Publisher: Batsford, 2001 Edition: Paperback medium ISBN: 0.7134.8686.4 Pages: 160 Language: English
Is there such a thing as an ultimate Colle? No, there isn't. Yet, this book by IM Gary Lane can be warmly recommended. For one, books on the Colle (White uses a set-up that almost invariably involves the moves 1.d4, 2.Nf3, 3.e3, 4.Bd3 and 5.c3) and Colle-Zukertort (instead of 5.c3, White goes 5.b3 followed by fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop) are quite rare. This is not such a surprise, because these systems are usually described as dull and unambitious. At the same time many of today's top players have played it at one time or another, mostly as a surprise weapon to catch their opponent off-guard. Besides, what to think of its history! Zukertort and Capablanca are just a few of the frequent Colle-practitioners. The opening was named after the Belgian master Edgard Colle (1897-1932) and has never lost its fair share of fans.
So is this all Lane has to offer, history and praise? Far from it. The author brings about 160 pages of analysed games and game-references, explaining the strategies, tricks and traits of the Colle. The game collection is quite diverse, as many recent examples are interspersed with old games by the masters of the past.
Still, it isn't all glory. The structure of the book might take some readers aback. Summaries could stand out more and an index of games / players is also lacking. But all in all, if you're fed up with quickly expanding opening theory, or you are looking for a solid surprise weapon as White, 'The Ultimate Colle' is a good buy.
