Modern Chess Self-Tutor

by David Ionovich Bronstein

This book by Grandmaster David Bronstein, one of the most original and influential players of the post-war period, is not a self-tutor in the conventional sense, where the basics of opening, middlegame and endgame play are drily explained. Instead, the author engages in a frank conversation with the reader, discussing how strong players decide on their moves

Genres: Chess, Games

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Harsha Bellur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had purchased this book from the erstwhile The Strand Book House, Bangalore. Serendipity indeed that the book house came in the same building where I was working. The bookstore was a great place to buy chess books. Those days Amazon was not there. The Internet, too, as we know, had not commenced.

The book is for players who have learned the moves of the pieces and all the rules and know how to read the chess notation. Bronstein also says this genre is challenging for the author and the reader.

Some Grandmasters can captivate and engage the reader. David Bronstein falls in this category. Though this is a slim book, it should not be construed as easy. Bronstein has distilled his vast knowledge and shared this with his readers. The reader is expected to assimilate and investigate for himself and learn the more profound aspects.

Bronstein cautions not to expect miracles by reading the book but to treat it as a living person and to refer and ask questions repeatedly on topics not understood. The reader is encouraged to set up the position arising after 12 moves and then play thereof with many players before understanding some nuances. The book treats chess as a system and the relationships with various elements.

Here are the elements of the system Bronstein undertakes: A Shelter for The King, The Strength of the Pieces, The Deployment of the Pawns, The Deployment of the Pieces, Crossing the Equator, The Coordination of Pieces, Defense and Strength and Weaknesses of a Position.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Instruction from Bronstein should rate five stars, but this is pretty high-level. The core of the book is the sections on "The Strength of the Pieces," which goes over the strength and weaknesses of each piece. It's the kind of thing maybe a lot of players never really think about after they learn how the pieces move, but is a great reminder.

[Cody Oldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Bronstein is a character, his examples and commentary are great in this work.