What chess openings theory from the early 20th century would still be solid at the club level today?

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Avatar of firzain

Out of all of the opening theory discussed in the writings of the early 20th century masters -- like the beginner books by Tarrasch and Capablanca -- which openings were well enough developed back then that the older analysis is still fine for modern club players?

(If any.)

Avatar of Sussyguy4890
Literally everything
Avatar of blueemu

Just about all of it.

Avatar of firzain

Huh...That's very interesting to learn. A lot of threads and articles I've seen online about using the older books (like Tarrasch's) suggest skipping the opening sections because they're outdated.

Avatar of blueemu
firzain wrote:

Huh...That's very interesting to learn. A lot of threads and articles I've seen online about using the older books (like Tarrasch's) suggest skipping the opening sections because they're outdated.

Authors try to sell books.

If Alekhine or Capablanca couldn't bust a particular old line, why would you expect your 600-rated opponent to be able to do so?

Avatar of LieutenantFrankColumbo
firzain wrote:

Out of all of the opening theory discussed in the writings of the early 20th century masters -- like the beginner books by Tarrasch and Capablanca -- which openings were well enough developed back then that the older analysis is still fine for modern club players?

(If any.)

At the club level which I assume you mean below Master? Anything is playable.

Avatar of mikewier

Any of the main lines played from 1900 to 1940 are fine for club level chess. In fact, I have often recommended going back and playing through the games of Capablanca, Alekhine, Lasker, and the other giants of the era. The annotators of the day did a good job of explain the lines, so today’s students may actually enhance their understanding of the openings. And you may find sub variations that have gone out of fashion and surprise your opponents.

Avatar of Baker_1X2x
YES!