The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal

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Mikhail Tal, the 'magician from Riga,' was the greatest attacking World Champion of them all, and this enchanting autobiography chronicles his extraordinary career with charm and humor.

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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 45 votes)
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45 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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One of the better written chess books is a real gem in the world of chess literature.

It offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the game. The author's writing style is clear and accessible, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced players.

The book covers various aspects of chess, including opening strategies, middle game tactics, and endgame techniques. It provides detailed explanations and examples that help readers understand and apply these concepts in their own games.

In addition to the technical aspects, the book also delves into the psychological and strategic elements of chess. It offers valuable insights into how to think like a chess master and make better decisions during the game.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in improving their chess skills or simply learning more about the fascinating game of chess.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly inspirational. It vividly showcases the remarkable things that perseverance can bring to an individual.

When a person is determined and refuses to give up in the face of challenges, amazing possibilities unfold.

Perseverance allows one to overcome obstacles, learn from failures, and continuously grow.

It gives the strength to keep going even when the going gets tough.

This book serves as a powerful reminder that with unwavering perseverance, anyone can achieve great things and reach their goals.

It encourages readers to believe in themselves and their abilities, and to never lose sight of their dreams.

By following the examples and lessons in this book, one can develop the tenacity and determination needed to succeed in life.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration and motivation to persevere and achieve their full potential.
July 15,2025
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Tal, in my opinion, was an even greater chess champion than Fischer. Both shared the same playing styles and often followed similar lines. Like Fischer, Tal was also a child prodigy.


However, Tal had serious health issues that differed from Fischer's. These issues affected his ability to maintain his position at the top. Additionally, being from Riga, he wasn't actually ethnically Russian, which caused problems for him with the Soviets.


Despite these challenges, Tal managed to defeat Botvinnik in 1960, only to lose the title in the rematch. Although he would never become champion again, he continued to play at an extremely high level, even in the candidates matches.


After the fall of the wall, Tal was warmly received in the West. He spoke openly, was friendly, and dedicated his time to younger players. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated, and he left us too soon.


He had a kind and generous heart. The "Wizard of Riga" was truly one of the greats. This is one of his masterpieces. Read and study it. There is a wealth of wisdom within.

July 15,2025
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Tal was truly a great and extremely useful figure for chess players of all levels.

He was a genius. Even though some might claim that computers would now defeat him easily, we must remember that you are not a computer. He would have adapted and updated his skills as well.

He is a legend! Probably the most famous citizen that Latvia has ever had and will ever have. He was the "Magician from Riga", and this is true.

Moreover, he was an educated and professional writer. As a result, he likely produced the best book on chess and much more. His contributions to the world of chess and literature are truly remarkable and will be remembered for a long time.

His playing style was unique and captivating, inspiring generations of chess players to come.

Tal's influence extends far beyond the chessboard, making him an icon in the world of sports and beyond.

July 15,2025
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Tal.


This guy was not only extremely intelligent but also ferocious in every aspect.


Just take a chessboard and set, along with a copy of this book. Don't make any other plans for a few hours because you'll be astonished at how quickly time passes while you're trying to figure out precisely how Mikhail Tal accomplished all this.


You can hold onto Kasparov and all the modern masters, you can keep the positional players and the old school romantics.


However, Tal was a player who gave no quarter and asked for none, and he was brilliant enough to support all of his actions. His style of play was unique and captivating, making him a truly remarkable figure in the world of chess.


His games were filled with excitement and innovation, and studying his techniques can provide valuable insights for chess enthusiasts of all levels.


Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, delving into the world of Tal is sure to be a rewarding experience.

July 15,2025
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One of the best chess books ever written is this remarkable work.

Here, the former World Chess Champion Mikhail N. Tal undertakes a unique role, serving as both the interviewer and the interviewee in this autobiographical masterpiece.

The book is a treasure trove that includes a diverse collection of chess games. There are both annotated and unannotated games, spanning across the entire spectrum of Tal's career, from its glorious high points to the more challenging low points.

These games offer readers a fascinating glimpse into the mind and strategies of one of the greatest chess players of all time. Whether you are a seasoned chess enthusiast or a beginner looking to learn from the best, this book is sure to provide hours of engaging and educational reading.

It is a must-have for anyone interested in the world of chess and the remarkable career of Mikhail N. Tal.
July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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I spent an incredibly long time engrossed in reading this book. It was as if I was determined to extract every single ounce of pleasure from it, so to speak. And indeed, it did not let me down.

Tal is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite player. Alongside Morozevich, whose style bears a striking resemblance to Tal's, yet is somewhat 'hampered' by modern opening preparation and the influence of computers. It was an absolute delight to sit down and play through his games. Approximately half of the games, I played through over the board myself, painstakingly setting up the positions and all. I made a conscious effort to view a significant number of positions as puzzles. However, most of the time, I found myself completely unable to perceive the tactical brilliancies that Tal managed to come up with. Some of them were rather sane, but the majority were truly mind-boggling! The others, I simply played through unaided. Nevertheless, Houdini 3 and the ChessBase database proved to be extremely helpful in retrieving and analyzing a large number of the games. Going through games in my head is one thing; reviewing the variations is quite another, and at times, it can be far too challenging!

In any case, this is a truly wonderful book, enhanced by Tal's wit and his fascinating and bohemian lifestyle. He is a true legend of the game, and this book rightfully earns its status as a legendary chess book!

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