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Customer Reviews (6)

Why kortchnoi and not Keres?
Kasparov has produced a five volume set about the former world chess champions giving hindsights about the strongest players the champions met while they were at the chess summit. In this fifth volume, he breaks his earlier rules: this volume bears the name of one who never was world champion, namely Viktor Kortchnoi. Moreover, one can no longer find any subchapter on the rivals of both K and K this time: surprising since Kasparov was only one of the many talented young players coming to the fore between 1975 and 1985; think of Beliavsky, vaganian, Romanishin, Hübner, Tony Miles, Ljubojevic, Mecking, Sokolov, Yusupov, Psahis who was twice URSS champion, beating Gazza on the way to his title in 1982...Curious, indeed...

Terrific five-volume set
This is Volume Five of the five-volume set of My Great Predecessors. I had to do a lot of shopping around to find each volume at a price I could afford, but if you are serious about developing an understanding of chess strategy, this set is an excellent resource. The books cover the history of great chessmasters, detailing many of their games. I don't start at page one and read through them sequentially; rather, I look up a particular strategy and lay out the game on my chessboard to move through it. One game usually leads to another, and I can spend hours going through the volumes this way. [NOTE that this review is authored by my 19-year-old son.]

Brilliant & Enjoyable
Reviewing Karpov's life and skills from Kasparov's point of view is the most attractive experience that I've had among all massive chess books that have been studied. It's been very enjoyable.

MY GRAT PREDECESSORS, PART 5
EXCELLANT BOOK. CLEARLY EXPRESSES THE VIEWS OF MR. KASPAROV. BOOK IN EXCELLANT CONDITION. A MUST READ FOR ALL CHESS ENTHUSIASTS.

A review of the book *AFTER* it's been released!
Let me start with the obvious question:Should I buy this book.

YES!

Here's why:

Kasparov has written a series that will keep any chess player busy for years.Yes, he made numerous errors, especially in the earlier volumes.However, he has been learning how to write as he has continued through the other volumes.He has listened to, and responded appropriately to criticisms (especially by including non-Russian predecessors in volume IV).

Volume V is factually much more accurate than any of its predecessors in part because Kasparov was alive and analysing these games as they occurred.The level of his analysis is mind-boggling, and yet he still manages to make the notations readable.Once again, he has used computers to double-check his work, and once again, he has freely used many other people's analysis (usually without crediting them).However, this is clearly Kasaparov's book, and perhaps the single best chess book ever published.

I am sure that players will find errors in this book, but that is the nature of chess and of chess books.Instead of berating the author for his oversights, I plan on having fun seeing if I can spot even one!It may take me a few years, because there is so much meat to it.

There was a review written on March 12, before the book was published, which is basically a re-hash of the old criticisms of previous volumes. I don't think the old criticisms are fair for this new volume.If the previous reviewer has specific examples of sloppiness or careless analysis, I'd like to see them.But let me repeat, I consider this the best chess book ever written. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (24)

Biases mar the work
Several biases mar this book.

1. Kasparov as the best ever.

Seeking to be known as the best player ever, Kasparov periodically tries to knock Fischer.Fischer dominated world champion Petrosian, the same player who best Kasparov, and established a good record against Karpov.Fischer's superior record shows he would likely have defeated Karpov probably by a good margin.

2. Fischer's criticism of Kasparov

Part of this may be retaliatory as Fischer made some crazy comments about the Karpov/ Kasparov match.

3. Failure to Understand Curacao

The 4 Russian players reached an agreement to fix the games between them as draws.Kasparov says it doesn't matter but fails to understand the practical consequences of the collusion, at least the perception of it.Assume Fischer is behind 1 point with 2 rounds to go.Is the Russian going to lose, in the midst of the Cold War.Wouldn't the collusion agreement require the Russian not in contention to lose to the one who was. Equally importantly, Fischer believed it, and he felt he had to be leading by a substantial margin to get a championship, and took unreasonable risks early on.

4. Fischer's irrational behavior as a product of fear

Fischer undoubtedly had a tortured personality, but Kasparov makes some strange suppositions.Fischer was scared of Karpov that's why he didn't play.Fischer was scared to play at Palma De Majorca, and his narrow 3 1/2 victory, the largest ever in an Interzonal shows his feat.Obviously delays in the Spassky match did not indicate any realistic fear.

5. Botvinnik and Fischer

He misses some obvious observations.Fischer was really a follower of the Botvinnik theory, with his detailed analysis of every position eschewing general suppositions, careful analysis of his own games.

6. Nitpicking and Failure to Note the Significance of Fischer/ Spassky Match

While compliments and respect follow some parts of the book, too often he tries to minimize Fischer's accomplishments.He fails to adequately convey the importance of the Fischer Spassky match.It was not just a chess match, but world news.

Beyond the skills as a chess-player, my 60 Memorable Games was a great book.

I like the other 3 books, but economium for Euwe and Reshevsky and criticism of Fischer, simply does not present an impartial assessment.

In short, read the analysis, but get one of the other books on Fischer.

Great book--but rumors of Kasparov's negative views on Fischer are greatly exaggerated.
The book breaks down tons of games by Fischer--which is most of the book. Kasparov's views on Fischer are very guarded and extremely limited--mostly to his playing style and on the surface he suggests that Fischer would have not faired as greatly if he had continued to play competitively. Big deal--what else would anyone expect from one regarded as the greatest ever? What would you expect Tiger to say about Jones or Nicklaus? What I did not enjoy about the book are the extensive--and I mean huge--quotes inserted by Kasparov from other players and historians of the game to defend his views or elaborate on other points. Sometimes I forgot who was writing the book. Aside from this, it is an otherwise invaluable book as Kasparov is uniquely qualified to analyze many of the games and his insights are often as brilliant as his play. From a personal point of view, I would have liked Kasparov to have written about how Spassky should have handled the emotional and mental dominance of Fischer in preparation for matches. Spassky is such a pushover--he bent over backwards to Fischer in '72 and again in '92--the lighting, the cameras, the rooms, the atmosphere, the crowds, the noise--he almost treated him like his Master. I doubt Fischer would have gotten that kind of treatment from Karpov, but especially Kasparov. Fischer knew that and ran and hid. For this mostly all these Fischer fanatics--sadly including anti-semites--defend Fischer like some kind of God.

interesting but lacks objectivity
Well Kasparov was world champion when he finally defeated Karpov after 130 games; but he never met Fischer on the board (neither did Karpov)which puts a stain on his record; the book is not so much written about Bobby than about the fact that whatever might be said the best player ever is Garry; I do not believe this to be accurate; since the book was published, Bobby passed away; know this: Garry called him something like "the great knight of chess" because he obviously thought himself to be the king; let say it: Bobby was the greatest player ever although he was also a madman: chess usually drives crazy his greatest advocates (see Rubinstein, Morphy, Von Bardeleben and Steinitz...); he learned chess by himself; he lovedit beyond measure; he knew more about it than any other player: he beat Euwe, nearly beat Botwinnik who was saved by an armada of Russian grandmasters, he beat Tal, Spasski and petrossian, so he beat them all without help or computer; all Kasparov strives to do is to show flaws in Fischer greatest games; so what, chess is a game between human players (or it used to be); when Kasparov tried to meet the computer he was destroyed in a silly Caro-Kan variation, almost as silly as Kramnik's blundering into a mate in one against another silicon chip; Garry should have paid utter respect to Bobby who alone took the chess crown from the Russians because his hectic fight against Karpov should have made him understand what an achievement Bobby's victory in Reykjavik was; instead, he only endeavours to protect himself; this is pathetic.
Read "Russians against Fischer" which really shows what Fischer was up against.

P.S. It must nevertheless be said that Garry is an incredible player which I rate number two behind Bobby: in 1984, he was clearly weaker than Karpov and was crushed during the 30 first games of their first encounter (five to nil...); he then went on to delay the end until the 48th game...and from there he truly showed the extent of his wonderful talent but he was never alone as Bobby was...

Kasparov is just a lot of talk !
Plain & simple, Kasparov has super computers doing all the work on finding Fischer mistakes in this book. Computers are the steroids of chess. Todays players cannot be judged equally because of this. Fischer, and prior chess masters, had only their minds and that is why they will continue to be known as the greatest natural players of all time.

good analysis but not really objective
Garry Kasparov put an enormous work on this volume with some high-class analysis. I guess I am not the only one that went directly to the Fischer-chapter! It becomes clear that Kasparov admires Fischer but by reasons of his own vanity he shows a rather critical approach. This is especially more obvious when compared with the volume on Karpov. Karpov is presented as an incredible genius and Kasparov suggests that he could have beaten Fischer. Whether this is so, can be doubted but we shall never know. Subconciously Kasparov sees himself as the truely biggest genius of them all, since he managed to beat Karpov!
Kasparovs opinion that Fischer plays uncertain in unclear positions and has a rather poor intuition can be questioned. Perfect play doesn't exist and there are many examples of Fischer playing brilliantly in unclear positions. Apparently Kasparov is influenced very much by the old soviet anti-Fischer attitude. It looks as if Kasparov is looking for points to criticize Fischer, what he doesn't do with Karpov.
Kasparovs comments on Fischer personal life are interesting but rather one-sided. It is true that Fischer had a very difficult childhood but it is also true that the soviet chess players - during the Cold War! - did everything in their powers to destabilize Fischer. Fischer was an easy target: he was alone, preoccupied with chess and limited defense mechanisms. To compete adult grandmasters who represent communist views on life, must gave added to Fischer paranoic tendencies. In this sence, it is surprising that Kasparov defend Fischer fight for better playing conditions but doesn't defend him at the end of the Reshevsky match. Here the young Fischer was confronted with a different playing schedule because the sponsor wanted to visit her husband's concert, Fischer lost and was condemmed by everyone while his behaviour is quite understandable. It would have been good if Kasparov would have defended Fischer on this occasion. How would he have reacted himself when this would have happened to him? He hardly pays any attention to Fischers behaviour towards the other chess players, which was highly appreciated by his colleagues.
Also Kasparovs statement that Fischer won in 1971-1972 because his opponents collapsed psychologically, can be doubted. He suggests that Fischer would not have been succesfull if his opponents would have stayed stable. This is an underestimation of Fischers power. Fischer devoted himself completely to playing chess, knew how to play against different opponents and put all his energy in to it. In this sence Kasparov is right. Maybe the truth is simpler: Confronted with such a powerful opponent and a few losses, Fischers opponents lost their self confidence. Well, of course... He tried to win, but so did his opponents, who were excellently prepared by the Soviet chess school themselves. It seems to me that Kasparovs attitude towards Fischer is infuened by the fact that Kasparov, brilliant as he was himself, never was able to achieve the superiority that Fischer achieved in his top years. When you read the book with this in mind, you will have a wonderful time with this interesting book that I myself enjoy very much too! (and my apologies to Reshevsky, Najdorf and Larsen.. I didn't study them yet...) ... Read more

Product Description
Garry Kasparov has held the number one position in chess for almost twenty years.He is considered the greatest player of all time. Now, beginning and intermediate players - 90% of the chess playing audience - can benefit from his wisdom.Packed with diagrams and easy-to-understand pointers showing what Kasparov was thinking and how players can apply these concepts and strategies to their own games, this great learning tool borrows from the grace and power of Kasparov's greatest games. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Kasparov games
I have three books on Garry Kasparov. Garry Kasparov by Igor Stohl, Garry Kasparov Fighting Chess and this book. This book by far is the easiest to follow. It is geared towards the Class C player with just enough variations to keep your head spinning. Some of the games in this book are amazing and require more analysis. For that I recommend you go to Igor Stohl's book on Garry Kasparov. Tweleve of the games in this book can be found annotated in Garry Kasparov by Igor Stohl, and are analyzed in much more detail. This book has eight unique games which I have not been able to find in my Stohl book. If you just want to enjoy a few of Garry's games without going into detailed analysis this book is good for bed side reading. If you want more detailed analysis and move by move variations I would recommend the Stohl's book. The reason I give this book 4 stars is that some of the moves were not highlighted in bold and due to editorial mistakes. It seems this book did not have an editor as there are a couple of mistakes in it, but none that you cannot recover from. This book also has a nice biography on Garry Kasparov and filled with stories in each game to keep the reader entertained.

Too many errors!
There are 20 games in this book and I am on game 4. The number of errors in this book is pretty annonying. Usually the main line of a game is in bold face. In this book some of the main line moves are not in bold face. This makes it harder to follow the main line when the author is talking about different variations. Some of the diagrams are wrong as well. The games are instructive and this would be a great book in my opinion if all the errors were corrected. Didn't anyone proof read this!? I give this book 3 stars only because of the instructive value of the games and annotations.

What do you learn??
This, like all other Schiller books is a piece of worthless garbage. First: it doesn't explain the reasoning behind many of the moves, second: Schiller obviously wants to crawl into a bed with Kasparov, and third: there are atleast three typos on every page. If you want a real book on chess by one by Irvin Chernev or Patrick Wolff
... Read more

Product Description
The battle for the World Chess Championship has witnessed numerous titanic struggles which have engaged the interest not only of the chess enthusiasts but also of the public at large. The chessboard is the ultimate mental battleground and the world champions themselves are supreme intellectual gladiators.

This magnificent compilation of play from the 1960s through to the 1970s forms the basis of the third part of Garry Kasparov's long-awaited definitive history of the World Chess Championship. Garry Kasparov, who is universally acclaimed as the greatest chess player ever, subjects the play from this era to a rigorous analysis--the examination being enhanced by the use of the latest chess software. This volume features the play of champions Tigran Petrosian (1963-1969) and Boris Spassky (1969-1972).

However, this book is more than just a compilation of play from the greats of this era. Kasparov's biographies of these champions place them in a fascinating historical, political, and cultural context. Kasparov explains how each champion brought his own distinctive style to the chessboard and enriched the theory of the game with new ideas.
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Customer Reviews (15)

love the whole collection
I love Kasparov's style of writing, and Volume 3 is no exception. When you go through this book, it's like, not just a collection of games. He somehow brings the game to life! One can almost feel the tension, as if one had actually witnessed the game.

I didn't realize that L. Stein commanded such respect in the chess world. I enjoyed the section on him. Very dynamic play, good selection of games.

I thought the section on Petrosian a little too long, that on Spassky a little too short... Do I detect a little bias there, Mr. K? Doesn't matter, the book is great. I agree with the person who commented that the description of Spassky's development was really good. As i pointed out in a comment on another volume of the series, these books are so well written and interesting that one actually wants to read the words, not just the games!

I haven't played in a tournament over the board in quite awhile (i was 2100 at my max rating), but I feel I am learning so much from going thru some of the analysis. I don't go thru the real long ones (I dont believe in 20 move analysis in the middle game), but it is worth it to go through some of it. One sees how rich chess is! Gary brings this to life too!

I recommend this series of books to any serious chess fan rated over, say, 1500, up until, say, well at least my level, probably beyond. I can't see how a chess fan can be without them.

I was stunned
I initially bought this book because I wanted to acquire a collection of Petrosian games that were well annotated. I figured Kasparov would be a good annotator :-)

What I found out is that the section on Petrosian (181 pages) is one long story, where Kasparov shows how ideas were formed, tested adopted, refuted and so on. Throughout the weaving of the progression of chess ideas during Petrosian's time, he incrementally adds to Petrosian's life to give the reader a complete picture of him.

This is unlike any other chess book I've purchased, and I was amazed once I figured out what I was reading. I was stunned at how readable it is at one level, although you could spend hours on each game if you delve into all of the analysis.

I highly recommend it!

Excellent five-volume set
This is Volume Three of the five-volume set of My Great Predecessors. I had to do a lot of shopping around to find each volume at a price I could afford, but if you are serious about developing an understanding of chess strategy, this set is an excellent resource. The books cover the history of great chessmasters, detailing many of their games. I don't start at page one and read through them sequentially; rather, I look up a particular strategy and lay out the game on my chessboard to move through it. One game usually leads to another, and I can spend hours going through the volumes this way. [NOTE that this review is authored by my 19-year-old son.]

REMINISCENCE
The 60s and 70s were the golden years of chess. The best of the best are all here in this book. That was the period where one has really to burn candles to prepare and discover for yourself the nuances of a chess move in the opening. A cloak and dagger way of preparing one self. Much of the fun part, the surprise, are all gone because of an Intel or AMD processors.

The book took me back at the time when chess was really exciting, not only during actual play, but the behind the scenes as well. This book is more of a gathering of chess titans, retelling titanic struggles with a superb historical background and most important of all, Kasparov's unequalled insight. Thank you Mr. Kasparov

A Good Thing Continues
Kasparov's release of MGPIII continues a fine series.The annotations are superb, and his opinions on the historical importance of former world champions Petrosian and Spassky (as well as other important players such as Portisch, Stein, Gligoric, and Polugaevsky) make the book (and the MGP series) relevant. A slight quibble is the chapter on Spassky-you never get a true sense of what made him so admired away from the chessboard.Still, a fine work. ... Read more

Product Description
The battle for the World Chess Championship has witnessed numerous titanic struggles which have engaged the interest not only of chess enthusiasts but also of the public at large. The chessboard is the ultimate mental battleground and the world champions themselves are supreme intellectual gladiators.These magnificent compilations of chess form the basis of the first two parts of Garry Kasparov's definitive history of the World Chess Championship. Garry Kasparov, who is universally acclaimed as the greatest chessplayer ever, subjects the play of his predecessors to a rigorous analysis.Part one features the play of champions Wilhelm Steinitz (1886-1894), Emanuel Lasker (1894-1921), Jose Capablanca (1921-1927) and Alexander Alekhine (1927-1935 and 1937-1946).Part two features the play of champions Max Euwe (1935-1937) Mikhail Botvinnik (1946-1957, 1958-1961 and 1961-1963), Vassily Smyslov (1957-1958) and Mikhail Tal (1960-1961).These books are more than just a compilation of the games of these champions. Kasparov's biographies place them in a fascinating historical, political and cultural context. Kasparov explains how each champion brought his own distinctive style to the chessboard and enriched the theory of the game with new ideas.All these games have been thoroughly reassessed with the aid of modern software technology and the new light this sheds on these classic masterpieces is fascinating.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Decent History; Good Analysis; Excellent Psychology; Awful Bibliography...
(I have taken the Hebrew-Language translation of the first four books of this series. This review is intended as that of all of them.)

The series goes over the entire series of champions from Greco (ca. 1500) to, well, Kasparov himself. Contrary to what one might expect, the book -- quite correctly -- doesn't concentrate only on the world champions (formal or -- before Steinitz -- informal), but on other strong players of the same period. For example, volume 2 deals in significant detail with Keres and Bronstein, noting that history might well have been different.

Kasparov is quite meticulous in giving credit to people from which he got biographical information or previous analysis. On a random page (discussing the first game between Fischer and Petrosian in their match) he gives analysis credit to Petrosian, Polugayevsky, Dvorestsky, Furman, Timman, and Korchnoi. A two-page biographical section about Fischer's actions in the 1967 interzonal, he quotes (with credit) Resehvsky, Ivkov, Vasuikov, Averbach, Keres, and Fischer himself. With chess books being notorious for "lifting" analysis and historical incidents from each other, this is very important. But, bizarrely, the Hebrew edition has no bibliography, nor does Kasparov quote in academic style (he just tells us who says what without, in most cases, telling us exactly WHERE it was said)! A very serious problem that makes Kasparov's quotes and references in most cases impossible to verify. There is no reason to believe Kasparov invents or distorts anybody else's work, but it is simply inexcusable to leave out the ability for independent verification in what is supposed to be a definitive work.

Biographically, Kasparov gives little that is unknown to chess historians, but those who are not experts will learn a lot. Again to Kasparov's considerable credit, he rarely falls into the mistake of trying to make the book "exciting" by smearing the character of the previous champions (though he buys the "Staunton avoided Morphy" yarn). E.g., he notes Alekhine separated from his wife but did not "desert his family" (he kept in touch with her and, in particular, with their son, caring for his education and upbringing.) Or, while he notes the rumors that Keres or Bronstein were ordered to lose to Botvinnik, Kasparov explicitly says that there is no hard evidence and that Bronstein denied it. When discussing Fischer's accusation of Petrosian for writing an insulting article about him in "64", Kasparov notes that Fischer wrongly assumed Golubev, the actual author, was a pen-name -- but, while wrong, had a point: Petrosian WAS the editor of "64", so Fischer assumed Petrosian at least approved of the publication (in fact he at the time was preparing for semi-final match with Fischer and hadn't seen the article). No cheap shots at Fischer's "paranoia"!

The analysis is VERY detailed. A typical game takes 3-4 pages, often including detailed analysis of positions that only "might have happened". Clearly Kasparov did a lot of work to try and reach the "chess truth" truth about the games -- and who better to do so with the world champion assisted (as he freely admits) by a strong computer? In almost every famous game Kasparov shows that previous analysis ignored or misevaluated what the crucial point of the game was or what, exactly, were the blunders or the good moves. This is one of the two main reasons to buy this book. It is true, as Edward Winter notes, that sometimes previous sources had given Kasparov's "new" analysis first, but typically these sources are relatively obscure. And, as Winter himself notes, those are rare cases -- in most cases Kasparov's new move is, indeed, new.

The second main reason to buy the book is Kasparov's view of chess psychology. He, refreshingly, does not but the old rumors about how the results of the matches were, more or less, inevitable. Was the "lazy" Capablanca fated to lose the match to Alekhine? Or the "genius" Fischer to bear the "inferior" Spassky? Not at all, notes Kasparov. E.g., he notes the match Capablanca-Alekhine match was quite close and makes a convincing case that it is *particular games*, indeed *specific moves*, that upset Capablanca or showed that, during that match, Capablanca's playing style (not his "laziness") had no satisfactory reply to a particular sort of "anti-Capablanca" style of play Alekhine was deliberately playing. Perhaps Kasparov is putting too much into particular moves or games, but there is no doubt his view deserves serious consideration. Each book also has a LOT about the evolution of each player's style, strengths, weakenesses, triumphs and defeates -- again, in each case, backing it up with moves and the record in specific tournaments.

In sum, this book contains both previous and original material. The unoriginal part of this book (the bibliographical stories and the older analysis) is good, if not remarkable. The original part (the new analysis and psychological views) are extremely interesting and deep. Are they 100% correct? Had Kasparov truly discover the chess truth -- or psychological key -- to previous champions? Perhaps not. But he sure does his best, and what more can one ask?

Amazing!
The amount of work and knowlege that must have gone into these books is staggering.The book is interesting and fun to read and with all due respects whether there are technical errors in the analysis means zip and pip to me;I have enough trouble following any anylsis,correct or not!
These books (Vol 1-5)are worth every cent and will be a valid record/history of chess as seen through the Kasparov view for many,many years I believe.Excellent,interesting and a fantastic resource which will be a treasure to another generation at least,never boring.

Good contents, but beware cheap binding of the later printings
I have the other 4 volumes in the series, which are all very nicely bound in fine red linen cloth. I ordered this volume from an Amazon seller, expecting to receive a cloth-bound book.It seems I received a later printing, which is technically a hard bound copy, but which is actually a trade paperback with its paper covers pasted onto stiff boards wrapped in cheap red paper, textured to resemble red cloth.Furthermore, the pages are affixed with a very stiff glue, and the first few pages are already coming loose, after opening it just a few times.The paper is also lower grade, with higher pulp content--certain to curl in high humidity.

I'm quite exercised that this volume's binding and paper do not match the quality of the rest of my set.The cloth bound edition might still be available out there somewhere, if you hurry.But it might be prudent to specify the real cloth covered edition if that's what you're looking for.

Good effort, not without flaws
This series-which begin with this book-is a most in every chess player library. The authorship (Kasparov or Plisetsky) problem must be cleared in the next edition. Of course, there are flaws in the analysis of the games. The reviewers trying to compare their chess computer analysis, forgets that all of the analysis depends enormously of the machine, the version and configuration of Fritz (or other engine) and the time you spend checking every move. These factors doesn't excuse some errors, but as Kasparov himself says: every variation of more than 5 moves contains an error.

The main objection with the book is his vision of the chess history itself. Kasparov proposes that the history of chess champions is one of continuous progress to perfection. There are some stereotypes in the players profiles like: Steinitz, the chess theorist, Lasker the psychologist, Capablanca the master of positional play, Alekhine the combinative player. I would like to read more deep insights of the players founded in the power of Kasparov chess knowledge. Some statements in this respect lacks of proofs and the author tries to adjust the real player with his history conception. As an example check the author's opinion of Capablanca. Kasparov said that, in his last years, Capablanca couldn't compete with the complexity of new ideas represented by the Soviet School of Chess and the Hypermoderns, but fail to show us how is that possible when the cuban master wins the Moscow and Nottingham 1936 tournaments ahead of all the main representatives of the Soviet school (Botvinnik), the ex-world Champions (Lasker, Alekhine, Euwe) and US best players of the time (Fine and Reshevsky)! The only failure in these years was the AVRO 1938 tournament, when the playing schedule was terrible for him as for Alekhine.

But nevertheless, I recommend the book and the others volumes of the series.

Very enjoyable read.....
I recently purchased Part I of "My Great Predecessors" and have found it the most enjoyable chess book I've ever read. I love history and chess, so this book was a good fit for me: the chess games and analysis are interweaved with a historical sketch of what was occuring at the time. I've found it quite fascinating.

BTW..the so-called historical inaccuracies are nits. Did Steinitz met Morphy in the street or at his home? Did Capa die in Olga's arms..or was she outside at the time?
If these are the types of things that keep you up at night with a frown on your face and give you indigestion, you'd better buy a different book. Cheers!
... Read more

Product Description
The battle for the World Chess Championship has witnessed numerous titanic struggles that have engaged the interest not only of chess enthusiasts but of the public at large. The chessboard is the ultimate mental battleground and the world champions themselves are supreme intellectual gladiators.

This magnificent compilation of chess from the mid-20th century forms the basis of the second part of Garry Kasparov's long-awaited definitive history of the World Chess Championship. Garry Kasparov, who is universally acclaimed as the greatest chess player ever, subjects the play of his early predecessors to a rigorous analysis. This volume features the play of champions Max Euwe (1935-1937) Mikhail Botvinnik (1946-1957, 1958-1961 and 1961-1963), Vassily Smyslov (1957-1958) and Mikhail Tal (1960-1961).

However, this book is more than just a compilation of the games of these champions. Kasparov's biographies place them in a fascinating historical, political and cultural context. Kasparov explains how each champion brought his own distinctive style to the chessboard and enriched the theory of the game with new ideas.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Bad notational format
I have a major issue with the books notational format. All 40 of my other chess books have the main line as a new paragraph, in bold type, so as to separate it from non-main-line analysis.

This book often, and "randomly", imbeds the main line, albeit in bold, inside a paragraph analyzing alternative lines.I don't know the motive for this break with tradition, maybe to save space, but in any case it makes the game extremely difficult to follow especially when you have several different books open and playing the same historic game.

As an example, on page 242, a single paragraph starts with a single main line move, then two rows of alternatives, then 3 main line moves, then two more rows of alternatives, followed by a single main line move.And this is all contained in one single paragraph.

My 3 rating is based solely on the books new, non-traditional, notational format.

Great series of books
I reviewed book 1 and book 4 of this series so i'll keep it short.

This book was just as entertaining as the others. The games selected are great, and it's one of the few chess books where you look forward to reading the words, not just the games. The description of chess history, and the biographies of the players is captivating. Let me say too that I find the price very reasonable, considering some books half the size (and soft covered) are the same price or more.

For entertainment purposes, this book ranks up there with the best I've ever read (I'd say "Bright Side of Chess" was the best ever).

I'm not going to quarrel with the people who find analysis errors, but I say, it's irrelevant to someone looking at chess as enjoyment. If chess is your profession, maybe an error 8 moves deep in analysis is important to you. For this 2000 player, it isn't.

As for the possibility that Kasparov didn't write it, like i wrote elsewhere, I don't care if his maid wrote it, the book is just as good. I don't see how a chessplayer can go without buying this series of books. The enjoyment of them is everlasting.

I give it 5 stars, and I'd give it more if they had more

Great five-volume set
This is Volume Two of the five-volume set of My Great Predecessors. I had to do a lot of shopping around to find each volume at a price I could afford, but if you are serious about developing an understanding of chess strategy, this set is an excellent resource. The books cover the history of great chessmasters, detailing many of their games. I don't start at page one and read through them sequentially; rather, I look up a particular strategy and lay out the game on my chessboard to move through it. One game usually leads to another, and I can spend hours going through the volumes this way. [NOTE that this review is authored by my 19-year-old son.]

very good book by a chess immortal
This is a very good book in an excellent series. Kasparov not only provides a thorough analysis of each player's style but also provides insight into the often neglected human aspects of chess. Not a book for beginners but for anyone seriously interested in chess a must read. I have only two adverse comments - Kasparov's sociopolitical comments add nothing to the book and will annoy some readers and he repeatedly uses the word tabiya without explaining it - even Russians of my acquaintance could not explain it to me - from context I think it is a term for a place where chess theory ends. My rating of 4 stars is not from any failing in the book but from a feeling one needs to be more seriously into chess than I am to really get full value from it.

good book, good short bios, but analysis over my head
good book, good short bios, but analysis over my head ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A fine read for anyone beginner or intermediate player, who wants to hone their craft at the game
If you're going to learn anything, you may as well learn from the best. "Checkmate Tactics" is a Chess tactics guide from world renown player Garry Kasparov as he encourages readers with his own blend of tactics and tips, outlining common strategies and how to foil them, as well as offering plenty of counters to the counters. With plenty of puzzles and drills to help a chess player take themselves to the next level, "Checkmate Tactics" is a fine read for anyone beginner or intermediate player, who wants to hone their craft at the game.
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In 1999, world chess champion Garry Kasparov challengedthe world to a game in the Microsoft Zone, and the world put up anamazing fight! Millions of participants and tens of thousands ofplayers logged in to follow what turned into one of the most amazingchess games of all time. Read world number one Garry Kasparov’s ownday-to-day account of the most high-profile chess game in history inthis diary-format, hard cover edition of Kasparov Against theWorld. With a forward written by Bill Gates and a diagram for everymove, Kasparov highlights the critical points in the game as Kasparovand the World struggled through four months of fascinating gameplay. The true behind-the-scenes account of an event now hailed asamong the most memorable and powerful moments in chess and Internethistory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A fantastic, easy-to-read book!
I picked this book up used as it just looked nice.The book has a forward by Bill Gates which is really nothing special.The format of the book is what makes it so pleasant to read.It's written by Kasparov in first person in a diary format.If you're familiar with Chernev's "Logical Chess Move by Move" or similar books where each and every move from the first to the last is explained and like that format then you'll love this book. It's really only "instructional" if you're at Kasparov's level. However, this is not marketed as an instructional book.

It gives fantastic insight to Kasparov's thoughts as the game progressed.All of the things going on in his life on the side as this game moved forward through the months.

And let's not forget the game itself.What a blast to read!Not the typical draw that a lot of strong strong games end in.But a win in a style that only Kasparov could serve up.

If you want something you can learn from, I don't suggest this book.If you want a book that you can read a few pages before you go to bed every night, this is just for you.You don't need to set up a chessboard to read this book.

It should also be noted that this book is not one of those typical chess books in that it's not double-column pages with tiny text and more notation than text.This is far more words than notation.That's what makes this book so easy and fun to read.

A Terrific and Gripping Read
The combination of Garry Kasparov and Microsoft makes for the most compelling chess read I've known to date. Anyone who is interested in the internet and chess must own this book! ... Read more

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Synopsis
First published in 1987. Brussels 1986 was a ground breaking event in many respects. It was Kasparov's first tournament after his gruelling series of marathons against Anatoly Karpov for the world title, and it was the first major tournament televised by the BBC and containing commentary by the players themselves. The majority of the notes are by Grandmaster Ray Keene but readers will also find analysis by Kasparov and others of the greats involved, including Nigel Short and Viktor Korchnoi.

This event contains Short's sensational first-ever win against Kasparov which gave notice that Nigel would go on to become a world title challenger himself. Ultimately Kasparov blew away the field and won a double round event by a substantial margin. The games are razor sharp - indeed double edged - and Kasparov's cliff-hanging battle with Korchnoi - recreated blow by blow for television - has to be seen to be believed!
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In 2000, in London, Vladimir Kramnik caused a sensation by dethroning Garry Kasparov as the reigning world chess champion. Kramnik defended his title successfully in 2004 against Peter Leko. In 2006 in Elista (the capital of the Caucasian republic Kalmykia) Kramnik defeated Veselin Topalov in a match that caused a worldwide scandal because of the accusations of fraud by the Topalov team.This is the inside story written by two confidants and seconds of Vladimir Kramnik. The match strategy, the secrets, the threats, the stress: all twists and turns of top level chess in the pressure cooker of a championship match are revealed in a truly unique document. All the games in all three matches are instructively annotated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A truly fantastic and deep match book
This book covers, in perhaps unprecedented depth, Kramnik's matches starting with Kasparov and through to Leko and Topalov. The standout is the commentary by Bareev who was present as one of Kramnik's seconds for the first two matches, and brings fantastic insights into the whole gamut of playing a world championship match (including the need for a good cook). The at times complex material is done with a lot of humour. For example, in commenting on what the players could have learned from previous world championship matches it is suggested that the great Petrosian did not know how to handle positions with an isolated pawn (versus Spassky in 1969)! Another example at Kasparov's expense is what is referred to as the 'blunder of the century'. In terms of excellent match books, I can only compare this with Kasparov's excellent two volumes on his matches with Karpov and Tal's book on his first match with Botvinnik (often rated as one of the best chess works ever written). The games are very well explained, as is the background to the battle and selection of opening, and represents a book that you will return to often, and learn more each time. This includes the large number of fighting draws (especially in the matches with Kasparov and of course with Leko) which are made very interesting and entertaining. While written for strong players, I believe that everyone can draw value from this work as you can skim the surface or do a deep dive into each game as you want. The book is very well bound and presented by New in Chess (just like their fantastic magazine) and deserves a place in any keen player's library who wants to know more about modern chess.

Excellent read
From London to Elista: The Inside Story of the World Chess Championship Matches That Vladimir Kramnik Won Against Garry Kasparov, Peter Leko and Vesilin Topalov I found the book to read easily and the material with analysis is very strong.

From London to Elista: The Inside Story of the World Chess Championship Matches That Vladimir Kramnik Won Against Garry Kasparov
After I have seen this book I must say that it is a "must" that anyone should have. It is shameful that somebody that wants to become the undisputed world champion, tries to win it by means that do not belong to the sport. To accuse someone and to have no proof at all of anything, it is only show of seomone who is not capable of getting anything via normal ways.
Definitely Kramnik won "EVERY SINGLE POINT" on the chess board. I have seen the San Luis 2005 book, and I would say, that yes it might have some points in which Topalov could have worked on his own before computers were well developed. But, to try to win a WCC match by no sportive means. That's something else!. NO EXCUSE for that!!!
I really like the book!

A book that brings joy...
If you are a typical chess amateur like me who loves to read chess books more for the anecdotes, and sort of wishes that the games and analysis would somehow automatically permeate through to my consciousness, then you will love this book.

The stories and accounts are fascinating, Ilya Luvitov in particular asks some very sharp and direct questions and this brings out the best of Bareev. And snippets in between from thoughts of Kramnik and Lautier and the occassional quip from an Kasparov interview keep making the book more colorful.

The games are full of diagrams and there is both sufficient text commentary that you dont need to setup a board and also there is enough analysis to keep one busy if one did get the pieces out !

A book not to be missed, unique amongst all chess books in the way it captures the very heart of the human element of competitive endeavour.

Insight from the champions side of chessboard
First I want to clarify and say that this book deserves its good reputation, and its high selling volume since it first came out is justified. One can enjoy penetrating into thinking process of the skilled chess professionals who had been interviewed from the Kramnik camp, as well as read excripts from the other GMs cited from different sources.
Sheer amount of psychology involved into pre-game preparation is puzzling, and drive one to continuously read it. Concreatly, I was more interested into reading details of pre-game preparation process and post-mortem reactions, than of analysis of the games played. Fortunatelly, analysis material of the games is significantly lighter that that of the "San Luis 2005" book, but still it wouldnt mind if some more textual explanation had been added into it, especially at late opening phase mortals nowdays are hard to grasp.
From historical perspective this is the book to have on your chess shelf to cover world championship matches starting from 2000 and leading to final unification match in 2006.
Recommended. ... Read more

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Chapters: Fide World Chess Championship 1998, Deep Blue Versus Garry Kasparov, Deep Blue - Kasparov, 1997, Game 6, Geri's Game. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 48. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The FIDE World Chess Championship 1998 was contested in a match between the FIDE World Champion Anatoly Karpov and the challenger Vishwanathan Anand. The match took place between 2 January and 9 January 1998 in Lausanne, Switzerland. The challenger was determined in a tournament held in Groningen, Netherlands, between 9 December and 30 December 1997. After the championship match ended in a draw, Karpov won the rapid playoff, becoming the 1998 FIDE World Chess Champion. From 1948 to 1993, the world chess championship had been administered by FIDE, the international chess federation. In 1993, World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov split from FIDE and formed a rival organisation, the Professional Chess Association. FIDE stripped Kasparov of his title, meaning there were now two rival championships: the FIDE title, held by Anatoly Karpov, and the PCA title, held by Kasparov. Karpov and Kasparov had successfully defended their titles at the FIDE World Chess Championship 1996 and PCA World Chess Championship 1995 respectively. From 1948 until 1996, World Chess Championships had followed a similar pattern: a series of qualifying tournaments and matches were held over more than a year, culminating in the Candidates Tournament. The winner of the Candidates tournament was the official challenger for the world title and would play the incumbent champion in a match for world championship. (The 1996 cycle was an exception. The incumbent world champion participated in the Candidates tournament as a seeded semi-finalist.) In 1997, FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov proposed a completely new structure: a ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=18209675 ... Read more

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The Hedgehog is a thoroughly modern defense where flexibility and understanding trump rote memorization. Using deeply annotated critical games from international practice, GM Sergey Shipov traces the Hedgehog's development - from its origins as a way to avoid well-trodden paths to its current status as a respected weapon in Black's armory. The Hedgehog has been adopted by the likes of Tal, Larsen, Adams, Kasparov, Kamsky, and Karpov. Drawing on decades of experience playing this defense, Shipov has put together much more than a simple opening manual full of variations. The author meticulously explains strategic themes, typical formations, move-order subtleties, and explores the thorny question: Is the Hedgehog a theoretically sound opening - and does that really matter? Along the way, the reader gets to see the mind of a grandmaster hard at work, and is treated to a lesson on one of the most important skills in chess: how to evaluate a position. Shipov shares his approach to chess and life, and his passion for both, in this entertaining, philosophical, and highly readable work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The Complete Hedgehog, Volume 1
I agree that this is a good book but not as "spectacular" as Goosemeyer opines. First I was looking for a system to combat the English as Black.I have an expert level myself and My main defence against 1.d4 is the King's Indian Defense but I have trouble every time a face the English and my statistics doesn't help me regarding the very strong opposition I have (my last 5 English games was with 2400+). So as soon as I get the book I don't stop reading it for a week and the most I study the hedgehog the more I convinced that it's not an opening that suits me. Maybe the only thing I like from this system is that the pawns are flexible rather than a fixed nature.

I'm a kind of player who that doesn't like to "wear heavy armors and shields if my sword is sharp enough";so, If you looking for asystem to used as Black against the English and you like tactics and open games looks somewhere else.

The reason I rate this book with a four is because I feel Shipov wasn't completely honest with many of his appreciations for the White side; but this is perfectly understandable and he needs to reserve something for himself if he's planning to stay in the playing arena; but I really enjoy how he explain the main strategies and how the pawn formation works, specially the part that we can use the Hedgehog against the Sicilian as White; and the most importantly of all is How a positional player thinks! On the other hand Karpov criticized the Hedgehog in his book "Play the English" I didn't like the prose he used very much and I surprise with the preface that Kasparov made in his book; as far as I know, Kasparov tried this opening only a couple of times, and play against it many many times.

Absolutely wonderful!
Because of the myriad transpositions, the Hedgehog defies systematic treatment.Shipov's book is light years beyond Suba's because it imposes an evolutionary order that helps us make some sense out of this confusion.

All the good things said in the other reviews are true!Please note, however, that you may get limited use from this book if you're under 1800.You can't force the Hedgehog (or force someone to play the Hedgehog against you), it's not a popular opening among players under 2000, and I've only had a couple Hedgehog games in the past couple years.

But certain "Hedgehog skills" will certainly transfer to other openings.

Just Became My Favorite Chess Author!
This book is unbelievable! Sergey Shipov has just become my favorite chess author. He's going to be hard to beat as a personal favorite. I had this book for a few months now and I have learned the Hedgehog System - something that I wanted to learn for some time now. The main thing that impressed me about this book was not the fact that I've learned the Hedgehog System, which was to be expected since the book does bear the title, but that I've learned other aspects of chess that I wasn't even thinking about. That was like a huge bonus surprise for me. I didn't think that I'd ever have a desire the play the English until I met Shipov. The Hedgehog can be approached by different openings; he goes over the English opening in volume 1. I assume the other openings like the Sicilian, the king's Indian, and the like; he would probably go over in volume 2. But don't quote me on this, because I'm not too sure. Overall I give it 5 stars because Shipov has changed my chess game. I am now beating chess players who are rated 400 to 500 points more than me with ease. Isn't that what a chess book supposed to do?

Great book on the Hedgehog
I'm not a chess player myself. Got this book for my 12 years old and he loves it. With all the warnings about the complexities and dangers playing the hedgehog from his teacher, he keeps playing the hedgehog as black whenever he can. You might also consider Daniel King's Fritz training DVD as Power Play 12 which is more accessible for kids.

hedgehog
This is good value! Lots of examples and situations to work through. Good value for money! ... Read more

Product Description
The Nimzo-Indian Defence is certainly one of Black's most respectable ways of meeting 1 d4; it's popular at all levels of chess and White players have been banging their heads against brick walls in trying to find an advantageous line. What can White do to throw his opponent off balance at an early stage? The answer is contained in this book! Grandmaster and renowned openings expert Chris Ward studies an ambitious and uncompromising way of battling against the Nimzo, one which the world number one Garry Kasparov first brought into the limelight in his legendary World Championship clashes with Anatoly Karpov. Kasparov's continued success with this line prompted many experts to call it the "Kasparov Variation". By studying this book, white players can arm themselves with a new dangerous system against the Nimzo, while Black players can look carefully for antidotes!* All main lines are covered* Written by a renowned Nimzo-Indian expert* Strategies and tactics examined for both sides
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Nimzo-Indian Kasparov Variation: 4 Nf3 as Popularized by Garry Kasparov
The book arrived on time and in excellent condition!
I am more than satisfied.

Thanks!

'Instant' repertoire against Nimzo Indian?
With an interesting subtitle like '..as popularized by Garry Kasparov', one would expect a solid repetoire or a serious resource from this book. Unfortunately, that's not be the case. The variation in the discussion is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 b6 5.Bg5, where the critical continuation is 5..h6 6.Bh4 g5. So far the current theory judges that black has a good chance to equalize from this position. Note that: this book does not change this assesment. However, the author insists that there are several interesting ways to complicate the positions. My opinion from these variations, none of them would deliver a serious theoritical debate on Nimzo Indian. They may be practical for playing in club tournaments, especially if your opponent is familiar with your normal response against Nimzo-Indian,

With detailed and technical examples
Nimzo-Indian Kasparov Variation by chess grandmaster and former British Champion Chris Ward is an advanced guide designed for experienced chess players. Nimzo-Indian Kasparov Variation presents diverse ambitious ways in which to contest the Nimzo-Indian defense, based upon the strategies the legendary Garry Kasparov used in his World Championship games against Anatoly Karpov. With its detailed and technical examples, enhanced with tactics scrutinized for both sides, Nimzo-Indian Kasparov Variation is a superb addition to serious chess player reading lists and reference shelves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Strong Opening, good middle position, but weak endgame
Garry Kasparaov has the advantage of being the best chess player the world has ever seen, thus one might be tempted to think he would also have written the best chess biography ever seen. One can but hope this is false, as only lovers of Garry could appreciate much beyond the middle of the book. At times one gets the impression that s/he is reading an extended polemic against Karpov.The excruciating detail of the first world match between these giants easily puts the reader at a snooze. Be not deceived, however, occasionally Garry gives us an insight into what it takes to be the best at the game, but he is too much of a realist to inject any of the mysticism one hopes to encounter from the master of that most cognitive sport ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from American Decades: Primary Sources, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 1231 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.American Decades Primary Sources provides fresh insight into the decade's most important events, people, and issues. Entries representing a diversity of views that provide insight into the seminal issues, themes, movements and events from the decade. Also included are concise contextual information, notes about the author and further resources. American Decades Primary Sources includes chapters on the arts, medicine and health, media, education, world events, religion, government and politics, lifestyles and social trends, law and justice, religion, business and the economy, and sports. Included to provide unique perspectives and a wealth of understanding are first hand accounts that include oral histories, songs, speeches, advertisements, TV, play and movie scripts, letters, laws, legal decisions, newspaper articles, cartoonsand recipes. ... Read more