Rethinking the Chess Pieces

by Andrew Soltis

Professionals know that during the course of a game, the value of chess pieces change. And they use this knowledge to decide which pieces to exchange--and when. International grandmaster Andrew Soltis, the author of Bobby Fischer Rediscovered , helps pass this important information on to novices so they can benefit, too. He investigates why the traditional "chart of relative values" or computer analysis so often fails to explain why certain trades and sacrifices work and others just don't. All the typical decisions a player has to make, such as whether to swap two minor pieces for rook and pawn, receive detailed scrutiny. Players will appreciate the insightful analysis.

Genres: Chess, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

If one wants to explore the intricacies of chess pieces, this book is a must.
All the little wisdoms, like:
"Bishops increase in value as the game goes on."
(Soviet-era trainers)
"If you have to lose material early in the game, it is usually better to give up the Exchange than a pawn."
(Cecil Purdy)
"In 99% of Q+R vs 2Rs + piece positions, the second player should avoid trading rooks."
(Anatoly Karpov)
"The hardest part of giving up a rook for piece is psychological."
(Tigran Petrosian)
"In [pawn-up] endings with a bishop and knight each, exchanging dissimilar pieces has the effect of improving the defender's drawing chances."
(Vishy Anand)
...are collected in a little - but highly instructive - book.