Secrets of the Russian Chess Masters: Fundamentals of the Game

by Lev Alburt, Larry Parr

Increase your skill and understanding of chess with the tactics that have produced unparalleled Russian grandmasters. Russia's dominance in modern chess was founded on a uniquely successful program of chess instruction. Now this program has been streamlined and adapted for American readers in a pair of books that will help readers develop, step by step, from total novicehood to an enjoyable and competitive recreational level.

Volume 1 covers the fundamentals of the game, from beginning strategies to energetic endgames. Learn from the start not just how the pieces move, but also where and why to move them.

Volume 2 goes beyond the basics to cover advanced strategy, hard-hitting openings, and classic attack and defense tactics. Both books sharpen and test your chess skills with practical, educational "chessercizes" that make your movements more muscular.

Advance in the game―and have fun doing it―using the techniques that produced a long line of Soviet champions.

Genres: Chess

286 pages, Paperback

Published July 17, 2003

Reviews

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve ever read on the subject of chess, so for now at least I don’t have anything to compare it to. However, my first response is interest coupled with a little disappointment. The first hundred pages or so are probably too basic for most people who’ve ever played the game, and the chapters on endgame strategy are a bit tedious (how much fun can you expect to get out of passed pawns and lawnmowers?). The openings and mid-game strategy tips are fascinating, but for some reason most of the examples emphasize checkmate maneuvering, wonderful if you’re playing in the tricky world of masters’ competition but maybe a bit much for beginners. The result reads more like chess problems than usable game strategy and tactics. Further, I’m not sure where the Russian chess masters enter into this. Perhaps they’re in the second volume. Most of the examples here – especially the extended games – are from Bobby Fisher, chess genius (and paranoid lunatic) to be sure but not Russian.

[shean · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as instructional books go, this one does a fantastic job. I may still be bad at chess, but it convinced me that there was hope I could get better.