You're strong enough to understand why the line is bad. So when you're reading the book, do you create your own database file? If that's the case, you can make a brief note why the line is refuted. So you don't skip it completely but you deepen your understanding of the opening. That's how I'd go about it.
Opening book readers... do you skip an entire game if the line's outdated and flat out refuted?
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i usually play mainstream openings which are safe, along with their ideal lines..if they are good according to engine then i still play. being old school or new school isn't an issue here
i don't like to read chess books. i rely on memorization too much and ignore the essence of opening. because i believe to understand the essence of opening, at least for myself, can be built by practicing against strong opponents and mimicking their moves
Propeshka wrote:
You're strong enough to understand why the line is bad. So when you're reading the book, do you create your own database file? If that's the case, you can make a brief note why the line is refuted. So you don't skip it completely but you deepen your understanding of the opening. That's how I'd go about it.
I do that now with a line displaying why i don't like the variation but I needed a second opinion. Thank you!
Yurinclez2 wrote:
i usually play mainstream openings which are safe, along with their ideal lines..if they are good according to engine then i still play. being old school or new school isn't an issue here
i don't like to read chess books. i rely on memorization too much and ignore the essence of opening. because i believe to understand the essence of opening, at least for myself, can be built by practicing against strong opponents and mimicking their moves
Once people hit a certain level they realize it's not enough to play your repertoire based on practical experience, especially in a classical game where every move needs to be properly considered & small details are relevant. In blitz sure it can work but not in longer time controls against stronger players 
In my simple opinion, you should absorb all because it is also the valuable experience of the old players, it is important that you know how to choose and use them properly.
Oct 1, 2021
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#7
Playing through the outdated lines can give you insight into the thought processes of the writer. It's your call just how much that insight is worth.
PeterJeawk wrote:
In my simple opinion, you should absorb all because it is also the valuable experience of the old players, it is important that you know how to choose and use them properly.
Yeahh but I feel like it's not practical up to a certain point because I'm filling my head with lines that I'll never play and know are not optimal or just bad.
blueemu wrote:
Playing through the outdated lines can give you insight into the thought processes of the writer. It's your call just how much that insight is worth.
Yeahh that's definitely true, I think I decided to just skip them entirely for now for the sake of practicality
I'm reading Peter Wells' The Complete Semi-Slav and it's a fantastic book but obviously many of the lines don't make a passing grade through the engine's test.
So for those lines (or entire games) that have like 5 or more pages dedicated to them, do you skip them or do you read them for the insight?
The insight is very position-specific so personally, I don't think it's necessary but I need a second opinion. Thanks!
Also please don't say "opening books are outdated & use databases" because that opinion tbh is trash, opening books are a useful resource period.