of the
analyis are in the tree of analysis. Looking at the candidates
from BOOKUP for Windows, 202 positions are recorded beyond 12.Ng5
while only 17 positions are stored after 12.h3. Of course, even
though more analysis appears after 12.Ng5 it is no longer the main
line -- White would rather play a move that leads to an unclear or
equal position.
====================================================================
MChess and EPD
MChess Pro version 5 is the new Absolute World Microcomputer Chess
Champion and the latest playing program to add the ability to
analyze EPD files from BOOKUP. The steps aren't as intuitive as
they could be, however. When creating the EPD file (see The Theory
Machine!) be sure to remember the drive, directory and name of the
file.
In MChess Pro 5, select the playing strength for the analysis. (The
default setting is 3 minutes per move.) From the File menu select
Position Archive and choose Select Archive. Use the mouse or arrow
keys to select the EPD file for analysis. The selected file will
have a '+' next to the file name. Then press the Esc key or the
right mouse button.
Again from the File menu select Position Archive and choose Analyse
Archive. MChess will stop after the analysis is complete.
There is a bug in MChess that allows it to 'resign' lost positions
during EPD analysis. Be aware that if you are hoping to have MChess
analyze overnight you might come back to find it with a resignation
message. Press a key and the process will resume.
====================================================================
Bugs!?
Yes, even the new BOOKUP 1.0.1 has a few. The worst is probably the
inability to import numeric assessments of zero from EPD files. The
work-around is to edit any EPD file that stops during import and
replace '0000' with '0001' using a text editor. No firm date but
program updates are always in the works! (Editor's note: as of
January 17th the top three bugs were fixed in an update that should
be available shortly.)
====================================================================
New Book!
FIDE Master Chuck Schulien is hard at work on the second edition of
one of his best books ever for Black. _The Open Game II_ is due out
on disk January 22, 1996. This new edition not only improves and
updates the analysis but now, for the first time, it also includes
suggestions against the Spanish/Ruy Lopez with Morphy's Defense.
(For a much more thorough look at the Spanish see Chuck's Classical
Ruy Lopez.) Even the suggestions against the King's Gambit include
lines for both the declined and the accepted. Hundreds of recorded
games are included for the first time to give even more background
to this excellent book-on-disk for Black.
Approximately 20,000 researched positions come from the latest
theory -- and the latest practice. You will see references to
Kasparov's latest wins with the Scotch and many other new trends in
the open game.
If you've ever wanted to play the open game like a pro but were
daunted by the huge amount of theory then here is your chance.
Chuck has outlined a defensive repertoire against 1.e4 that you can
learn quickly with the training software you already own. Beyond
any collection of annotated games, Chuck breaks up the defense into
manageable chunks and gives you explanations for the various lines.
The suggestions are sound and they won't be refuted tomorrow.
Looking for an aggressive defense against 1.e4 and a way to learn it
fast? Call and get this book today!
====================================================================
Reaching Us Electronically
If you're on the internet you'll want to drop a line to
bookup@coil.com to get the latest in trends and technical hints.
Hundreds of BOOKUP users also read and post to the
rec.games.chess.computer news area. CompuServe users can contact us
at 70441,2436 or post messages to the BOOKUP users in area five of
GO CHESSFORUM.
Free Software!
Want to get a friend started with BOOKUP? Have them give us a call
and we'll send them a free copy of 'Lessons' for Windows! This free
offer is good for anyone looking to purchase BOOKUP. The book
excerpts included with 'Lessons' come from Chuck Schulien's upcoming
title _The Open Game II_.
====================================================================
BOOKUP for Windows!
By now all BOOKUP 7 and 8 customers have been notified (some more
than once!) about the new BOOKUP 1.0 for Windows. The highlights of
this new version include expanded support for PGN and EPD, the
ability to open multiple books simultaneously, a super speedy batch
backsolver, new training options, support for the Linares and
Tilburg families of chess fonts (both for figurines on the screen
and for printing diagrams), excellent online help and more control
over animation speeds and colors.
Every feature has been improved by Windows. Printed analysis sheets
now allow you to select the size and kind of font, even a figurine
chess font such as Tilburg. No Windows user should be without it!
====================================================================
The Theory Machine!
NOW you have a wider choice of playing engines for your theory
machine! The recently completed World PC Championship saw Chess
Genius and MChess Pro tie for first place, with MChess taking the
title after a playoff match. This newsletter is dedicated to
getting these strong programs integrated with your copy of BOOKUP
for DOS and Windows via EPD files.
The idea behind creating a "theory machine" out of a playing program
and BOOKUP is to get a strong player's opinion on your analysis
while you sleep. Programs like Chess Genius have beaten Kasparov in
G/25 matches so their opinions can be very useful if you let them
concentrate on your games and notes for hours at a time. Using EPD
files means having BOOKUP create a file of the positions that your
playing program will understand and then having that program add
notes to the EPD file. (BOOKUP's _User's Guide_ refers to these
programs as analyst programs.) The EPD files are in a generic text
format that can be understood by different programs. Reason: As
newer programs are created, they are still completely compatible
because they create and process the EPD files in the same way.
First you need to have your information in a BOOKUP book-on-disk.
If you want to analyze a game, store it along with any side
variations in its own book. Reason: Most playing programs will give
you only what they consider the absolute best line of play. The
side variations that you considered during the game might be almost
as good as [or better than! - Editor] the playing program's main
line or the variation might be a blunder. Adding the variations
forces the playing program to analyze your ideas. Keeping an entire
game in its own book also makes the EPD export process easy; simply
export all positions.
Next export the positions to the EPD file. If the book contains
analysis from a single game you╒ll want to export all the positions.
If the book contains your repertoire, you'll probably want to export
only the "leaf" nodes. Reason: You will probably want to backsolve
a repertoire book. Backsolving automatically calculates the
information for non-leaf positions.
If you've added more positions to a book that you have already
analyzed, you'll probably want to export only the positions that
have not yet been assessed by a playing program. Reason: This saves
analysis time as the playing program will then analyze only the
added positions.
Have the analyst program process the EPD file. Set the playing
level appropriately. (For instance, processing 10,000 positions at
ten minutes on each position will take over 69 days to complete!)
Finally import the EPD file back into your book. If you have more
than one EPD file hanging around be sure to import the EPD file that
came from the book.
====================================================================
Our Catalog...
BOOKUP 1.0 for Windows $179.00*
Upgrade from BOOKUP 8.x or BOOKUP 7.x $69.00
BOOKUP 8.5.4 for DOS $149.00*
Upgrade from BOOKUP 8.x $29.00
Upgrade from BOOKUP 7.x $45.00
BOOKUP 2.5.2 for Macintosh $99.00*
The Viewer for Windows $29.99
Books-On-Disk**
How to Play Against the Sicilian Defense
GM Barlov $29.00
Black is Good! 1.d4 d5
GM Drasko $29.00
Black is Good! 1.e4 c5
IM Jovicic $29.00
Black is Good and White is Better! 1.e4 c6
IM Jovicic $29.00
White is Better! 1.e4
GM Barlov $29.00
White is Better! 1.d4
GM Barlov $29.00
The Scheveningen Sicilian
FM Schulien $29.00
The London II
FM Schulien $29.00
The Saemisch II
FM Schulien $29.00
The Open Game II
FM Schulien $29.00
Defense
FM Schulien $25.00
King and Pawn Part I
FM Schulien $25.00
The Rubinstein Collection
FM Schulien $25.00
100 Essential Endings
FM Schulien $29.00
The Classical Ruy
FM Schulien $29.00
The Smith-Morra
FM Schulien $29.00
The Closed Game
FM Schulien $29.00
The Opening Guide
FM Schulien Free
Fischer-Spassky II Text/PGN Free
Shipping via first class or airmail Free
Next day delivery in the continental U.S. $9.00
Next day delivery to Alaska, Hawaii $19.00
Ordering: All checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Ohio
addresses add 5.75% sales tax.
*Choose any book-on-disk at no charge when purchasing a new copy
of BOOKUP. For a list of book descriptions call 1-800-949-5445
or outside USA and Canada call 614-263-7219 or email
bookup@coil.com.
**These books require BOOKUP or The Viewer.
***Free files are included with each new or upgraded copy of BOOKUP.
Where to reach us...
Whether you need a book or an answer to a technical question you can reach us quickly from any corner of the globe.
Phone Mail
(800) 949-5445 USA and Canada BOOKUP Corp.
(614) 263-7219 International 2763 Kensington Place West
(614) 262-9788 Fax Columbus, OH 43202-2355
USA
Online
Internet: bookup@coil.com
Compuserve: 70441,2436
====================================================================
The following text describes each book-on-disk. This
additional information does not appear in the printed
January 1996 BOOKUP newsletter.
Last updated August 18, 1995
************************************************
* This file contains marketing information for *
* books-on-disk available in BOOKUP format. *
************************************************
Our Up-front Guarantee:
We provide the finest chess books in electronic format
available anywhere. If you buy any book and don't agree,
simply return it to us for a complete refund. No RMA,
no hassle.
After ten years of providing the premiere computerized
chess study environment we are just that confident that
you will love our products.
Mike Leahy, President
BOOKUP Corp.
The books can be edited by BOOKUP 8.x for DOS,
BOOKUP 1.0 for Windows and BOOKUP 2.5 for Macintosh.
Each of the books-on-disk can be read by the free DOS
B8VIEW program available for download from
/pub/chess/DOS on caissa.onenet.net or CompuServe
in area 5 of the chessforum. As of this writing
there is not yet a viewer for Macintosh.
====================================================================
_Black is Good & White is Better! 1.e4 c6_
IM Milos Jovicic
$29
Recommended for Class B to Grandmaster
Opening study without color bias
Lightly annotated
The very latest book anywhere on the Caro-Kann (May 1995)
for *both* sides! Includes such games as Kamsky-Karpov,
Dos Hermanas 1995, Ehlvest-Gulko, Riga 1995 and Anand-Gulko,
Riga 1995. The most critical analysis is double checked by
Genius and Fritz! This is the book to have if you want to
play the Caro-Kann as Korchnoi and Karpov are playing it
now... or if you face good Caro-Kann players with White.
====================================================================
_Black is Good! 1.e4 c5_
IM Milos Jovicic
$29
Recommended for Class A to Grandmaster
Black repertoire
Lightly annotated
Now you can play Fischer and Kasparov's repertoire against 1.e4!
This book contains analysis of all White systems in the Sicilian
Defense, including the most respected lines against the
Smith-Morra gambit, Grand Prix Attack (f4), and Alapin (2.c3).
This alone makes it a great value for any Sicilian player. The
recommended main line is the Najdorf Variation, where IM Jovicic
gives the reader more than one choice against the most popular tries
for White, such as the English Attack 6.Be3. Follow in the
footsteps of the two greatest champions of our time, and learn
the variation which gives Black excellent winning chances while
being completely sound.
====================================================================
_How to Play against the Sicilian Defense_
GM Dragan Barlov
IM Milos Jovicic
$29
Recommended for Class A to Grandmaster
White repertoire against the Sicilian
Lightly annotated
The only way to prove White's advantage against the Sicilian
Defense is by applying the lines of the "highest principle,"
as noted by the authors. This book shows these lines, not shying
away from complications, but instead challenging Black in the
main lines of the Dragon, Najdorf, Rauser, Scheveningen, and all
of Black's other variations of the Sicilian. The average
tournament player should stick to 2.c3, as recommended in Barlov
and Jovicic's first book _White is Better! 1.e4_. This book
is designed for more advanced players who can handle the most
complicated positions.
====================================================================
_Black is Good! 1.d4 d5_
GM Milan Drasko
IM Milos Jovicic
$29
Recommended for Class A to Grandmaster
Black repertoire against all moves except 1.e4
Lightly annotated
A complete repertoire for Black against any White move other than
1.e4. It is based on the most popular and aggressive systems used
in top Grandmaster practice, the Botvinnik variation and Meran
Defense. These lines of play are used by the World's best players,
including Kamsky, Shirov, and Kramnik. The systems are chosen to
fit together, but it is possible to pick and choose; you could
play this repertoire but counter the English opening in another
manner, if you like. These variations are extremely aggressive,
and on the cutting edge of theory. If you are a strong player and
want to place White under the greatest pressure, this is the place
to start!
====================================================================
_White is Better! 1.e4_
GM Dragan Barlov
IM Milos Jovicic
$29
Recommended for Class B to Grandmaster
White repertoire
Lightly annotated
A complete repertoire for White after 1.e4. This book contains
extensive grandmaster analysis and recommendations that are just
a few months old! This is serious stuff - not for the timid. The
authors recommend a consistent repertoire: the advance variations
against both the Caro-Kan and French, with 2.c3 [Alapin] versus
the Sicilian. The Open Game 1.e4 e5 continues 2.Nf3, including
the aggressive but never refuted Evans Gambit! These lines can be
learned faster than many other systems, but are useful up to the
2450 FIDE level, according to the authors. No master should be
without this analysis.
====================================================================
_White is Better! 1.d4_
GM Dragan Barlov
IM Milos Jovicic
$29
Recommended for Class A to Grandmaster
White repertoire
Lightly annotated
A complete repertoire for White after 1.d4. Over 16,000
positions contain tons of very recent grandmaster analysis with
many original recommendations. For instance, the authors give the
topical 4.Qc2 against the NimzoIndian, and the Exchange Variation
versus the Queen's Gambit. Only White obtains chances in these
lines! The Modern Benoni and King's Indian Defense are handled by
the Samisch f3/Bg5 setup [see also _The Samisch Seminar II_ for
more background on this popular variation.] This is no repertoire
for a club player! Masters on both sides of 1.d4 will require this
book.
====================================================================
_The Open Game_
FM Chuck Schulien
$25
Recommended for Class C to Master
Black repertoire
Heavily annotated in English
A repertoire for Black after 1.e4 e5. This database
contains practical and sound lines for every variation
except the Spanish (Ruy Lopez). Both challengers for the World
Championship, Anand and Kamsky, played 1.e4 and answered 1...e5
in their recent match [March 1995.] These systems are an
excellent introduction to openings, containing lots of commentary
on the basic principles for the less experienced player.
====================================================================
_King and Pawn Part I_
FM Chuck Schulien
$25
Recommended for Class D to Expert
Endgame lessons
Heavily annotated in English
The essential endgame lessons. Every tournament player
should know each of these endings by heart. Presented as a
series of 60 lessons, this database of over 4,000 positions
is by far the fastest way to learn this important knowledge.
BOOKUP's transposition feature works wonders in tying the
endgame analysis together. The commentary is geared towards
the beginning student so anyone can pick up the concepts
quickly.
====================================================================
_The London II_
FM Chuck Schulien
$29
Recommended for Class C to Master
White repertoire
Heavily annotated in English
The second edition of this complete repertoire for White
against any defense, based on the setup of d4, Nf3 and Bf4.
Over 10,000 positions, _The London II_ is a practical opening
used by today's top grandmasters but it is still quite easy
to learn. Over 500 recent games are also included in text
format (also ChessBase format for DOS) for importing.
====================================================================
_The Samisch Seminar II_
FM Chuck Schulien
$29
Recommended for Class A to International Master
Opening study without color bias
Heavily annotated in English
An electronic version of Chuck Schulien's seminar on the Bg5
variation of the Samisch which appears in lines of the
King's Indian defense and the Benoni. Cutting edge theory
in a topical line. The Bg5 Samisch is the recommended way
to play in GM Barlov's _White is Better! 1.d4_. The second
edition contains over 12,000 positions, and is enhanced with
analysis by HIARCS 3.0 and CHESS GENIUS 3.0. Approximately
100 complete games are included, including many from recent
events by top grandmasters such as Dreev, Gelfand, Shirov
and Rogers.
====================================================================
_Defense_
FM Chuck Schulien
$25
Recommended for Class B to Master
Middle studies
Heavily annotated in English
Fifty annotated master games demonstrate various defensive
motifs such as exchanging to obtain drawn endgames, closing
lines, combining for perpetual check and using tactics to
force the exchange of attacking pieces. The thinking of a
defensive master comes to life on your screen. The games are
grouped by the motif.
====================================================================
_The Rubinstein Collection_
FM Chuck Schulien
$25
Recommended for Class A to Grandmaster
Endgame studies
Plenty of English language annotation
Extensive analysis of the endgames of Akiba Rubinstein, an
endgame genius. Examples are given in every type of endgame
setting. A number of books have been written on Rubinstein's
endgames and you'll find the best English explanations here.
More advanced than either the _King and Pawn Part I_ or _100
Essential Endgames_.
====================================================================
_The Classical Ruy_
FM Chuck Schulien
$29
Recommended for Class B to Master
Opening study slanted towards Black
Heavily annotated in English
A study of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish) classical variation. Black
plays 3...Bc5, avoiding the Exchange and many other tricky White
lines, and thus forcing the positions he desires. The variations
are simple strategically, but Black gains dangerous attacking
chances unless White is careful. Over 7,000 positions - more than
enough instruction to allow you to play this grandmaster opening
for either color.
====================================================================
_The Closed Game_
FM Chuck Schulien
$29
Recommended for Class C to Master
Black repertoire
Heavily annotated in English
A repertoire for Black after 1.d4 d5. Using the Queen's Gambit
Accepted as the main line, this book has suggestions for every
possibility, even for the London System and the Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit. Over 10,000 positions provide you with all the
instruction you'll need to defend the Black side of 1.d4. Where
Drasko & Jovicic in _Black is Good! 1.d4 d5_ present the most
complicated variations, in _The Closed Game_ we concentrate on
strategic patterns which need to be mastered by all tournament
players.
====================================================================
_The Smith-Morra_
FM Chuck Schulien
$29
Recommended for Class C to Master
White repertoire (limited)
Heavily annotated in English
An attacking opening gambit for White against the Sicilian
defense. This opening still claims points from Grandmasters
and its tactical nature will test your skills at every turn.
Over 11,000 positions, this book is a fantastic resource for
the club player who faces the Sicilian.
====================================================================
_100 Essential Endings_
FM Chuck Schulien
$29
Class C to Expert
Endgame lessons
Heavily annotated in English
Over 7,000 positions cover the fundamental endgame
techniques that every master knows and every class player
must learn. The perfect complement to _King & Pawn Part I_
and great preparation for _The Rubinstein Collection_.
====================================================================
_The Scheveningen Sicilian_
FM Chuck Schulien
$29
Recommended for Class B to Master
Black repertoire
Heavily annotated in English
Over 17,000 positions and 248 games! Learn the strategy
behind this aggressive yet solid counterattacking defense to
1.e4. The lines chosen have stood the test of time, but we
have added the most recent games and ideas as well. You
choose how dangerous the position gets!
====================================================================
For more information or orders:
1-800-949-5445 toll free USA and Canada
614-263-7219 international
614-262-9788 fax
bookup@coil.com
70441,2436
Shipping is free via first class, priority and airmail.
Overnight delivery is $9 within the continental United States.
DHL delivery available worldwide.
Ohio residents add 5.75% sales tax.
In Canada contact:
Chess'n Math Association of Toronto
416-486-3395
416-486-4637 fax
Chess'n Math Association of Montreal
(514) 278-5292
Canadian Chess Federation
613-733-5209
613-733-2844 fax
In the United Kingdom contact:
CB Software of London
0181 959 0670
0181 906 8771 fax
End of file