How out of date is Batsfords Modern Chess Openings 14 written by Nick De Firmian?

As the question says above, how outdated is this book?

I'm trying to study the Berlin Defence, and it only shows 6 variations (with of course 24 sub variations or different ideas). However it shows none of the Kasparov/Kramnik Berlin games which is a worry considering Kramnik is probably responsible for it being played again (from what others have said to me).

Are there any new lines to consider, or any of the lines in this book that are now considered dubious due to further analysis?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

That's an interesting question, and I see he also did the last MCO, as well as a more recent (2003) opening book.

The original Batsford was Kaspy et al. correct?

Modern Chess Openings was never intended to be a definitive work on openings, but rather a guide to demonstrate the main ideas and some of the more popular (at the time) lines.

The best way to study a specific line in depth is to get all the games you can with that line organize them with a chess database utility.  Lacking that, a big opening book for a chess engine (which should be revisable) will surely get you to a good level.

But seriously, if the Berlin defense appeals to you, then play it, and don't worry too much about the "book". The experience you gain from your own games plus the study of other games of strong players will give you a feel for what will happen in the middle games.  This experience will guide you toward finding good moves once you are out of book.

Take MCO-14 for what it is.  It's not up to the minute, but you can rely on it for the most part.  If you want info on a specific opening, line, or variation then you should get books or media specific to that.  Also, unless you are playing at the GM level, don't worry to much about having yesterday's newest theory on an opening.  The guy on the other side of the board won't have it either. 

I use MCO-13, so I guess I'm hopelessly out of date... 

Really, studying openings is good for a while, and it will certainly help you from falling into opening traps, and being down material early, but after a while, you'll have a feel for what is the best thing to play, and not worry too much about it.  Most openings have over 500 years of theory behind them and don't change very much from year-to-year.

This being the Internet age, the only way you can be sure to have the "latest and greatest" is to keep up with forum posts and reading articles on all the online sites.

Thank you very much Niven42, I have 49 years and I played chess many time, I like it very much. With bad chance, I can't the time to read theory of play; I am play and I have many work, and investigation. Thank you again. 

Excuse me Niven42. I am Physician.