With his fine endgame technique Anatoly Karpov managed to win positions which nearly everybody else assessed as a draw. This book takes, for the first time, a closer look at his endgame skills, which have always remained something of an enigma, explaining the finer points better than Karpov himself has ever cared to do. A highly instructive and entertaining book.
The biography details Robert James Fischer's remarkable ascent in the chess world, highlighting his transformation from a gifted young player to a legendary figure. It chronicles his significant victories, including his dominant performances against Taimanov and Larsen, leading up to his championship match against Boris Spassky. This account not only celebrates Fischer's achievements but also provides insight into his unique personality and the historical context of his journey to the World Championship.
Genius in the Background introduces brilliant chess that will be unfamiliar to even well-read chess players. Twelve chess stars are profiled with examples of their greatest achievements, but these stars are not famous – they are geniuses who stay in the background. For example, Pervakov and Afek are not household names but they compose chess studies and puzzles of such elegance and cleverness that they deserve to be famous. The names of top players such as Garry Kasparov and Veselin Topalov may be famous to chess fans, but they did not become World Champions without great help – two of their coaches are profiled in this book and provide insights into the education of a champion. A broad range of chess is covered by the twelve profiles – from openings to endgames, puzzles to training. The common thread is beauty and brilliance that deserves to be better known.
Károlyi has selected Karpov's most entertaining and instructive strategic wins from 1961-1985 as the Russian star proved he was a worthy successor to Bobby Fischer."--Page 4 of cover.
Award-winning author Tibor Karolyi concludes his investigation into the life and career of Mikhail Tal, the most entertaining and popular world chess champion of all time. This book covers the final two decades of Tal's life and games, from 1972 until his death in 1992. As in the previous volumes, insightful chess analysis and biographical research is complemented by anecdotes from famous players who share their memories of Tal "The Invincible".
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen's brilliant endgame play has been one of the key reasons for his success. With his fine technique, great inventiveness an iron determination he has won countless endgame positions in which almost everyone else would have settled for a draw. Magnus also has saved endgames that seemed impossible to hold. International Master Tibor Karolyi has selected more than 90 of Carlsen's best endgames and reviews them in chronological order to show how he developed his skills. His technique and his choices are being explained in a manner that is easy to understand for club players. It will help you to appreciate Magnus' endgame magic and shows you how to become a better endgame player yourself. A highly instructive, inspiring and entertaining book.
Chess champion Garry Kasparov wrote a bestselling series of books called My Great Predecessors, ascribing his victories to lessons learned from the games of earlier champions. Now, in a humorously titled “addition” to the series, Tibor Károlyi and Nick Aplin turn Kasparov’s chess wisdom on its head by analyzing 70 games he lost! Behind the good-natured humor is the important chess idea that every strategic or tactical principle has its exceptions, and the win often comes to the player who knows when standard procedure doesn’t apply. It’s a delightfully original commentary on modern chess theory, offering equal parts entertainment and instruction.
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the World Championship match in Reykjavik 1972 showcased a dramatic clash between American Bobby Fischer and Soviet Boris Spassky, symbolizing a larger ideological battle. This examination provides a comprehensive analysis of not only the chess strategies employed but also the personal dynamics between the players. Additionally, it revisits the contentious 1992 rematch, offering insights into the enduring legacy of these iconic matches and their impact on the world of chess.
Focusing on Viktor Korchnoi's career from 1969 to 1980, this volume delves into his notable matches, including the intense 1978 world championship against Karpov and pivotal candidates finals. It highlights Korchnoi's defection to the West in 1976, enriching the narrative with biographical insights into his life and personality. The authors utilize original interviews and diverse sources in multiple languages to create a detailed and comprehensive portrait of this legendary chess figure, continuing the exploration begun in Volume I.
Focusing on Viktor Korchnoi's remarkable chess journey from his challenging childhood through 1968, this first volume analyzes 181 games and fragments, showcasing his early rivalries with chess greats like Taimanov and Spassky. Korchnoi's resilience is highlighted against a backdrop of personal hardships, including loss and mental health struggles within his family. The book also covers his significant achievements, including three Soviet championship titles and a brief stint as world number one. Enhanced with historical photos, it offers a deep dive into Korchnoi's formative years in chess.