In my prep work for OTB competition in 2025, I'm frequently drawn to lessons on YouTube. Most of these done by I.M. s and G.M. have been pretty helpful, but one thing they do that irks me is their (less than) accurate description of an opening lesson. i.e.
Crush your opponents with the London System
The only opening you'll ever need
Destroy your opponents with the Caro Kann
Conquer your opponents with the Kings Indian Attack
Crush people with the Scandinavian Defense
Dominate with the Ruy Lopez
Anyone above the beginner level knows these openings are all well and good, but they are NOT the deciding factor in a chess game. One look at these colorful descriptions however and one would think that learning 1 opening is a sure path to an endless streak of wins. I understand they are simply trying to promote their idea, but these descriptions lead too many impressionable players down the path to disappointment.
Just had to vent about this! ðŸ˜
Regarding some of the titles for chess books these days Edward Winter writes;
"A sociological study could be written on the evolution of chess book titles and covers. Doctorates have been awarded for less."
He cites. 'The Chess Terrorist’s Handbook,' ' Alekhine The Executioner,' 'The Chess Assassin’s Business Manual ,' 'Keres Machine Gunner,'
https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/extra/violence.html
@greenpawn34
"GM Phone Home", by Kirill Shevchenko
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/16/sport/chess-grandmaster-kirill-shevchenko-expelled-mobile-phone-spt-intl/index.html