501 Opening Problems

BGJ 175 Spring 2016

Reviewer: Roger Huyshe

Mastering the Basics Vol 1; 501 Opening Problems
by Richard Bozulich and Rob van Zeist

Published 2002 by Kiseido, 250pp

This book addresses the choice of play in early middle game. It is not a book on fuseki. Each problem is accompanied by a big hint e.g. ‘defend your weak group before attacking’. Players from say 15k can treat this as a gentle introduction to strategy, which will help in developing a whole board perspective; while stronger players should cover up the hints and will find enough meat down to mid or low SDK. The book is a good choice for a club library, being accessible and useful for a wide range of players.