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BCM Chess Book Reviews : September 2009

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Kasparov vs Karpov 1986-1987 by Garry Kasparov, Everyman, 432 pages, £30.00.

This is the third volume in the series Garry Kasparov on Modern Chess and deals with the two world championships that the author played against Karpov following his conquest of the world title in 1985. If you are interested in the history of chess at this most momentous of times, you will want to buy this book simply to read what one of the two principal characters in the drama has to say about it. It is almost an irrelevance to judge whether it is a good, bad or indifferent book. It is by Kasparov about two hugely important events and thus automatically becomes essential reading. For a similar reason, it is important reading if you are interested in the development of opening theory in the fashionable lines of the time.
    You might have expected the psychological character of the ongoing narrative to have changed subtly as Kasparov transformed into the title holder rather than challenger but it is the hallmark of the man that he casts himself always as a man who fights against the system. Just because he had become champion, it did not automatically follow that the Soviet chess establishment would throw its weight behind him. It was only when he had battled through these two matches could he look forward to his first calendar year with no title to defend. So Kasparov’s outlook is much as in the earlier volumes and the ‘problem’ of Karpov as yet far from solved.
    Kasparov’s first match as champion (the third against Karpov in total) has added interest for UK readers as the first half of it was played in London. It was the first world championship match to be staged here until that time. Kasparov is complimentary about the arrangements for the London phase of the match – he describes it as “splendidly organised” (he may have been influenced by his plus one score after 12 games, of course) – and clearly considered it better than the second half in Leningrad (when he compares the early computerised demo boards with the “archaic” arrangements for displaying the moves back in the USSR, where the organisers had refused the offer of free use of the British equipment).
    Kasparov analyses his epic 16th win (and its psychological consequences) over 26 pages. This was followed by massive trauma for Kasparov – three straight losses and the resignation of one of his coaches, Evgeny Vladimirov. This particular chapter is baldly entitled ‘Stab in the Back’ and in it Kasparov (and, in quotations, Nikitin) accuse the Kazakh grandmaster of smuggling out theoretical information to the Karpov from the early stages of the London leg. Kasparov admits that he had no direct evidence of Vladimirov’s colluding with the Karpov team but puts together a detailed and logical case based on circumstantial evidence. It makes fascinating reading and causes one to wonder if Kasparov made a mistake in choosing national politics for a second career. Perhaps he should have considered emulating spy thriller writer John LeCarre rather than Vladimir Putin.
    Before the next match there was time for more politics. Kasparov waded in with enthusiasm although he again proved less adept at chess politics than on the 64 squares. He admits that FIDE and his national federation got the better of him. Seville provided another generous helping of chess, intrigue and betrayal, ending with one of the greatest cliff-hangers in chess history which was almost too good to be true. A delightful, evocative book which can scarcely fail to entertain and educate. Review by John Saunders.

Understanding Chess Endgames by John Nunn, Gambit, 224 pages, £15.99.

The sub-title of the book is “featuring the 100 most important endgame ideas”. It is intended as an instructional book for relatively inexperienced players, with 100 double-page spreads on 100 standard themes, all the way from simple king and pawn endings to tactical themes that are relevant to the endgame. Each two-page spread has four to six diagrams so it is suitable for reading without recourse to a board. It is admirably clear and attractively presented. JS.








 

The Classical King’s Indian Uncovered by Krzysztof Panczyk and Jacek Ilczuk, Everyman, 384 pages, £15.99.

Why are books on the Classical King’s Indian so voluminous? This Everyman book is reminiscent of the mighty tomes produced by John Nunn and Graham Burgess for Batsford in the 1990s. But of course things have moved on apace since then. For non-KID players this is going to look like an intimidating slab of variation spaghetti but true believers in the KID (the reviewer is one) will want to possess this book. JS.








 

Starting Out: The Trompowsky Attack by Richard Palliser, Everyman, 192 pages, £14.99.

The Trompowsky has long since been promoted from “offbeat” to “respected opening” status and this substantial tome by the assiduous Richard Palliser adds weight to its reputation. JS.






   

Pirc Alert! (2nd Ed.) by Lev Alburt and Alex Chernin, CIRC, 448 pages, £24.95.

This is a updated edition of a book which appeared in 2001. It is an attractively presented work which includes a lot of ideas and suggestions from the two grandmaster authors. JS.

Secrets of Opening Surprises, Vol. 11 by Jeroen Bosch, New in Chess, 144 pages, £17.99.

The latest edition of this entertaining theory periodical contains the usual varied selection of offbeat lines with which to baffle the opposition. Contributors include Glenn Flear, Adrian Mikhalchishin and Arthur Kogan. JS.








   

Chess for Rookies by Craig Pritchett, Everyman, 320 pages, £13.99.

This is a beginner’s book (hence probably of not much interest to BCM readers) written by the former Scottish champion. It would suit an adult who wants to concentrate on learning the moves of the game rather than receiving a general education in chess culture. JS.






   

The Most Valuable Skills in Chess by Maurice Ashley, Gambit, 160 pages, £11.95.

This is also a beginner’s book, which takes up instruction just beyond the learning of the basic rules. American grandmaster Maurice Ashley has a florid, persuasive style of writing which turns the learning of basic ideas into good fun. JS.

Just in: The f4 Sicilian by Nigel Davies, ChessBase DVD-ROM, £24.95; The Caro-Kann by Viktor Bologan, ChessBase DVD-ROM, £24.95.    

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