Another remarkable Tal book!

Here, he vividly describes and annotates each and every game of his match with Botvinnik.

He emerged victorious in this match, thereby becoming the world champion.

This book should definitely be placed on the Caro-Kann shelf.

The reason is that they played six games using that opening, and Tal's insights are extremely instructive.

It could also find a place on the Nimzo-Indian and King's-Indian shelves.

As those defenses were also put to the test multiple times during the match.

Overall, this book offers a wealth of valuable information and strategic analysis for chess enthusiasts.

It provides a unique perspective on the games played between these two great chess masters.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this book is sure to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the game of chess.

This is such a wondrous book, annotated by the late "wizard of Riga" himself. It offers a fascinating account of a titanic struggle, specifically the 1960 World Chess Championship (WCM) between Tal and Botvinnik, which Tal emerged victorious in. The parallels to the current match are quite interesting. Tal won the first game, followed by several draws, and then managed to break through for another win. At these high levels, as Tal astutely noted, a one or two point lead can become truly enormous.

Tal was an exceptionally brilliant and exciting player. He continued to participate in tournaments until his relatively recent demise. His attacking style was truly remarkable and presaged that of Fischer. Even though Tal was only the Champion for three years, we must undoubtedly rank him among the very greatest of all time. This volume provides a unique look inside the mind of a genius at his absolute height, offering valuable insights into the strategies and thought processes of one of the greatest chess players in history.

Good:

The games presented are truly great. They offer a wide range of strategies and challenges that keep the players engaged and entertained.

The annotations provided are not only extensive but also funny at times. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience.

Moreover, the time taken for each move is given, which helps the players to better understand the pace of the game and make more informed decisions.

Bad:

However, there are also some drawbacks. The long algebraic notation for moves can be quite confusing and overwhelming, especially for beginners.

Additionally, some of the analyses are incorrect, which may lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

Despite these flaws, the overall quality of the games and the annotations is still high, and it is definitely worth checking out for anyone interested in the game.

This is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess books of all time.

I initiated a chess book club via my organization, the Grand Rapids Chess Center. Five participants joined and we went through this book together.

Tal leads the reader through a game-by-game analysis and commentary on his match with the great Botvinnik for the chess world championship in 1960.

His comments in each game were truly remarkable. His tactical brilliance, practical playing skills, and astonishing universality as a chess player spring to mind. Despite his rather dominant performance in the event, Tal comes across as humble, almost as if he were lucky.

This book is quite advanced and not suitable for everyone. However, for anyone with a rating of 1500+ it is filled with excellent advice and educational value.

All chess enthusiasts with tournament experience should read this book. All those interested in the history of the game should read it. All those seeking an exploration of the Caro Kan opening should also read this book. It is a great work!

I vividly recall that moment when I felt as if I was Tahl himself, engaged in a thrilling battle against Botvinnik on the chess board.

It was an extraordinary experience, as if I had been transported into the very heart of the game. The way the story unfolded within the confines of those 64 squares was truly captivating.

Each move, each decision, held the weight of a thousand words. It was not just a game of strategy and intellect, but a narrative being weaved with every pawn push and piece sacrifice.

I could almost feel the tension in the air, the anticipation of what was to come. It was a masterclass in storytelling, and I was privileged to be a part of it, even if only in my imagination.

Mikhail Tal takes the reader on an engaging journey through some of the most intricate and thrilling chess games that were played during his 1960 world chess championship match with Mikhail Botvinnik.

The games themselves are truly remarkable. The two players couldn't be more different. Tal's style of play is wild and exciting, while Botvinnik is more calculated and cautious.

However, the most fascinating aspect of this book is the psychological battle that unfolds between Tal and Botvinnik. It delves into the age-old question of when to trust your opponent.

As the games progress, the reader gets a front-row seat to the strategic decisions, the moments of hesitation, and the bold moves that define this intense match.

Tal's analysis provides valuable insights into the minds of both players and offers a unique perspective on the art of chess.

Whether you're a chess enthusiast or simply interested in the psychology of competition, this book is sure to captivate and inspire.

This is simply the best book on a World Chess Championship (WC) match.

It truly stands out and is even superior to Gligoric's highly regarded book on the Fischer-Spassky 1972 WC match.

The details and insights provided in this book are truly remarkable. It delves deep into the strategies, the psychological battles, and the key moments of the match.

Readers will be captivated from start to finish as they gain a comprehensive understanding of the WC match through the eyes of the author.

Whether you are a die-hard chess enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the world of chess, this book is an absolute must-read.

It sets a new standard for books on WC matches and is sure to be a classic in the field.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience this amazing book for yourself.

Chess is a game that has fascinated people for centuries. And when it comes to chess commentary, there are many great ones out there. However, I firmly believe that there is one that stands above the rest and can be considered the best chess commentary ever.

It combines in-depth analysis of the moves, clear explanations of the strategies involved, and a passionate delivery that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The commentator has a deep understanding of the game and is able to convey that knowledge in a way that is accessible to both novice and experienced players alike.

But don't just take my word for it. Watch this commentary and try to prove me wrong. I dare you. Because I am confident that once you see it, you will agree that it is truly the best chess commentary ever.