by Mikhail Tal, 212pp. (Russell Enterprises, 6th ed. 2003)
One of the greatest books ever written about a world championship match. Take a trip with the Magician from Riga as he invites you to share his thoughts and feelings as he does battle for the world title.
International Grandmaster Andy Soltis: "Mikhail Tal's splendid account of his world championship match victory is one of the masterpieces of the golden age of annotation - before insights and feelings and flashes of genius were reduced to mere moves and Informant symbols. This is simply the best book written about a world championship match by a contestant. That shouldn't be a surprise because Tal was the finest writer to become world champion."
Misha is no longer with us, but his highly acclaimed, deeply annotated account of his ascent of Mount Olympus continues to impress and intrigue players of all generations and strengths.
A sensational book. Exciting games, penetrating analysis, occasionally humorous commentary.
Review On May 8, 2005by Gordon - USCF 1600 of NY, NY
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This book is among my very favorites of any collection of annotated games. Along with Fischer's 60 memorable, and Tal's Life and Games, this book is one of the top three I pull out to read over and over.
It manages to go into the pyscological and personal aspects of the match enough to keep the book fascinating on that level, but also manages to provided in-depth analysis of the moves as well. What I love most about this book is the insight it gives you into Tal's mind. You certainly won't find Fritz-lines without explanation, as you can in some other collections. With nearly every move Tal gives his thoughts, and how he arrived at each conclusion he did. Truly a fun read.
Only a few chess players work at chess to the best of their abilities.
Boris Gelfand
Puzzle Answer
1.Rd7! Bxd7 2.Qxd7 Qb6+ 3.Kh1 Re8 4.Rxe7! Rxe7 5.Bd6 Qxd6 6.Qxd6+- Gelfand-Salov, Madrid 1996 (Source: Anthology of Chess Combinations)
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