The Chess Companion: A Merry Collection of Tales of Chess and Its Players, Together With a Cornucopia of Games, Problems, Epigrams and Advice, Topped

by Irving Chernev

An anthology of chess stories providing a view of chessboard strategy and famous players with a collection of puzzles and games

Genres: Chess, Games

286 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1968

Reviews

[Richard S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as a present from my Parents in the early 70s and it remains a treasured item, easily the most entertaining chess book I have ever read.

A wonderful array of stories and articles form the first half of the book, (May favourite is Slippery Elm by Percival Wilde where a Chess club enlists a Grandmaster to help cheat a game so a weak player can defeat a better but arrogant and unpleasant newcomer!). Then there are chess problems and a selection of great games.

The author's period and favourite characters seem to be those between the wars, with a range of interesting masters from different backgrounds, before the game became so dominated by Russia.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice collection of chess "stuff." The first part contains a bit of poetry, some short stories and other bon-bons. My favorite of the short stories is entitled "Last Round," and features a match being played by an aging master. A poignant and yet positive story. The second part of the book is composed of chess problems and some classic chess matches. Masters whose games are included here include Morphy, Alekhine, Petrosian, as well as others. The final essay? "The greatest game of chess every played," a 1922 contest between the great Alekhine and Bogolyubov.

If you enjoy chess (and I used to a great deal), this is one cool book! I received it as a Christmas gift in 1973, and it represents one of my favorite among such gifts.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, long collection of short-stories and games of various kinds. The usual chess heroes of the author's days come together to provide all sorts of entertainment. Starring as always for Chernev is Capablanca, joined now by Lasker and Petrosian, both geniuses in their own way. Amusing, yes. I cannot recommend the book unless you're a serious chess-player, very patient, or indeed both.

[Vincent O'Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was in junior high school, and it's just as wonderful today as it was then. The stories range from the dark to the humorous, and every one of them is a great read. Strongly recommend.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

The selection of games at the end of this book truly demonstrate the beauty of chess. Not a book on how to win, rather one that gives a great cross section of the wide world of chess.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously dated but contains many classic games