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Beg/Ints don't PLAY the book openings anyway so you're out of book by the 4th or 5th move 99% of the time.

There are some lines that are useful to know (Avoid various <10 move mates, mostly), but beyond that basic principles will get you to 1800-2000, IF you have the tactics and calculation skills.

Plenty of examples in the high ranks too - notably Magnus Carlsen (World #1) spends very little time on openings compared to most 2600+ GMs.

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Hog wash.

Knowing the SCO took me from 800 to 1600.

Hey, if it worked for you...it worked for you... but why does ever reputable chess coach advise the exact opposite?

>>Knowing the SCO took me from 800 to 1600.

Thats absolutely ridiculous and SCO is a poor reference anyway. There are a lot of good opening books that cover specific openings to ever rely on an a comprehensive guide anyway.

I'll a little confused that you claim to 'know' it. You reviewed the entire book even if you don't play certain openings or defenses? There is a lot better use of your time.

Forgive my short hand.

To be precise - "knowing the mainline of common and popular standard openings from the SCO..."

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