Book Description

This has long been one of the standard books on basic chess strategy. It takes the player from the middle game of chess and shows how to take it to a favorable conclusion. TAKING basic principles of military strategy and applying them to the chess board, the authors of this remarkable book develop a logical, and highly original concept of the game which is both novel and unconventional. Chess is, in fact, war between two opponents who both have men to command, and a field on which to meet. From this simple proposition, and the suggestion that the advantage will be with the commander who is thoroughly acquainted with the terrain, the book analyzes logically and succinctly, each phase of the battle. The text is successfully illustrated with examples from the play of other players who were not masters, and the book can be considered as designed for players of some experience, but who have not attained championship status; with the double aim of providing both an analytical study of the army and the field -the board and the men- and a sure, basic insight with which to comprehend the finesse of the Chess-masters. Dr. Euwe's contribution is a guarantee of sound chess and there is, finally, a chapter on the human element; a factor that may well be vital, which suggests that aggressive spirit, keen psychology, and an intelligent grasp of a changing situation, are weapons of prime consequence at all stages of the game.