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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 45 votes)
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45 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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fwqwqffs is an interesting and rather mysterious term. It could potentially refer to a wide variety of things. Maybe it's an abbreviation for a specific concept, a code name for a project, or even a made-up word with a unique meaning known only to a particular group. Without further context, it's difficult to determine its exact significance. However, its very existence piques our curiosity and makes us wonder what lies behind it. It could be the start of an exciting adventure of discovery as we try to解开 its mystery.

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!

July 15,2025
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Mikhail Tal was truly the most creative chess player throughout history.

This remarkable book features Tal providing commentary on some of the most outrageously insane tactics. What makes it truly engaging is the way he presents it, in a manner that is both fun and easily accessible. It feels as if one is reading a mock interview, and Tal comes across as a delightfully funny old-school kind of fellow.

There has been wide speculation that he played while under the influence of drink and drugs, and indeed, many of these games seem to support this claim. His sacrifices were made in ways that the average mind simply cannot fathom.

Perhaps one day, in a state of absolute intoxication, I'll pick up this book again and see how it all comes together in a new and profound way.

It is highly recommended to all chess fans, regardless of their level of ability.
July 15,2025
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This is the best chess biography I've ever read.

Tal was passionately in love with chess, and his enthusiasm for the game shines through on every page of this captivating love story. You can't help but be inspired to play after reading his infectious game annotations. The urge to sacrifice a knight on e6 as soon as possible becomes almost irresistible.

Like any great teacher, Tal has the ability to make you excited about the subject. When you finish reading, you immediately want to rush off and play.

Tal constantly found innovative ways to inject life into otherwise stale and technical positions. He often made the game incredibly complicated, leaving everyone scratching their heads and wondering what was happening. He was like a chaos pilot, fearlessly heading into the biggest storm clouds on the horizon in search of something new and wonderful.

Most of us prefer to feel in control and safe. But Tal loved to explore and seek adventure. He always seemed to be asking, "What happens if I do this?" As a result, his games were filled with sacrifices that were intuitive, based on feelings and aesthetics rather than strict logic and mathematics.

His childlike curiosity and enthusiasm were combined with a legendary ability to calculate variations. In every sense of the word, he was a genius. His style harkened back to the swashbuckling romantics of the 19th century.

During the 1940s and 50s, the Soviets were trying to convince everyone that chess was a science. It had rules and laws that had to be followed to play proper chess. The world champion, Botvinnik, was a scientist himself. He promoted research, hard work, and rigorous intellectual exercise. According to him, to win at chess, you had to build up small, positional advantages and then grind out a win in the endgame due to superior technique. But as Tal says, it sounds like someone saving up money to buy a motorcycle. Where's the fun in that? Let's just play!

It's easy to cheer for our hero as he rises to the top of the chess world. He is a smart, funny, and personable young man. What strikes me the most is how down-to-earth he is. You can tell he truly wants you to enjoy the game as much as he does. It's not just about beating the opponent; it's about creating something new and beautiful for everyone to share.

His reign as World Champion was short-lived, as was the man himself. But this fearless genius left us with a treasure trove of brilliant games. He showed that chess can be more than just a game, more than science or a mathematical puzzle. It is a form of art. It's a way to gain insight into how someone thinks and sees things. It's a glimpse into someone's soul.

This book lays bare the soul of a man who dedicated his life to celebrating beauty and friendship. Buy this book, along with his account of the 1960 World Championship against Botvinnik. They are both immortal classics.
July 15,2025
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I've been attempting to get through this for a number of years.

It's truly amazing. However, it is quite time-consuming because you have to play through various situations in order to truly appreciate it.

Each playthrough offers new insights and experiences that make the whole process worthwhile.

Although it may take a significant amount of time, the rewards are well worth the effort.

You get to explore different scenarios and understand the depth and complexity of the game or activity.

It's like embarking on a journey where every step counts and leads to a greater understanding and enjoyment.

So, even though it's time-consuming, I continue to pursue it because I know that the end result will be something truly remarkable.
July 15,2025
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I highly recommend it.

The best way to get to know the 1960 world champion is through various means.

One can start by reading books and articles written about that era and the champion himself. These sources can provide in-depth information about his life, his training methods, and his journey to becoming the world champion.

Another option is to watch documentaries or old footage of his matches. This can give a visual perspective and allow you to witness his skills and techniques in action.

Interacting with people who were around during that time or have a passion for that particular sport can also be a great way to learn more. They may have personal stories or insights to share that you won't find in books or documentaries.

By using these methods, you can gain a better understanding and appreciation of the 1960 world champion and his achievements.
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