Should I buy this book?

Hi everyone,

Have any of you bought a chess book called: The Symmetrical English by Cummings,D?? If you have could you please post your thoughts on this book and tell me if this book is worth buying.

Please post quickly!

Thanks

Willilo

Don't know the book, but you might want to mention whether you're interested in playing this opening as white or black. That might help people who know the book give you more accurate recommendations.

Also, try googling the title of the book, author, and the word "review" to see if there are any book reviews out there on the internet. I usually check amazon.com first, then google books I'm interested in after seeing the amazon reviews.

--Fromper

yeah, a good first spot is usually Silman reviews imo, as I consider him to be a talented writer so I figgure he knows a good book when he sees one.

speaking of which, I have over 50 chess books and am thinking of doing reviews.. . Im B-rated so people at the same level as I might get something out of it. anyone interested?

I am interested as playing the symmetrical english as black guys

I have Symmetrical English by David Cummings.  It is a good book.  I learned a lot from it.  He makes an effort to explain the plans that both sides are seeking in every chapter. 

The bad side: There are many lines to cover after 1 c4 c5 so you may not get the depth you need on a particular line which you choose to play.  Note it was published in 2001 so it doesnt contain a game like Aronian-Leko and it doesnt address Palliser's 1 c4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nd4 Qb6.

English Opening Volume 2 by Mihail Marin is about to be published (17 February 2010 is the date I am aware of).  Volume 1 covered 1 c4 e5.  Volume 2 will cover all other Black responses which includes 1...c5.  Although this book is written from the white perspective, you might want to buy this instead of the Cummings book.  I myself have never read a book by Marin; I am just giving you a heads up.

Visit your local library, borrow a good chess book and donate the money you saved to Haiti.... just a suggestion...

donating to Haiti is a good idea, but as for libraries- they are hit and miss in terms of chess. Ive been to big ones with tons of chess books, but any normal sized town library probably isnt going to have many, esp. on each opening

I have a master at my club who plays the english all the time as white. When he is not playing a game he usually has the book with him (well worn cover). I am going to assume it is a pretty good book...