Good review Junta, its been some years since I read it, but as I recall I loved the chess examples in this book, but found the writing a bit dry. (not uncommon for books of that era)
Thanks Ben, cool that you’ve read this one too - no, it definitely isn’t ‘plain writing’! I wish he’d wrote more books covering more of his games and the many stories he must have as a trainer and analyst over 50 years, but we’ll have to make do with just this one.
You could venture to surmise that it was the opposite of AI slop, the harbinger of destruction which is running amok in these virtual arenas we take residence in these days, my dear Monsieur Flakefly.
Hi Gordon, thanks I think you've been commenting on my channel too - yes adult improvers 1400-1500 are definitely in the target audience for my course.
Yes, there is material missing in the Flores, but it’s nevertheless a good book. Pawn Structure Chess also is not complete, but both are good references. There is also the book by Zlotnyk.
Thanks for highlighting this book - I wasn't aware of it (although I've seen that quote about how it's only tactics when the pawns disappear somewhere) and now I feel like I need a copy immediately!
I must say, if I were to pick someone else who might enjoy this (literary philosophical chess reflections), you might be top of the list! Would love to hear your deeper thoughts on his musings if you do get to it.
Great review, Junta. I agree with your conclusion about the appropriate audience for the book. It is likely the reason behind why the book has not been for everybody and may in fact be for relatively few.
This one is special to me to an almost spiritual level. After hundreds of completed books there have been a small handful of treasures. From an instructive point of view some of those are absolute masterpieces. But the way this one hit me is unique in the nature of its impact and in its influence on me as an individual who interacts with chess.
You increasingly strike me as a strong role model. Doing a better job of living out qualities I admire and further ahead along a similar path. This played some role in the suspense of waiting for your thoughts on the book. Also why I had a quiet confidence in recommending it. (Though it sounds like it was on your radar already.)
I very much look forward to your completion of the course you are creating. It will be fascinating to see what you map out. I'm trying to make progress documenting my own take on chess.
Thank you for setting an example for the rest of us to follow.
Thanks for the nudge for this one Gary! I think I’ll understand his wordier pages better on the re-read, I can’t say I’ve understood everything perfectly haha. Yep, I’d heard about this one somewhere else and was intrigued but I don’t think I would have gotten it as soon without you mentioning it.
The books that make you feel the most are the best.
I’m humbled by your words and appreciate them, but I’m full of doubts every week, for writing on here and everything else! I’ve spent a large part of my life on chess so I’m just glad if I can help others with the things I’ve learnt.
Good review Junta, its been some years since I read it, but as I recall I loved the chess examples in this book, but found the writing a bit dry. (not uncommon for books of that era)
Thanks Ben, cool that you’ve read this one too - no, it definitely isn’t ‘plain writing’! I wish he’d wrote more books covering more of his games and the many stories he must have as a trainer and analyst over 50 years, but we’ll have to make do with just this one.
"Proustian" indeed!
You could venture to surmise that it was the opposite of AI slop, the harbinger of destruction which is running amok in these virtual arenas we take residence in these days, my dear Monsieur Flakefly.
Hi Junta, I am keen to have a look at course. Hopefully it is suitable for adult improvers like me at 1400-1500. Take Care Be Well Gordon
Hi Gordon, thanks I think you've been commenting on my channel too - yes adult improvers 1400-1500 are definitely in the target audience for my course.
You might also like "Pawn Structure Chess" by Andy Solti's.
Thanks Fernando, I’ve read Chess Structures by Mauricio Flores Rios but hadn’t heard of this one!
Yes, there is material missing in the Flores, but it’s nevertheless a good book. Pawn Structure Chess also is not complete, but both are good references. There is also the book by Zlotnyk.
Thanks for highlighting this book - I wasn't aware of it (although I've seen that quote about how it's only tactics when the pawns disappear somewhere) and now I feel like I need a copy immediately!
I must say, if I were to pick someone else who might enjoy this (literary philosophical chess reflections), you might be top of the list! Would love to hear your deeper thoughts on his musings if you do get to it.
Great review, Junta. I agree with your conclusion about the appropriate audience for the book. It is likely the reason behind why the book has not been for everybody and may in fact be for relatively few.
This one is special to me to an almost spiritual level. After hundreds of completed books there have been a small handful of treasures. From an instructive point of view some of those are absolute masterpieces. But the way this one hit me is unique in the nature of its impact and in its influence on me as an individual who interacts with chess.
You increasingly strike me as a strong role model. Doing a better job of living out qualities I admire and further ahead along a similar path. This played some role in the suspense of waiting for your thoughts on the book. Also why I had a quiet confidence in recommending it. (Though it sounds like it was on your radar already.)
I very much look forward to your completion of the course you are creating. It will be fascinating to see what you map out. I'm trying to make progress documenting my own take on chess.
Thank you for setting an example for the rest of us to follow.
Thanks for the nudge for this one Gary! I think I’ll understand his wordier pages better on the re-read, I can’t say I’ve understood everything perfectly haha. Yep, I’d heard about this one somewhere else and was intrigued but I don’t think I would have gotten it as soon without you mentioning it.
The books that make you feel the most are the best.
I’m humbled by your words and appreciate them, but I’m full of doubts every week, for writing on here and everything else! I’ve spent a large part of my life on chess so I’m just glad if I can help others with the things I’ve learnt.