The books chosen this year reflect a trend in modern chess publishing to include biography, training and entertainment all in one volume.
Judit Polgar – How I Beat Fischer’s Record
Modern Chess Preparation – Vladimir Tukmakov
Study Chess with Matthew Sadler
The Magic Tactics of Mikhail Tal – Karsten Muller & Raymund Stolze
Judit Polgar – How I Beat Fischer’s Record
Judit Polgar
Quality Chess pp 383 £19.99
The sub title on the cover “Polgar Teaches Chess 1” indicates that this book (the first of a trilogy) is more than an autobiographical description of Polgar’s remarkable upbringing and talent and how she beat Fischer’s record to become the youngest grandmaster when just over 15 years old. The story is structured through a series of chess lessons covering subjects such as Pawn Play, Piece Domination etc. The hardback book is beautifully produced with many photographs illustrating Judit’s early years and her progress to become the strongest woman player in chess history.
Modern Chess Preparation
Vladimir Tukmakov
New in Chess pp 286 £19.95
The subtitle describes the subject “Getting ready for your opponent in the information age” Modern chess is dominated by the computer and nowhere more so than in opening preparation. Tukmakov, a very experienced trainer, instructively describes the evolution of preparation from the early days to the present data base, computer analysis era. By highlighting the difference between the old and the new Tukmakov is able to advise players of all levels how to use the technology now available to best advantage.
Study Chess with Matthew Sadler
Matthew Sadler
Everyman Chess pp140 £15.99
A world class player, Sadler retired from the professional ranks in1998 and joined “the respectable working population”. However he felt the urge to start playing again in 2011, but also wanted to play “well”. This book describes his largely successful efforts to do so. It is structured in the form of teaching manual eg “How to find new ideas in openings”, but works best when candidly describing his adventures as he restarted playing in strong tournaments. Sadler is an original and independent writer (who won the Book of the Year Award in 2000) and this short volume is well worth reading.
The Magic Tactics of Mikhail Tal
Karsten Muller & Raymund Stolze
New in Chess pp332 £21.95
Once again the publishers are combining biography with training; “Learn from the legend” is the subtitle. Examples of Tal’s tactical play are mixed with training exercises. Biographical essays and comments on Tal from various players who knew him give a rounded picture of the man. The spell Tal cast on the chess world in his early years by his passion for the game is well captured. For a new comer to the magician from Riga, whilst learning from the master en route, this is the ideal introduction.
– Ray Edwards, Julian Farrand, David Friedgood – 5th September 2013