The Shuffleduck
Subtitle: A New System for the Brave Hearted Based on 1.h4
Publisher: Shuffleduck Publications
Published: 2014
Place of publication: Sheffield, UK
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 147
ISBN-13: 9781942846772
Description: Ken Norbury is an accredited ECF chess coach who spends a lot of his time coaching at the local SASCA (Sheffield Area Schools Chess Association) chess club. The book aims to be of particular benefit to school chess players and players up to 150 ECF standard, although it has wider appeal to better players and enthusiasts looking for an off beat but playable system.

The main theme is that there is scope to play a move that has traditionally been rubbished by good players but is actually better than its reputation, and indeed has connections with many other openings. It develops a system based upon the opening move 1.h4.

At the very least it fills a gap in the current literature and provokes further discussion.

In addition it also offers some fresh thinking insights and tips covering playing styles, coaching and numerous pretty games by professionals and amateurs alike.

From the author:

"Pete Willoughby (the editor) has taken special care in ensuring that this novel little book is readable and provides answers to all practical first move responses, and invaluable support with research in helping me put together and write a coherent argument for playing the system."

"I have personally played it in the Local (Sheffield and District League) representing Ecclesall Chess Club with good results and interesting positions and games."
Table of contents: title: Index; title: Note from the Editor; title: Introduction; title: Origin and history; title: 1.	Concepts										  1; title: 2. 	Classic replies 1...d5								12; title: 3. 	Classic replies 1...e5								24; title: 4. 	Knight moves; title: Part 1   	1…Nf6								46; title: Part 2	1…Nc6								49; title: 5. 	Meeting System Responses; title: Part 1 	French 		1…e6						59; title: Part 2	Caro-Kann		1…c6						64; title: Part 3	Sicilian		1…c5						67; title: Part 4	Pirc/Modern	1…d6					72; title: 6. 	Flank Defences; title: Part 1	1…g6 and related K-side/ indian fianchettos inc; title: 1...h6 and g5  and g6/h5 formations			77; title: Part 2	1…b6 and related Q-side/ indian fianchettos inc; title: 1…a6, a5 and a5, b5 formations			         84; title: Part 3	1…f5		     						         92; title: Part 4	1…h5	    						         98; title: 7.  		Positional features/ Handling: Rook lifts, Zigzags and; title: queen bishop fianchetto						       104; title: 8.		Odds and ends, Traps and Zaps,Wizard variation,; title: h4 in action, Ruddy Shelduck		    			       111; title: Conclusion 								       131; title: Appendices