Russian Chess

Rating:
Summary: "Pandolfini's Most Substantive Work"
Review: I've either read or browsed all of Pandofini's books and I feel this is his best work. Using the format of move-by-move analysis of six games by rising Russian masters, he illustrates all of the basic strategic motifs, the "meat and potatoes" of the game for a beginning or intermediate player. At the time I read it as a newbie I did not have any strategy classics such as Nimzovich's "My System"; I learned many of the same concepts from this book and a few others. In addition to it's instructional value, "Russian Chess" is quite entertaining to read. For chess history buffs he includes pertinent quotes from the greats in between moves, revealing both their thoughts and general philosophy of play. The book is quite humorous in places as well. All in all, a very practical addition to any library.

Rating:
Summary: A little to simple for anyone above B-class, but...
Review: This is a veritable textbook on how to conduct a complete game. It emphasizes the game as a WHOLE, not just opening, middle, and end parts. Six games are given with EACH move given commentary and/or analysis. Questions are given to the reader at key points during each game to stress certain points. GrandMaster and past World Champion anecdotes are also given to help accentuate these points. This book is a joy to read. It may be a little too simple for B-class and above players, but "you can always learn something from anyone"(Robert J. Fischer). Highly recommended for beginners to 1600s.