40 Lessons for the Club Player: A Proven Course in All Aspects of Chess

Rating:
Summary: Buy this book
Review: This is one of the best of the Russian method instruction books. The Russian method gives emphasis upon the classic games of the 19th century as a basis for understanding modern strategy. And the method works, judging by the results they have achieved in professional practice. This book also contains examples of Russian grandmasters when they were very young students (they played strongly, have no doubt) and is an excellent alternative to the condescending books written by American authors who try to teach down to the public whom they assume are chess idiots. What I am trying to say is that this book is honest and combines a practical teaching method with an appreciation of chess history while many new books written by famous American writers pale in comparison to this classic work. Essential for players rated between 1700 and 2000 or so.

Rating:
Summary: Buy this book
Review: This is one of the best of the Russian method instruction books. The Russian method gives emphasis upon the classic games of the 19th century as a basis for understanding modern strategy. And the method works, judging by the results they have achieved in professional practice. This book also contains examples of Russian grandmasters when they were very young students (they played strongly, have no doubt) and is an excellent alternative to the condescending books written by American authors who try to teach down to the public whom they assume are chess idiots. What I am trying to say is that this book is honest and combines a practical teaching method with an appreciation of chess history while many new books written by famous American writers pale in comparison to this classic work. Essential for players rated between 1700 and 2000 or so.

Rating:
Summary: Boring and overrated
Review: We are so fascinated by Soviet stuff when it comes to chess. Most Soviet chess people exhibit all the humanity of a dead fish. This book is no exception; it will dryly put you to sleep. It is overrated and not important. Save your money. There are so many good chess books. Check out the lists along the sides of these reviews. Those are the classics. You will not find this book on any of them.