I have several of those Batsford books from when I was a new player. They were just books of lines, and almost useless to me, although at the time I was sure they must contain the secrets I needed.
It wasn't until I discovered books with complete annotated games that I started to make progress.
Hi Greenpawn! I have a challenge for you: show a game where I did well. 🙂. Just kidding, though. I love reading your posts. I believe that I have improved quite a bit, based in part on your advice. Keep up the good work!
Keene's one star gambits are fun, but I must admit I'm pretty intrigued by the five stars, or at least his description of them. "Absolutely reliable"? Doesn't that mean they're not really a gambit then!?
1. Nf3 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. d3 {This is it. Note how similar it is to the From's Gambit v The Bird. 1.f4 e5 2.fxe5 d6.} 4... exd3 5. Bxd3 g6 6. Nxh7 {6....Rxh7 7.Bxg6+ Rf7 8.g4 and g5 is giving by Keene as analysis from Botvinnik of all people.} 6... Bg7 {Not quite the best move in the position.} 7. Bxg6 {Checkmate.}