Logical Chess Move by Move – Irving Chernev,
Batsford, Figurine algebraic notation, paperback 254pp, £18.99
Batsford have published a new version of Logical Chess Move by Move, by Irving Chernev (1900-1981), originally published by Simon & Shuster (US) and Faber & Faber (UK) in 1957. A previous algebraic edition was published in 1998 by Batsford.
The subtitle is “Move by Move. Every move explained”. And it is true, there is an explanation for every move in all of the 33 games included, not by reams of analysis or variations without comment, but by text explanation; in a word reason. Explaining the reason for each move is the best advice a master can give. The reason for each move gives far more valuable information than countless variations without explanation. There is analysis, but to back up the reason.
So who is this work intended for? The blurb on the back cover says: “Once you’ve learned the basic moves, where can you go next? What’s the best way to improve your chess?”. It is also the best way to improve your chess even if you’re no longer a beginner. Yes, the first few games are described in basic terms, but the explanations become more advanced as the material progresses. Stick with it because close study will bring its natural reward.
There are many experienced players who would benefit from absorbing the wisdom in these pages, players, say, under ECF 1900 and certainly U1800; experienced players who perhaps have ‘lost their way’ in the game and need to get back to basics. I can recommend close study of this work. But please, use a real set and board – not the computer, let alone an engine – no better way to study the game than doing the work yourself.
The precepts expounded here might be considered old fashioned, but they still form the basis of the game we play today. Many players would improve their game by getting back to basics and absorbing the countless pearls of wisdom in these pages.
Ian Hunnable