Lasker's Manual of Chess, New 21st Century Edition

A very modern update to a classical work.

"Lasker's Manual of Chess" is my favorite chess book. Unlike many chess players, I only own a few.It begins with the elements of chess: the pieces, how they move, and the essential advantages and disadvantages of positions the player will likely find himself in. Curiously, Lasker discusses the square. All of chess revolves about going from one square to another, and Lasker presumes (rightly so, I believe) that to know the end well, the player must see the very beginning at its core.He goes on to explain the why and what-fors about openings. He presents the opening concept both as a theory to muse over, and as a practical matter of setting things in such a way as to increase your likelihood of winning. He explains "Sortez les pieces" (Get the pieces out), and other 'rules' of chess.Like a Mark Twain book review, he feels in complete candor permission to question 'compilers', those players who memorize every variation of boardplay and win by the ability to study. He contrasts these players with those with natural talent, who he apreciates much more.Lasker walks through each step of the major openings in a clear manner, unlike some of the fuzzy chess primers written by modern masters.If fencing is played like chess, it could also be said chess is played like fencing. Lasker comments in the next section about the combinations, and suggestion chess is replete with violence, countered effectively by more violence, all brutal and seething with imminent danger. He provides, among others, an example of a check to the queen by a pawn.In the combinations section, he looks at variation predicaments great players he has encountered have wandered into, and how they pulled out these situations victoriously.Later, he goes through various positions, even the aesthetics effects of chess."Lasker's Manual of Chess" by Emanuel Lasker is a great book for a high school level or above player to explore. I fully recommend it.Anthony TrendlAmericanSpeechwriter.con