Secrets of the Russian Chess Masters: Beyond the Basics

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, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though at this point 2004 is only roughly two thirds over, I’m pretty sure the subtitle of this book – “Beyond the Basics” – will contend for the Understatement of the Year award. Those expecting a natural segue from the first volume are likely to come away disappointed; in just a few short pages the set has rocketed from basic move instruction to subtle nuances of openings (and other aspects of the game) largely unfathomable to newcomers or anyone else without a reasonably thorough knowledge of the strategies being discussed. At the very least you need a chessboard next to you while you read, because the examples go for long passages with no diagrams and impart their lessons only in the intricate interrelationships between pieces. Overall this is a good coaching session for someone already adept at the game, but not much of a treat for a beginner or even an intermediate player like myself. At least the Bobby Fischer adulation was toned down a bit and games played by actual Russians used as examples.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is misleading. GM Alburt presents an excellent repertoire for study of the royal game, working through all the levels and stages while providing excellent puzzles and tests to sharpen one's skill. But there is no special attention made to the training or regimen of the Russian chess school. Certain games of Soviet era masters are presented, but then so are games by Western grandmasters as well. Basically, as an intermediate player looking to increase my level, this was a very helpful assemblage of tactics, practices, instructive games, and strategic planning to raise the level of my play.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty bland stuff

and it suffers from one main problem
where the material goes from too easy to too difficult

one symptom of crappy chess books that try to be 'manuals'

It's just made worse by the Hype of 'russian chess secrets'
And i think Kostyev and Zak's books were more 'russian in style'

[From Beginner to Expert in 40 Lessons - Kostyev]
[Forty Lessons for the Club Player - Kostyev]
[Test your Chess Results - Zak]

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a book for lower-intermediate players. There were a lot of fun tactics to go through, but nothing I haven’t seen before. It does seem to fit in line with the series, with the first volume being for beginners and this one more intermediate.

[Frederick Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the secret training module used by the Russian are featured here. Don't miss it or you will regret it.

[SAINATH REDDY · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is a bit misleading. The tactical themes and different openings are interesting. It needs a lot of puzzle practice and game practice to get better at those. A good read !