The Moment of Zuke: Critical Positions and Pivotal Decisions for Colle System Players

The Moment of Zuke: Critical Positions and Pivotal Decisions for Colle System PlayersThe Moment of Zuke by David Rudel is an exciting and eye-opening follow-up of Zuke `Em, the author's previous illuminating book on the Zukertort variation of the Colle System. But this new book is more than a sequel. At the center of Rudel's attention in this book are seven pivotal decision-points that arise with varying frequencies in both Colle-Koltanowski (C-K) games and Colle-Zukertort (C-Z) games. The decision-points include such problems as what a Colle player should do when Black plays a queen-side fianchetto defense (i.e. . . . b6 plus . . .Bb7) or places a Knight on e4 or retreats a Knight from f6. Throughout the book, Rudel explains how the C-K and C-Z relate or diverge and,in doing so, helps the reader understand the ways in which these two variations may be seen as comprising a single system.As in Zuke 'Em, this book is aimed primarily (but not exclusively) at class chess players--those below the level of expert. It is written in a clear and engaging style that includes Socratic dialogues with the reader. The author also enlivens the text by assigning colorful--and thus more easily remembered--labels to various lines of play including, for example, the "Errant Knight," "the Kite of Doom," and "the Knight Assassination Attack."Each pivotal decision-point is presented and analyzed in one of seven modules consisting of the lessons to be learned, a set of well-selected exercises, and a section of solutions to the exercises that includes commentary, analysis, and variations. Rudel emphasizes that each module should be re-read as many times as is needed to grasp the key points presented in the lesson. He anticipates that most students will have some difficulty solving all of the exercises the first time around and urges readers to review the lesson and try again. He expects that after following this procedure, students will see considerable improvement in their ability to solve the exercises and to identify and solve similar problems over-the-board.Players who wish to move quickly into material that gives priority to one or the other of the two main Colle variations will appreciate a valuable chart (p. 10) that presents Rudel's estimates of the relative importance of each module to players who prefer one or the other variation. For instance, C-K players should find Module 2 (analyzing lines arising from an early . . .b6) and Module 7 (analyzing the Classic Greek Gift sacrifice Bxh7+) to be of special importance, although each of these Modules also is of some importance to C-Z players as well. In addition to these two modules that give priority to the C-K, the author also includes an appendix (Tract 2) presenting a novel analysis of the mainline of the C-K. Another appendix (Tract 1) presents a digest of the anti-Colle lines analyzed in Zuke `Em.As is true of its predecessor, The Moment of Zuke has an attractive layout, type-face, and flexible binding. This book admirably suits its purpose and is a "must" for players of either Colle variation. It also is a valuable addition to the literature of chess.

This Rudel fellow writes a good book! It is thematic based. No pages and pages of variations down to move 36, his book has plenty of illustrations. Plus, he writes what is possible, not just some annotations of own personal games. This is good, because no one gives a hoot about some local chessmaster's personal victories, we want to know how the opening works. At this, Rudel does a great job. Better even than Soltis, who has some good books out there.As a non-grandmaster, Rudel does not have to fear that a rival will criticize a line he recommends, pointing out that in ten moves it fails to some perfect moves by the other side. Therefore he can freely recommend lines that might fail against a grandmaster but will win for a club player.Another good thing, Rudel addresses the question, "Probably 75% of the time you will not get to play something resembling a Colle. What do you do then, Mr. Colle-player?" Lots of authors skip that part. He included several pages of "anti-Colle lines" but truth be told, if I am going to be a Colle player I would like a little more coverage on how to handle that other 75%. That should be 20 thematic pages, not two.I think Rudel has some powerful computers and combines them with a powerful imagination and the ability to boil it all down to some simple themes, that is what makes this a great chess book. Like the Bxh7 sac. When will it work/not work, you ask, what are the signs? He tells you.The book covers both the Zukertort and Koltanowski Colle, which can get a little clumsy, but Rudel thoughtfully starts chapters with an applicability scale, eg, 75% Zuke /25% Kolty, which saves readers time. It also has a short introduction to this own creation, the Colle Phoenix opening, which is a pretty impressive new idea. Rudel has a website, supposedly available to buyers of his books but I don't think it has a lot of action.Now, if you want to play the Colle you need an old fashioned book like Kolty's on how to play it, you need Rudel's book on the Zukertort variation, you need this Moment of Zuke book, his book on handling the Indian defenses, you need the new Phoenix Attack book. Frankly I think he needs to write a book on the London and Stonewall variations co the Colle, too. So we're talking about $150, just to cover maybe 12.5% of your opening. Chess just got more expensive!

My tournament practice and information

Once you have the main lines, this is a major upgrade!

Unusual book but effective on what it aims to teach. I highly recommend.

I had often lost a "won" game so I researched how I was going wrong. After reading this book, I found that it was certainly worth the money as it really helps players to upgrade their knowledge of my favourite opening - the Colle. Add this book to your repertoire and get those extra points! Also try Chess:The Endgame and/or Chess Essentials both by Paul Wiseman.

good