Mikhail Tal became extremely popular and famous in a very short time. The reason for this was that he played chess in a completely different way compared to most of the other Soviet grandmasters.

Most of those grandmasters more or less imitated their acknowledged leader, the world champion Mikhail Botvinnik. Botvinnik had a playing style that was quiet, calculating, and rational, although some might even say it was a bit boring.

Tal, on the other hand, brought a new and exciting approach to the game. His style was full of aggression, creativity, and unexpected moves. This made his games not only highly entertaining but also a source of inspiration for many chess enthusiasts.

I, for one, study strategy every day. I am constantly trying to understand the different styles of play and learn from the greats like Tal and Botvinnik. By doing so, I hope to improve my own game and maybe one day be able to play at a high level myself.

Tal is truly hypnotizing, not only in the matches but also in his words.

This is by far the best biography I have ever read. What an interesting character!

His reasoning is simple yet extremely complex, and I was very much amazed.

I only knew him through the games I studied in the last few years, and now it feels like a new layer of understanding is opening up, both regarding the matches and chess in general.

It is very inspiring and strangely revolutionary.

There is, however, a sense of regret as he left too early.

I highly recommend this reading to anyone interested in the world of chess.

It offers a unique perspective and deep insights into the mind of a remarkable chess player.

You will be captivated from the first page and gain a new appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the game.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the life and thoughts of Tal.

Assigning a number of stars to a given book is an extremely tricky task, as there are an abundance of dimensions that need to be taken into consideration.

Books can possess various qualities such as being useful, being "important" within their specific field, being of high quality, being appealing in general, or even being appealing to the reviewer, despite the reviewer being aware that it is an idiosyncratic taste.

Then there is "Life and Games of Mikhail Tal", which ingeniously solves this problem by being a five-star book in each and every one of these categories. If going over chess games holds any sort of appeal to you at all, you will most likely have a great fondness for this book. Chess books are almost never, ever this highly readable. And what about the subject matter? Tal is truly the man. As Botvinnik once astutely said, "I couldn’t make myself dislike him." Tal's unique personality truly shines through in this book. It is incredibly hard to envision someone reading through the entire thing (including the famous Hippo story - go ahead and google it!) and thinking "Wow, Tal is lame."

Tal is a notoriously creative player, so some might erroneously think that only players with similar styles would be able to appreciate this collection. However, that is not the case. My own style is very little like Tal's - I prioritize looking for and precisely calculating short variations, with few intuitive sacrifices - and yet I still absolutely love going through the games and the accompanying commentary. What's more, after having done so a few times, I realized that some aspects of Tal's style even had a bit of an influence on me.

I had initially expected to give a coherent, detailed review, but I clearly fell short. That is just how enthusiastic I am about this book. It is one of the few universally well-regarded books that truly does live up to all the hype.

The Magician from Riga

The book in question is a captivating and whimsical chess autobiography. It belongs to the former World champion Mikhail Tal, who is renowned for his highly creative and even mercurial playstyle. His games are filled with sharp tactics, energetic and decisive pawn moves, and of course, his legendary quality and piece sacrifices, as can be seen from the collection of games presented in the book.

Mikhail Tal's play is not only about the bold and flashy moves. The author has also been impressed by the subtleties involved in his seemingly quiet moves. Moreover, throughout the book, the author-narrator-main character shows great humility and self-derision, which is truly endearing. Among the chess literature the author has read, this book clearly stands out when it comes to the human qualities of the author shining through the prose.

Incidentally, this work is also a highly informative document about the lifestyle of the most distinguished chess competitors from the USSR. They were always on the move, from one event to another, constantly keeping up with the latest developments in chess opening theory. The games played with other greats like Mikhail Botvinnnik, Paul Keres, Viktor Korchnoi, and many others are highly illustrative of what it meant to be a professional chess player in the Soviet Union back then.

Further reading in chess literature:
- Bréviaire des échecs
- Chess Master vs. Chess Amateur
- L'art de faire mat
- How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery Through Chess Imbalances

Soundtrack :
- Reinvention - Gryphon

This book is truly one of my all-time favorite reads.

As you delve into its pages, you have an almost magical experience of streaming through the various aspects of living life.

What makes it even more remarkable is that it manages to be an incredibly riveting tale even for those who have no prior interest or knowledge in chess.

The story weaves a web of intrigue, emotions, and complex characters that draw you in and keep you hooked from start to finish.

It is not just a good read; it is a classic that has stood the test of time.

Whether you are a literature enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging story, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

It offers a unique perspective on life, love, and the pursuit of excellence, all through the lens of the fascinating world of chess.

So, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and pick up this amazing book.

You won't be disappointed.

This is truly great. There are 100 amazing games here, each accompanied by great anecdotes that add a touch of charm and personality. The insightful commentary provides valuable perspectives and helps me understand the strategies and thought processes behind each move. The wit and humor sprinkled throughout make the reading experience even more enjoyable. It's just everything I could have wanted from a collection of games.

Sadly, I have to admit that I am not very fast at reading through chess games. I find myself getting lost in the details and taking my time to fully appreciate each move and its implications. But that's okay, because this collection is so rich and engaging that I don't mind spending the extra time. It's like a treasure trove that I can explore at my own pace, uncovering new gems and insights with each read.

Undoubtedly, the best chess book ever written is a masterpiece that stands out in the world of chess literature. It offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the game, covering everything from the basics to the most advanced strategies and techniques.

The author's profound knowledge and expertise in chess are evident throughout the book. The explanations are clear, concise, and easy to understand, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced players alike.

What sets this book apart is its unique approach to teaching chess. It not only provides theoretical knowledge but also includes numerous practical examples and exercises to help readers apply what they have learned. This hands-on approach allows readers to improve their skills and understanding of the game at a much faster pace.

In conclusion, if you are serious about learning chess or improving your existing skills, this book is an absolute must-read. It is without a doubt the best chess book ever written and will surely become a valuable addition to your chess library.

Chess is an incredibly awesome game.

It has been around for centuries and has captivated the minds of people all over the world.

The strategic depth and complexity of chess are truly remarkable.

Players must carefully plan their moves, anticipate their opponent's actions, and make split-second decisions.

It requires not only intelligence but also patience, concentration, and the ability to think ahead.

Chess can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, making it a universal game.

Whether you are a beginner or a grandmaster, there is always something new to learn and discover in the world of chess.

It is a game that challenges you to improve and grow, and the sense of accomplishment when you win a difficult game is truly无与伦比.

In conclusion, chess is an amazing game that offers countless hours of entertainment and intellectual stimulation.

It is no wonder that it has stood the test of time and remains one of the most popular games in the world today.

I also own the RHM press copy. However, it is in a rather poor condition. The pages are dog eared and it is even falling apart. But I was extremely thrilled when they re-released it.

It is truly great fun to witness the development of the Wizard of Riga and gain a better understanding of what was happening in his life. Sadly, illness eventually took its toll on him. But still, he had a remarkable run through the chess world.

His match against Botvinik will be remembered as a legend forever.

I often find myself wishing that I could calculate as brilliantly as Tal. His skills and abilities in the game of chess were truly outstanding and something that I can only dream of achieving.

I hope that in the future, I can continue to learn from the greats like Tal and improve my own chess playing skills.

I read this a long time ago. It has been quite a while since then.

I remember that it left a certain impression on me, although the details might have faded a bit over time.

Sometimes, when I think back to that moment of reading, I feel a sense of curiosity.

I wonder what exactly it was that made me remember it.

Maybe it was an interesting story, a profound thought, or a unique writing style.

Whatever it was, it piqued my interest enough to make me want to dig it up again sometime.

I'm looking forward to rediscovering that piece of writing and seeing if it still has the same impact on me as it did before.

It could be a new and exciting experience to relive that moment of reading and gain a fresh perspective.

Pure gold!

With My Memorable 60 Games, this book is truly a must-read for any chess player.

It offers a unique and in-depth look into the world of chess through the eyes of a master.

The 60 games presented in this book are not just ordinary matches; they are filled with excitement, strategy, and moments of brilliance.

Each game is carefully analyzed, providing readers with valuable insights into the thought processes and decision-making of the players.

Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced player seeking new inspiration, My Memorable 60 Games has something for everyone.

It is a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the fascinating world of chess through the pages of this remarkable book.

Pick up your copy today and embark on a journey that you will never forget.

4,35 -

I can hardly imagine that there are many biographies about chess players that are as entertaining as this one.

This biography offers a unique and captivating perspective on the life and career of a chess player.

It delves into the player's early beginnings, their struggles and triumphs, and the fascinating world of competitive chess.

The author has managed to bring the story to life with vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes, making it a truly enjoyable read for both chess enthusiasts and those who are simply interested in a good biography.

Whether you are looking for inspiration, entertainment, or a deeper understanding of the game of chess, this biography is sure to deliver.