Board games: Chess Books

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Book SynopsisThe Caro-Kann Defence remains a very popular option for Black at all levels of chess. It has always enjoyed a solid reputation, but if anything its popularity has increased in recent years with the realization that the Caro-Kann can also be employed with the intention of reaching sharp dynamic positions, rich in possibilities for both sides and with a guarantee of genuine counterplay for Black. In this book, International Master Jovanka Houska presents the reader with a complete Caro-Kann repertoire, which is based primarily on her own repertoire she has used with success over many years at international level. Houska provides a comprehensive update on her popular 2007 book Play the Caro-Kann and focuses on key new developments since then. She offers solutions against all of White's main options and efficient methods to deal with tricky sidelines. She examines important tactical and strategic plans for both sides and deals with key move order issues. This book tells you everything you need to know about playing the Caro-Kann. *An complete repertoire to 1 e4 *Packed with new ideas and analysis *Written by a Caro-Kann expertTrade ReviewOn Play the Caro-Kann (9781857444346): "If someone wants to learn to play this opening, this book will be a very good tool." Carsten Hansen (ChessCafe.com) "I would recommend it to anyone including myself!" S. Evan Kreider (Chessville.com) "Houska writes clearly and effectively and is especially good at explaining thematic ideas." John Donaldson

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Book SynopsisTwo great books by Neil McDonald from the Everyman Chess Library, Starting Out the Reti and Starting Out: The English, brought together in one volume. ----- The Réti is a popular opening at all levels of chess. The great advantage it possesses over other openings is that it's a thematic system which can be adopted against many different defences, and because of this it's a firm favourite amongst those who prefer the understanding of ideas over dry memorization of moves. ----- In this book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald examines the Réti by going back to basics, introducing the key moves and ideas, and taking care to explain the reasoning behind them - something that has often been neglected or taken for granted in other works. ----- The English is a sophisticated and popular opening system that is suitable for all types of players and can lead to both positional and tactical middlegames. Many of the world's top players, including Kasparov and Kramnik, include the English in their openings weaponry. ----- In this groundbreaking book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald revisits the basic principles behind the English and its many variations. Throughout this easy-to-read guide the reader is aided by a wealth of notes, tips and warnings from the author, while key strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated. This book is ideal for the improving player.

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Book SynopsisThis book fills an enormous void in chess literature. There are a countless number of players who are very happy to defend the black side of the Queen's Gambit or play the Nimzo-Indian, Queen's Indian, Bogo-Indian, or Benoni. However, more often than not they have been forced to muddle their way through a whole variety of annoying sidelines White has at his or her disposal, including the dreaded Trompowsky, the tricky Blackmar-Diemer Gambit and the tiresome Colle Variation. Now finally, help is at hand! In this unique book John Cox reveals everything Black players need to know about all of White's offbeat tries, presenting Black with no-nonsense answers to every white option. Readers will be fully armed to deal with anything that White can throw at them. In fact, they will have all the White players running back to the main lines!

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Book SynopsisThis is a new series which provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, Move by Move greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved, and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general skills and knowledge. In this book, Grandmaster John Emms examines his favourite Sicilian variation, the Taimanov, which is one of Black's most reliable answers to 1 e4. He shares his experience and knowledge grown from over 15 years playing the opening at grandmaster level, and offers answers to the all the key questions. *Essential guidance and training in the Sicilian Taimanov *Written by a renowned Sicilian Taimanov expert *Utilizes an ideal approach to opening studyTrade ReviewIf I were a player considering the Sicilian Defense and picked up John Emms' book, The Sicilian Taimanov, I'd start playing it the next day. - Chess Life I enjoy Emms' style in this book. There is a combination of a positive attitude towards the Taimanov and a confident voice behind the moves. This makes playing the line seem like a very pleasant possibility. I recommend this book to anyone thinking about going into a Sicilian full time, but doesn't want to be burdened with lots of heavy theory. - NM Bill McGeary

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Book SynopsisNow anyone can play chess with this straightforward, jargon-free introduction. Written especially for beginners, it''s the most comprehensive manual available and includes everything from explanations of each piece to orchestrating endgames. In addition to expert advice, simple instructions, and more than 200 easy-to-follow diagrams, novices will find: basic tactical principles, aggressive openings, the top-ten traps and attacks, specimen games to learn and crib from, and a test your chess IQ section.Basic Chess is the book you need to master the game.

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Book SynopsisThe best, the worst, the shortest, the oddest, the longest, the most deceitful, the most memorable, the most brilliant, the dumbest - of players, games, matches, tournaments, books and ideas. These lists are replete with background detail and exact facts.Trade ReviewJust the right combination of fascination and brio - Chess Life; ""a real browser's delight"" - San Francisco Chronicle; ""arguably the best chess writer on the American scene...opulent"" - Washington Times; ""a wonderfully readable book...fascinating"" - Boston Herald; ""enjoyable"" - British Chess Magazine.

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Book SynopsisThis series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general chess skills and knowledge. In this book, International Master Cyrus Lakdawala invites you to join him in studying the Scandinavian Defence. In recent years this opening has become a very popular choice for club and tournament players. Lakdawala focuses on the modern lines with 3...Qd6 - an approach championed by grandmasters and Scandinavian experts such as Sergei Tiviakov. Lakdawala outlines a reliable repertoire for Black, examines the major positional and tactical ideas, answers all the key questions and tells you everything you need to know about playing the Scandinavian. *Essential guidance and training in the Scandinavian *Important ideas absorbed by continued practice *Utilizes an ideal approach to chess studyTrade ReviewAnother great book from one of the best authors of our time! - dailychess.org

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Book Synopsis"That is part of what I like in chess: it is psychological warfare at the board." Magnus Carlsen during an interview with the BBC, March 2013 In chess, more than in any other game, battles are won and lost in the mind. US National Master William Stewart is convinced that a positive attitude is crucial if you want to develop and achieve success as a chess player, and in this book he focuses on the vital subject of chess psychology. All the key areas of chess are covered here. Stewart highlights the principles of successful opening play and outlines an easy-to-learn starting repertoire. He also examines positional play, defensive resilience, typical mistakes and how to avoid them, tournament strategy, clock management, how to study chess and much more besides. This book is packed with tips and practical advice for beginners and intermediate players, and anyone wishing to improve their mental approach to chess. *An essential guide to chess psychology *Covers opening, middlegame and endgame play *Ideal for beginners and intermediate playersTrade ReviewThis is a very interesting book containing some very pertinent advice. It is, at least, an attempt to do something different within the chess self-improvement genre, and I believe the target audience will genuinely start to think about their approach to chess in new ways after reading this work. - CHESS Magazine

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Book SynopsisThis series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practicing of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general chess skills and knowledge. The Old Indian has a well-deserved reputation as a sound defense to 1 d4. Black employs an easy-to-learn system of development, seizes a firm foothold in the center and aims to create counterplay from a solid platform. In this book, Old Indian expert Junior Tay invites you to join him in studying the opening and its many variations. Using illustrative games, Tay highlights the tactical and positional ideas for both sides, provides repertoire options for Black and offers answers all the key questions. This book will tell you everything you need to know about playing the Old Indian Defense. *Essential guidance and training in the Old Indian *Offers repertoire options for Black *Utilizes an ideal approach to chess studyTrade ReviewIt's nicely written, offers a pleasant read and is a genuine learning experience. -- Glenn Flear New in Chess

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Book Synopsis"First the idea and then the move!" Miguel Najdorf used to say in his habitually enthusiastic fashion; that statement is the perfect summary of planning in chess. Planning is of crucial importance in chess and yet this is an area that has not been well discussed or explained to ambitious players who wish to improve. A very well known saying in chess is "Better a bad plan than no plan at all". Playing without a plan - effectively staggering from one move to the next - is a recipe for disaster. It is essential to have some kind of idea of what you are trying to achieve and how to go about it. However, planning is not a straightforward matter. A good plan might be very short, lasting just two or three moves. Another plan might require almost an entire game to implement. A plan can be highly ambitious and complex or somewhat modest and simple. In chess, as in life, circumstances can change quickly and when they do, new plans are needed. How is a player expected to juggle all these different concepts while dealing with the immediate problems posed by the opponent's most recent move? In this book, grandmaster and experienced author Zenon Franco explains planning in detail. He organises material in terms of: typical structures, advantage in space, manoeuvring play, simplification and, finally attack and defence. Using games played by elite players he explains how plans are formed and carried out in these different scenarios. If you want to take your game to the next level, then Planning Move by Move will enable you to do this.Trade ReviewThe Paraguayan is developing a reputation as an excellent author, not least when it comes to general instructional volumes for Everyman's Move by Move series. Planning is one of those topics which often goes unstudied by the club player, but is a very important skill to master.--CHESS Magazine; I can recommend the book very highly as a collection of excellent and often beautiful top level games with first rate annotations. Stronger club standard players, in particular, will find it helpful in improving not just their planning skills but their tactical skills as well. ---Richard James, British Chess News

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Book SynopsisThe O’Kelly variation of the Sicilian Defence (1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 a6) is a wonderful system for those who enjoy playing Sicilian positions but don’t want to get bogged down in heavy theory. The O’Kelly relies far more on an understanding of general strategic ideas and middlegame planning than on rote memorisation of opening moves. One of the benefits of the O’Kelly is that White’s natural continuation of 3 d4, although very frequently played, permits Black confortable development and an easy game. In Play the O’Kelly Sicilian, highly experienced chess author and coach Andrew Martin guides the reader through the complexities of the O’Kelly and carves out a repertoire for Black. He examines all aspects of this fascinating opening and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. * A complete repertoire for Black against 1 e4. * All key variations analysed in detail.

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Book SynopsisAn instructional book about the crucial questions that masters ask themselves before committing to a move – a checklist for all players to ask themselves before making their own moves. Beginners learn to ask themselves the key questions. As they improve, they ask more sophisticated questions: 'What did my opponent's last move allow me to do?", 'Where is his position weakest?", 'Should I take an irrevocable step now or wait?', 'What does my opponent want me to do?'. For chess master players these are almost subconscious checklist. Andy Soltis runs through the checklist of things to ask before making a move with fascinating and illuminating examples of real chess games, from Karpov to Judith Polgar, from Magnus Carlsen to Fabiano Caruana. A key to improving is to ask all of these questions and find the right answers, for players looking to improve. The advice of Chess Masters is good advice for all chess players and the best way to take your play to the next level.Trade Review‘A very good instructional manual on how to make better decisions by narrowing down the essence of what is going on in any given position’ Carsten Hansen, American Chess Magazine (US) ‘An immersive and instructive read’ The Caissa Kid Blog

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Book SynopsisAn informative and accessible new book by Thomas Engqvist, the practical follow up to his previous two authoritative chess books: 300 Most Important Chess Positions and 300 Most Important Tactical Chess Positions. Filled with 300 engaging chess exercises and complete solutions in the end of the book, this book will allow you to apply and consolidate your newfound knowledge. The book is divided into four key sections: ·75 exercises practising positional ideas in the opening/middlegame ·75 exercises covering the endgame ·75 tactical exercises in the opening/middlegame ·75 tactical endgames. The exercises featured in the book are taken from real game positions from various renowned chess players, including Capablanca and Magnus Carlsen.Trade Review‘Those hidden tactical tricks, that technique for winning a pawn ending, this curious knight manoeuvre; the storehouse of stratagems contained herein; can be turned to good use in your own games. You acquire an arsenal of weapons and become a more formidable player. All told, an excellent book.’ The Caissa Kid Blog ‘Filled with engaging game exercises, which form an impressive diverse collection plus solutions appropriately placed.’ British Chess Magazine James Pratt ‘A book by an outstanding teacher … very highly recommended for club standard players ambitious to improve their rating’ British Chess News Richard James

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Book SynopsisThe Nimzo-Indian is one of the soundest and most popular defences against 1 d4, offering Black the chance to unbalance the game early on and play for a win without undue risk. Advocates include virtually all of the world's top players, including Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, Vishy Anand and Anatoly Karpov. In this revolutionary book, Grandmaster Chris Ward revisits the basic principles behind the Nimzo-Indian and its many variations. Throughout this easy-to-read guide the reader is helped along by a wealth of notes, tips and warnings from the author, while key strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated. This book is ideal for the improving player.

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Book SynopsisPositional chess remains a mystery to many and yet an understanding of the finer points of the game so often makes the difference between two equally matched players. Improve your positional play and you will see chess in a totally new dimension! In this unique book, International Master Jacob Aagaard selects many original examples of positional chess, the creme de la creme of those that he uses for training and study. Aagaard also delves deeply into the ideas of positional evaluation and analysis. * Teaches how to mix calculation with evaluation * Contains many original exercises * Written by a battle-hardened expert

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Book SynopsisAlexei Shirov has dazzled and inspired a generation of chess fans with his unique brand of attacking chess. The Grandmaster, originally from Riga, Latvia, is widely regarded as one of the most aggressive and inventive chess players of the modern era, an argument backed up by his wealth of amazing games, rich in tactical fireworks and extraordinary moves. Fire on Board begins where the best-selling first edition left off in 1996. Shirov traces his progress at the top of the chess world since that year and presents a delightful collection of his favorite games, all explained in great detail to readers.Trade Review"When I first read this book, I felt like I was being treated to a long display of stunning fireworks."--John Watson, The Week in Chess "A tremendous game collection by a top star."--Eric Schiller, Chessworks.com "It contains many amazing games, that are full of wonderful combinations and sacrifices." --Bill Kelleher, ChessCafe.com

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Book SynopsisFew would disagree that the Queen's Gambit is one of the most important openings in chess. It has a long and distinguished history and has been played by virtually all the strongest Grandmasters: Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, Anatoly Karpov, Vishy Anand--the list goes on and on! From the very beginning White develops actively, takes the initiative and strives to dominate the center. Most agree that the Queen's Gambit is White's best chance for an opening advantage after 1 d4 d5. Despite its many advantages, some prospective Queen's Gambit players are put off by the possibility of having to learn a labyrinth of different variations. In Play the Queen's Gambit Chris Ward solves this problem by presenting the reader with a concise and workable repertoire, offering a solution against each of Black's possible defences, whether it's a critical major variation or a tricky sideline. Ward examines the tactical and strategic motifs for both players and arms the reader with enough information and self-assurance to begin playing the Queen's Gambit in his or her own games.

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Book SynopsisAll top chess players agree that to keep your tactical muscles in shape it's imperative to continue training, and the easiest and most fun way to do this is by performing tactical exercises. Even solving a few puzzles for ten minutes each day can be of utmost benefit for the aspiring player. But where can one find the required number of suitable puzzles to satisfy this demand? Look no further than "The Complete Chess Workout". In this book, tactics expert Richard Palliser presents the reader with a massive 1200 puzzles, all checked for accuracy by the latest computer engines. There is something for players of all levels here: many basic tactics - forks, pins, skewers and checkmates - to appeal to beginners and improvers, and a considerable number of brain-teasers that will tax even the strongest of players. Palliser has meticulously collected puzzles from practical play in recent years - a large percentage of the exercises here will be completely new to most readers. All the important tactical themes are covered, while there are special sections on opening traps and end games. Work your way through this book, and your opponents will soon be on the receiving end of your increased tactical powers!Trade Review"'Simply masterful' Grandmaster Glenn Flear reviewing Palliser's Tango! for New In Chess. 'Palliser is an admirably reliable guide' British Chess Magazine's review of Palliser's Bb5 Sicilian."

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Book SynopsisDo you need a well-deserved break from your normal chess openings? Are you tired of constantly having to keep up with modern chess theory? Or perhaps you simply wish to try out something new and inspiring, but cannot decide amongst the embarrassment of choices available? Look no further for the answer! In "Dangerous Weapons: 1 e4 e5", renowned opening experts John Emms, Glenn Flear and Andrew Greet take a revolutionary look at one of the most famous and widely-played chess openings. Instead of travelling down well-trodden and analysed paths, the authors concentrate on fresh or little-explored variations, selecting a wealth of 'dangerous' options for both colours. Whether playing White or Black, a study of this book will leave you confident and fully-armed, and your opponents running for cover! "Dangerous Weapons" is an exciting series of opening books which supply the reader with an abundance of hard-hitting ideas to revitalize his or her opening repertoire. Many of the carefully chosen weapons are innovative, visually shocking, incredibly tricky, or have been unfairly discarded; they are guaranteed to throw even your most experienced opponent off balance. It discusses Open Games in a whole new light. It is packed with original ideas and analysis. It is ideal for ambitious and adventurous players.Trade Review"'Whoever absorbs this wealth of original analysis can expect exciting games and some quick wins, with both colours!' James Vigus, reviewing Dangerous Weapons: The Sicilian in British Chess Magazine. 'A lot of fun' GM Lubomir Kavalek reviewing Dangerous Weapons: The Nimzo-Indian in The Washington Post 'Everyman Chess looks to have a winning series straight out of the gate.' John Donaldson, reviewing the series for Jeremysilman.com"

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Book SynopsisThis series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general chess skills and knowledge. The King's Indian Attack is a very popular system of development for White. It's easy to learn and play, can be used against many defences and is based on understanding ideas rather than memorizing moves. White's plan typically involves a deliberate and sustained attack on the black king, which often proves to be highly effective. In this book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald examines in depth the many variations of the King's Indian Attack. He outlines White's most promising options and Black's best defences, and provides answers to all the key questions. *Essential guidance and training in the King's Indian Attack *Provides repertoire options for White *Utilizes an ideal approach to chess study

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Book SynopsisI was lucky enough to play against six world champions and several top players in my modest chess career, but the greatest player I feel privileged to have known, to have spent time with him, was Miguel Najdorf, “El Viejo”. This is a chess book, with 275 commented games, it covers all his chess career, but it has also many stories. Najdorf was the most important Argentinean chess player, and he was an exceptional person. Oscar Panno said that Najdorf reminded him of Don Quixote, in the part of the book where he tells Sancho Panza, “Wherever I am, that is where the head of the table is going to be”. He successfully overcame the most terrible setbacks, as few are capable of doing. Writing about Miguel Najdorf is one of my greatest pleasures as a chess journalist and writer! Zenon Franco Ocampos, April 2021.

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Book Synopsis In this long-awaited second Thinkers-book of International Master, Armin Juhasz, the reader is invited to take a seat in his classroom and follow his useful guidelines how to improve your practical play. The emphasis is on general principles that readers will be able to use in their own games, and detailed analysis is always given where it is necessary. Each game and fragment contain many lessons and practical tips, guiding the reader through the most important ideas in each phase of the game. This book illustrates an increasingly prevalent and successful style of play, a method that begins by slowly accumulating small but permanent advantages. The author does a very good job of explaining the key points of the game in such a way that the reader is given a true account of what is happening and not some watered down version. Translating the muddy world of modern master chess into something that is understandable to the layman, is a skill Armin mastered.

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Book SynopsisDo you like chess and want to become a better player without putting in hundreds of hours training? 365 Endgame Lessons for Novices has a practical approach with a focus on the endgame. This book helps to eliminate hours of game study and provides bite-sized lessons and tasks that you can implement each day to improve your chess game over the course of a year. We’ve collected an array of typical positions and situations that are frequently seen on the board so that you can better anticipate common mistakes, as well as teach you how you can exploit your opponent’s mistakes. If you make 5-10 minutes of chess study a daily habit, you will improve your chess game and your “chess brain” by opening your mind to planning and moves you wouldn’t otherwise see on the chess board.

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Book SynopsisFor almost two centuries the French Defense has been a universally popular opening. Many authorities have made their contribution to establishing the theory. Thanks to their efforts, players nowadays can easily make a choice between the many and various options, whether peaceful or sharp, whether statically or dynamically orientated. Just as importantly, if not more so, fans of the French worldwide can today find good options to play both for a win and a draw! All this makes the French Defense very popular. However, the authors think that many lines have not been well explained or should be revisited. Some other lines deserve a better reputation. Finally we have also suggested some new approaches. Simply speaking, the French Defense looks to be inexhaustible and there cannot be enough books dedicated to it. This book takes a step in the direction of revitalizing our favorite opening! The authors have decided to set the book in order from the less to the more popular and complex lines. In the case of the most popular moves 3. e5, 3. Nd2 and 3. Nc3, we decided to offer two options for Black – one aims to lead to calm play, taking care first with finding balance and equalizing; the other aims to lead to a direct game. Needless to say, we wish to arm the reader in all scenarios that can arise in a practical game of chess, depending on their intentions, wishes, preparation, motivation level, and standings etc.

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Book SynopsisThis book is the definitive volume on the history of chess in Singapore. Covering 1945-1990, it covers the post-war emergence of a truly 'local' chess scene out of the colonial period, then taking the story up to the modern era. Contained within these pages are tributes to the modern founding fathers of Singapore chess. Also chronicled within are the careers of Singapore's top players and their achievements. This includes fine team performances (belying Singapore's seeming status in the chess world as a tiny red dot) and spectacular individual successes on the international stage.In documenting chess development in Singapore for the period in question, this book also provides glimpses of a wider social history. Personal stories (based on fresh interviews) are provided that give a sense of the chessplaying milieu of the time. Stalwarts in the chess scene, featured in this book, went on to be notable figures in the wider social and political landscape.A selection of 139 annotated games played by top Singapore-based players and Singapore masters between 1949 and 1990 is matched by a rich collection of more than 200 rare illustrations. This volume is a wonderful resource for chess aficionados, interested amateurs, collectors and historians.

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