So as mentioned in this thread, David "Zuker" Rudel, author of Zuke 'Em-The Colle-Zukertort Revolutionized , sent five of us free review copies of the book. The point was partially for him to get rid of the last few copies of an older printing and partially for him to get some free press when we review the book. I can't argue.

So far, I've read the first three chapters, as well as skimmed a couple of other things to see what he has to say about specific lines, and I'll say that I'm impressed so far. I really like the light, conversational tone that makes the book easy to read. And the third chapter, where he goes piece by piece through all 32 pieces and pawns to explain their typical role in the Colle-Zukertort opening is very nice. I wish more opening books would do give such a good introduction, instead of just listing out chapter after chapter of detailed theory.

I'll post a more thorough review once I've read more and had a chance to start playing the opening regularly, but so far, I like this book.

--Fromper

As I was another one of the five to receive a complementary copy in exchange for a review, here's my end of the deal.

Let me first point out that Zuke 'Em - The Colle-Zukertort Revolutionized is definitely not your average opening book.

The first chapter is all about why the author (David Rudel, aka Zuker) wrote the book, pointing out the many pet defenses and the misunderstanding of the theory previously written about, including Palliser's Starting Out: The Colle, Lane's The Ultimate Colle, and Winning With the Colle System by Smith and Hall. The author also points out that there is much territory that hasn't been explored yet, and a look through the "New Ideas Index" in the back will show you just how much hasn't been analyzed yet.

The second chapter goes through the basic "mainline" and what White is trying to accomplish. It ends with an example game in a non-standard move order that transposes to the familiar waters of the C-Z, and a breakdown of the percent of different defenses by Black and how often they appear.

The third chapter goes through each piece for White and for Black, and explains what each usually does in the mainline Zukertort (1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3). This is very helpful for those new to the C-Z or to the Colle entirely. There is also a page of useful tips and tricks for the starting player, as those new to the system are advised to play a few games with it before advancing farther.

The rest of the book is a theoretical approach to refuting the many pet defenses of Black's that are not the C-Z. Early bishop moves before e6, a transposition into the Slav, meeting the QID and the Benoni, the Sneaky Grunfeld (1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 g6), the S'more of Pain (1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 c5) and his kid brother (1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 c5), and various odds and ends that come up in practical play.

The whole book reads very easily, as the variations are explained very easily and thoroughly. After reading most of the book, I am confident that I can win games with the Colle-Zukertort and many of the variations/pet defenses that Black may throw my way. I especially recommend this book to anyone who is interested in an opening attack for White without sacrifices and solidity as well as a thorough coverage of most deviations from the mainline.