A First Book of Morphy

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Summary: A First Book of Morphy
Review: It is a great book. It really helps you understand the games it shows you. It also demonstrates the 30 rules of Chess. These rules are what chess players have discovered in over a centry.

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Summary: Economy & Lucidity a la Morphy
Review: Nineteenth century American prodigy Paul Morphy never wrote anything about how to play chess, but his games are sparkling examples of classical chess principles at work. He had a talent for discovering magical moves that wound his opponents up in knots -- check, check, and mate out of nowhere. How did he do it? Everyone agrees that it was his insight into principles and his tactical genius that allowed him to dominate the greatest masters of Europe in his day. So, a book of Morphy's games would be entertaining and inspiring. But Frisco del Rosario has done more than compile brilliancies from Morphy's games -- he uses carefully selected games as case studies to illustrate principles enunciated by chess writers such as Fine, Horowitz, and Purdy. On the one hand, you have a principle, such as "Develop with threats" and on the other you have an application, "Morphy vs. Duke of Brunswick and Count Isouard." The back and forth between principle and illustrations is well-choreographed and told in a lean and lucid manner. The beauty of this approach is del Rosario's choice of games to illustrate the principles -- they are all crystal clear. The cumulative wisdom of the principles themselves form a unified approach to good chess. Very helpful are del Rosario's explanations of tactical sidelights that informed the decisions of Morphy and his opponents. Some authors go overboard on this and leave you mired in detail. Not in this book. The text, like the games of Morphy, moves quickly. Read it and play through the examples for enjoyment, and you'll feel the effects next time you're faced with a decision over the board.

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Summary: This is THE must have book
Review: This book is incredible. I have bought (and sold!) many different chess books but this is the first that has had a dramatic impact on my game.

I have been to many of the author's lectures that were based on this book. It was how I was able to rediscover my game and got me back to the core principles of how to win a game (vs. memorizing the 20 variations to the xyz defense to the abc attack). It made chess fun again and had me winning more games.

The book is very readable and well thought out. It is also very powerful - you can spend a little time with it and still have a solid improvement - or you can spend a lot more time and be amazed at how much it can do for your game and your perspective on chess.

With regard to applicability, it has a wide range. I am using it with my young kids and know a bunch of expert players who love it also.

I can't recommend it highly enough.