Renaissance Knights

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The lending library is part of the Renaissance Knights Foundation mission to promote the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society by providing access to a wide variety of chess books free of charge.

Books can be checked out for up to four (4) weeks at a time with a maximum of two (2) books out. You will be emailed when the book becomes available and it will be brought to the club for pick-up. Books are to be dropped off to club staff. A suggested donation of $2.00 is recommended to help purchase new and replacement book for this program.

The books have been categorized into sections Click on the category to view books available

BASIC OPENINGS INTERMEDIATE ENDGAMES ADVANCED KINGS INDIAN

PUZZLES & PROBLEMS GAMES TACTICS & STRATEGY BOBBY FISCHER HISTORY

BASIC

Chess Basics by Nigel Short, -1993, Paperback, 96 pages. With this ultimate introduction to the world of chess, you will acquire the basics, improve your skills, and gain valuable tips and insight from one of the masters of the game. Chess isn’t complicated! Easy-to-follow diagrams and symbols make the game simple to understand. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Chess by GM Raymond Keene,-1988, Paperback, 192 pages. The Pocket Book of Chess provides a clear, brightly illustrated introduction to this ancient and fascinating game. Beginning with the basic rules and moves, it describes each stage of the game, advising readers on effective methods of attack and defense, and pointing out common mistakes. More than one hundred color board diagrams illustrate the plays discussed in the text. Additional chapters include biographies of champions and descriptions of their greatest games, a brief history of chess, and sections on computer chess and competition play. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

A Chess Primer by Fred Reinfeld, -1962, Paperback, 109 pages. America’s Foremost Authority On Chess Presents The Basic Rules & Fundamentals Of The Game. Donated by, Ilya Korzhenevich.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Chess by Patrick Wolff,-2002, Paperback, 367 pages. You’re no idiot, of course. You’re intrigued by the game of chess, and you’d like to learn how to play-or play better. But chess is a challenge even to the master, and for many of us the biggest challenge is learning. This Second Edition will tell you everything you need to know to become a budding Kasparov. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

The Everything Chess Basics Book by U.S. Chess Federation & Peter Kurzdorfer, -2003, Paperback, 288 pages. If you’re looking to learn about the game of chess-and win-The Everything Chess Basics Book provides you with the perfect introduction. Endorsed by the United States Chess Federation and coauthored by Peter Kurzdorfer, editor of Chess Life Magazine, The Everything Chess Basics Book is an authoritative guide that will improve your skill level. From understanding the chess pieces to learning the basic moves to forming a winning strategy, The Everything Chess Basics Book teaches readers all they need to know to sharpen their skills and pick up a few advanced techniques and tricks along the way. Packed with hundreds of clear diagrams, The Everything Chess Basics Book will have you declaring “Checkmate!” in no time. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

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Openings

Batsford Chess Openings 2 by Garry Kasparov & Raymond Keene, -1994, Paperback, 413 pages. BCO 2 is the definitive single-volume openings encyclopedia. It has been designed both for maximum ease of use & for maximum relevance to the needs of competitive player. It is the essential book, whatever your standard of play. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Catalan, Trends by IM Colin McNab, IM Andrew Marin, -1991, Paperback, 40 pages. The opening series of the 1990’s. Trends, one hundred important recent games selected & dissected by our international panel. Catalan includes games by Kasparov, Ivanchuk, Gelfand, Short, Korchnoi, Timman, Bellavshy, Yusupor, Speelman, Ljubojevic, Salov, A Sokolov, Gulko, Andersson, Vaganian, Portisch, Tal, Polugaevsky, Hjartarson, Hubner, Anand, Kir Georgiev, Kamsky, Khalifman & King. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Catalan, Winning With The by Angus Dunnington, -1997, Paperback, 158 pages. The Catalan is a favorite of many top grandmasters, with Kasparov, Karpov & Korchnoi using it to good effect in key matches. Once Whit’s Catalan bishop has started breathing fire down the long diagonal, Black’s days are numbered. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Chess Openings: Traps & Zaps by Bruce Pandolfini, -1989, Paperback, 244 pages. Pandolfini uses his unique “crime & punishment” approach to provide all the previously missing explanation, instruction, practical analyses, & much, much more. The book consists of 202 short “openers” typical of average players, arranged according to the classical opening variations & by level of difficulty. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

More Chess Openings: Traps & Zaps 2 by Bruce Pandolfini,-1993, Paperback, 254 pages. The opening is one of the most important parts of the chess game. Weaken your pawns by mistake, and they’re taken. Attack wildly and haphazardly, and your pieces are picked of. Misuse your queen, and it’s trapped. Carelessly neglect development, and you’re mated. You’ve scarcely begun and the game is over. Fortunately, National Master Bruce Pandolfini’s book offers drills and skills to help players of all levels avoid these perils and pitfalls. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

A Complete Defenseive System Black to Play and Win With 1…g6 revised 2nd Edition by Andrew Soltis, GM – 1993, Paperback, 145 pages. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

French Defense 2 by Nikolay Minev,-1998, Paperback, 323 pages. This edition retains its basic of idea of inspiring players to do independent work. Revised from the quick sell-out 1988 edition, & greatly expanded, it offers 520 complete & instructive games with an additional 203 complete games included in the comments. There are more than 1,000 forgotten ideas, suggestions, & improvements of theoretical book lines. Many of these games & game fragments do not exist in the specialized or monster computer databases. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

How to Open A Chess Game by Larry Evans, Svetozar Gligoric, Vlastimil Hort, Paul Keres, Bent Larsen, Tigran Petrosian, Lajos Poartisch, Hardcover, 221 pages. Is it better to study openings or the opening? If you want to memorize opening variations, you may, of course, consult those expensive and repetitious collections of moves and symbols which are supposed to contain the “latest” theory. And if you really think those books can teach you anything about chess, you have our sympathy. This book demonstrates again and again that the first step on the correct path to logical opening play is: stop studying the openings! Instead, learn the principles; develop a method and a repertoire to put those principles to work for you. Use your own head. Those are some of the things you will learn how to do from the authors of this book. Donated by, Howard Cohen.

How to Play Good Opening Moves by GM Edmar Mednis, -2002, Paperback, 136 pages. “There is no shortage of books published on the chess openings. The reasons are clear: the opening is a very important part of the game, and a tremendous amount of technical material is readily available. By their very nature, these books are encyclopedic and are concerned with a single opening or various groups of openings….“But what of the chess player who enjoys chess and wants to improve his or her competitive success, but has neither the time nor the inclination to memorize hundreds of variations? What he or she really needs is guidance on how to obtain good positions in the opening without relying on reams of memorized analysis. This book is aimed at exactly this type of player and uses the techniques that I have developed in many years of successful group and private teaching. The emphasis throughout is on principles. Starting with the very first move, the reader learns how to select good opening moves just by observing the three primary principles of opening play.” Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Modern Chess Openings by Walter Korn, -1990, Paperback, 708 pages. Popularly known as MCO, has always kept pace with the latest developments in chess theory & practice. With the new 13th edition, MCO remains the world’s most current & comprehensive one-volume reference work on the chess openings. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Nunn’s Chess Openings by John Nunn, Graham Burgess, John Emms, Joe Gallagher, -1999, Paperback, 544 pages. Nunn’s Chess Openings is the chess-player’s new bible. This single volume covers all chess openings in detail & will enable every chess-player, right up to grandmaster standard, to play the opening with confidence. Donated by, E. Heiser.

Openings of the Eighties Volume 2 by Andrew Soldtis International Grandmaster, -1986, Paperback, 93 pages. Modern Benoni Defense, Benko Gambit, Gruenfeld Defense; King’s Indian Defense, Queeen’s Indian Defense; Nimzo Indian Defense. Donated by, Howard Cohen.

Openings of the Eighties Volume 3 by Andrew Soldtis International Grandmaster,-1986, Paperback, 93 pages. Guiocco Piano/Two Knights Defense; The New-Lopez; Queen’s Gambit Declined:Life & Death(?) of a Variation; Catalan Opening: Queen Sacrifice; English Opening: Dynamic Balance. Donated by, Howard Cohen.

Sicilian Defence 7 Lines With P-KB4 by L.M. Pickett & A. K. Swift, England, -1976, Paperback, 63 pages. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Secrets of the Sicilian Dragon by Eduard Gufeld & Eric Schiller, -2000, Paperwork, 208 pages. Inside this book are the secrets of one of the most exciting & powerful openings in all of chess-the Sicilian Dragon! Used by amateurs & champions alike, the dragon features brilliant combinations, no-holds-barred assaults, wild sacrifices, & uncompromising positions.
Donated by, E. Heiser.

Sicilian: Dragon 1984-88, developments in the, by Chris Ward & Bob Wade, Paperback, 58 pages. London. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Winning Chess Openings, by GM Yasser Seirawan, Paperback, -2003, 2004, 255 pages. The two greatest challenges for beginning chess players are not only to survive the openings phase, but also to choose appropriate attack & defense formations in the process. In Yasser Sirawan’s entertaining, easy-to-follow style, you’re shown formations that can be used with other White or Black pieces. Winning Chess Openings will help you develop a solid understanding of opening principles that you can apply to every game you play- without having to memorize a dizzying array of tedious & lengthy opening lines. Donated by, Chris Baumgartner.

Winning With the Sicilian Dragon 2: A Complete Repertoire Against 1 e4 For the Attacking Player, by Chris Ward, -2001, Paperback, 224 pages. This guide to the Dragon, a variation of the Sicilian Defense in chess, offers a complete, Dragon-based repertoire for the attacking player. The text not only incorporates latest developments, but also recommends "Dragon-friendly" lines against all the anti-Sicilian systems.Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Winning Unorthodox Openings by Angus Dunnington,-2000, Paperback, 144 pages. A master is providing for the first time an answer to White opens with some unusual first move, & how to handle both the white & the black side. Dunnington’s common-sense approach to such openings as the Bird, Nimzo-Larsen, Sokolsky & Grob is based on his many years of experience, of club, weekend & international chess. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

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Intermediate

Better Chess by Bill Hartston,-1997, Paperback, 157 pages. This book is for all those players who know how to play chess but would like to be better at it. In 75 easy-to-follow lessons, the reader is guided toward an understanding of correct strategy and tactics. Starting with the standard pieces of advice given to beginners, Bill Hartston examines the principles underlying them. The result is a lucid and sometimes provocative set of guidelines that go far beyond the conventional rules of thumb. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Better Chess for Average Players by Tim Harding, 1996,-Paperback, 237 pages. Designed for the typical amateur player who wants to improve his or her chess skills, this clear, straightforward guide provides the extra knowledge and technique that turns a losing player into a winner. Tim Harding is a well-known chess author and captain of the Irish Correspondence Chess Team. He represented Ireland in the 1984 FIDE chess Olympiad in Thessaloniki. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Chess for Amateurs by Fred Reinfeld, -1977, Paperback, 98 pages. Essential book for the amateur who wants to master the technique of the game & graduate from patzerdom. It enables you to rapidly & easily find out the chief points to watch in your own games, to train yourself to discover your weaknesses, & to eradicate them. This guide is composed of illustrated annotated games with questions, to which detailed answers are supplied at the end. & the text deals exclusively with games played by amateurs, not masters, enhancing the utility of the book for you. Donated by, Ilya Korzhenevich.

Chess for Fun & Chess for Blood by Edward Lasker,-1962, Paperback, 224 pages. Here is a highly engaging book for the chess enthusiast who likes to read about the game as well as play it. The author is one of this century’s leading chess masters, and he writes about the game with the same zest, grace, and skill he has always shown in playing it. This genial informal little book by a man who has many times played against and associated with the world’s greatest chess master, makes firs-rate browsing material for chess lovers, whether beginners or professionals. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Chess Doctor, The by Bruce Pandolfini, -1995, Paperback, 284 pages. The Chess Doctor is a unique reference book listing one hundred of the most common weaknesses that can afflict a player. It works like this. First, each ailment is defined & described. After the problem is diagnosed, the chess doctor prescribes a cure for the malady. This is followed by specific examples & diagrams showing exactly how the medicine works in rel situations. Every aspect of the game is covered, from the opening stages right through to the endgame. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Complete Chess Course by Fred Reinfeld, -1959, 685 pages.Donated by, Ilya Korzhenevich.

Chess Master vs. Chess Amateur by Max Euwe & Walter Meiden,-1994, Paperback, 314 pages. These 25 chess games played between master and amateur were chosen, arranged and annotated to help amateurs improve their games. What better way could the amateur have of learning to exploit the weak play of fellow amateurs than to study how a master would handle such situations? Selected by former World Chess Champion Max Euwe and Walter Meiden, a typical amateur player, the games point out graphically how the chess master takes advantage of characteristic errors of the amateur. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Encyclopedia Of Chess Wisdom by Eric Schiller, -2000, Paperback, 432 pages. This all-emcompasing book shows you every aspect of winning chess, from the first move, right on down to the last move. Every concept is carefully explained, illustrated with diagrams, & shown through examples of actual games so that you understand the thinking behind every move in chess. This is a great book for players ready to take their game to the next level. Donated by, E. Heiser.

The Logical Approach to Chess by Max Euwe, M. Blaine, J.F.S. Rumble, -1982, Paperback, 217 pages. “The similarity between a game of chess and a military battle is a remarkable one, and much can be learnt by comparing the two…yet how often is this knowledge put to practical use? Two English chess players compared the two while serving with the R.A.F. in the Second World War. The result was this brief, thorough treatise on chess. Max Euwe thought so highly, he writes, of “its dispassionate approach and its very systematic method of presentation” that he collaborated on its revision-this volume, known for over two decades as one of the few first-rate chess texts accessible to all players. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Logical Chess Move by Move by Irving Chernev, -1957, Paperback, 250 pages. The only chess book that explains every move of every game. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Practical Chess Psychology by Amatzia Avni,-2001, Paperback, 160 pages. Understanding the Human Factor. Most chess books give you chapter and verse on how to understand chess better, but pay little attention to how your behavior and psychological outlook-before, during and after a game-can affect your standard of play. Drawing on research findings, strong players’ descriptions, as well as the views of the psychologist author, the book covers this much-neglected human aspect of chess. A better understanding of the psychology of chess playing as well as chess theory will assist players at club and tournament level to maximize their chess strengths. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Winning Chess by Irving Chernev & Fred Reinfeld, -1949, Reprinted 1991, Paperback, 231 pages. Tells you how to improve your chess-not only tells you, but demonstrates clearly, forcefully, & graphically how you can build up your attack. Donated by, Ilya Korzhenevich.

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EndGames

Pandolfini’s Endgame Course by Bruce Pandolfini, -1988, Paperback, 311 pages. Based on master teacher Pandolfini’s private course for his students, this easy-to-use volume explains invaluable “inner circle” concepts & examples in a clear & entertaining format that allows any study-while also vastly improving every aspect of his or her chess play. Two Copies. Donated by, Dominic Amodei & Eric Heiser.

Pawn Endings by A. Cvetkov, -1974, Paperback, 69 pages. Behind their façade of simplicity, pawn endings very often conceal astounding king maneuvers & valiant destruction of pawn barriers, clever stalemating combinations, & many additional pretty possibilities, all of which give these ending their own unique coloration. – Cvetkov. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Practical Chess Endings by Irving Chernov, -1961, Paperback, 318 pages. Chernev describes 300 typical endgame situations in this book, & shows clearly how they were solved by many of the world’s greatest player-Capablanca, Tarrasch, Reti, Dr. Lasker. The book also contains a selection of endgame compositions by Troitsky & others. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Rate Your Endgame by Edmar Mednis & Colin Crouch, 1992 Reprinted -1997, Paperback, 239 pages. This instructive book for competitive players, based on Edmar Mednis’ classic Practical Endgame Lessons, provides the reader with a wealth of useful instruction in endgame play, reinforced by a series of tests presented as simulations of tournament play. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

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Advanced

Best Lessons of a Chess Coach by Sunil Weeramantry & Ed Eusebi, -1993, 2000, Paperback, 322 pages. “Certainly newcomers who know the moves & rules can benefit from this book. But any amateur can use it to better his play. For chess players who think they already know a lot, Sunil’s inexorable logic should clear away misconceptions & start them looking at the game from a fresh perspective.” Donated by, Eric Heiser.

How To Beat Gary Kasparov by GM Raymond Keene, -1990, Paperback, 192 pages. Did you know that it is five times easier to climb Mt. Everest or to become a dollar billionaire than it is to beat World Champion Gary Kasparov at Chess? These two amazing facts arise from GM Keene’s in-depth study of the games lost by the most highly rated player in history. The book is packed with insights into the World Champion’s playing style, & contains all of his losses since entering the highest levels of Grandmaster chess in 1981. So if you want to know just how it is that even the very best can be beaten, you’ll find a wealth of entertainment & instruction here. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

How to Reassess Your Chess 3rd Edition by Jeremy Silman, IM –1993, Paperback, 402 pages. The book offers the chess student a step-by-step course that is designed to create a marked improvement in anyone’s game. In clear, direct language, Jeremy Silman shows how to dissect a position, recognize its individual parts, and ultimately find the one move that conforms to the needs of any particular situation. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

How to Think in Chess by Jan Przewoznik & Marek Soszynski,-2001, Paperback, 276 pages. This is a rare book that explains in clear terms the techniques chess masters use to find their moves. It teaches you practical ways of thinking to win. You’ll see how to assess your thought processes during play-and how to reorganize them in practice. You’ll get exercises to increase your thinking skill & you’ll see how to use elements of sports psychology in your preparation. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Inner Game Of Chess, The by Andrew Soltis, -1994, Paperback, 359 pages. This book examines both the technical & practical aspects of how to think ahead-the selection of candidate moves, the evaluation of end positions, finding the proper move order, and the like. Special attention is paid to the broad range of calculating mistakes, such as overlooked zwischenzugs & “quiet moves,” visualization blunders, & “believing” your opponent. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Road to Chess Improvement, The by US Champion, Alex Yermolinsky, -1999, Paperback, 224 pages. In this book Yermolinsky passes on many of the insights he had gained over the years. He steers the reader away from ‘quick fix’ approaches, & focuses on the critical areas of chess understanding & over-the-board decision-making. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

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Kings Indian

How to Play the Kings Indian Attack by Eric Schiller, -1989, Paperback, 101 pages. Players seeking a flexible system for White should consider the King’s Indian Attack. White plays the same opening moves against most Black continuations: Nf3, g3, Bg2. Typically, a wide range of middle game positions may arise. The basic concepts are fairly easy to learn, making it a very suitable opening for the developing player. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

King’s Indian Defence Averbakh Variation by Petursson, Margeir, GM – 1996, Paperback, 128 Pages. A chess monograph in which International Grandmaster Margeir Petursson looks at the Averbakh King's Indian, providing players with what they need to know to play the opening with confidence. The emphasis throughout is on currently fashionable variations likely to be encountered. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

King’s Indian Defence E61 ll. Games Encyclopedia Of Chess Openings 92/ (131), -1999, Paperback, 64 pages. Czech Republic. Donated by, E. Heiser.

Kings Indian Defence Samish Variation by M. Tirabassi, G. Falchetta, & S. Curtacci, -1995, Paperback, 330 pages. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

New Classical King’s Indian, The by John Nunn, & Graham Burgess, - 1997, Paperback, 320 pages. The author focus on variations that have undergone the most change in the last decade – not just the King’s Indian, but in the whole of chess opening theory. The system with …Na6 receives full coverage, together with the traditional main line, 7 …Nc6 8 d5 Ne7 followed by 9 Nd2 or 9 Ne1. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Play the King’s Indian Defense by D. Marovic,-1984, Paperback, 242 pages. The King’s Indian Defence is one of the most popular openings against 1d4. In this book Drazen Marovic, an International Grandmaster and an experienced chess writer, presents a comprehensive account of the various lines in a novel and instructive way; by the use of complete games taken from master play. As well as providing excellent coverage of the many complex variations, the author also illustrates the various plans that should be employed in typical middlegame and endgame positions arising from this opening. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Secrets Of The King's Indian (Cardoza Publishing's Essential Opening Repertoire Series) by Eric Schiller, & Eduard Gufeld, -2000, Paperback, 312 pages. The King's Indian Defence is one of the most popular openings in chess. In this book, the authors reveal the fundamental concepts, critical ideas, and hidden resources in the King's Indian. Special attention is given to opening traps and typical tactical and strategic mistakes. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Starting Out: The King’s Indian by Joe Gallagher, -2002, Paperback, 176 pages. In
this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster Joe Gallagher goes back to the basics of the King’s Indian, studying the key principles of its many variations. Throughout the book there are numerous notes, tips, warnings & exercises to help the improving player, while important strategies, ideas & tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

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Puzzles & Problems

Chess Problems Intro to an Art by Michael Lipton, R.C.O. Matthews, Jon M. Rice,-1965, 280 pages. The aim of this book is the full understanding & enjoyment of the chess problem, which the authors regard more as an art form than a mere puzzle. To attune the reader to the mystique of the chess problem, 265 completely worked-out problems are presented in diagrams & text, followed by a hundred more which he is challenged to solve himself. Donated by, Ilya Korzhenevich.

Still More Fun with Chess Minatures/540 Puzzles for Beginner & Master by Robert Lincoln, -2002, Paperback, 128 pages. This new volume contains what I hope represents a goodly cross section of composers from the world over. Hundred of candidates were rejected for inclusion. I wanted only the very finest to appear. Those selected exhibit the best that two-mover miniatures have to offer-quick instruction in chess tactics along with entertainment value. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

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Games

Chess Brilliancy by Iakov Damsky,-2002, Paperback, 224 pages. 250 historic games from the masters. The author delves back into history to examine how this concept has developed, before presenting a dazzling array of brilliant games from the past few decades-the prize-winners as selected by grandmaster panels for each issue of the Yugoslav Chess Informator between 1968-1998, all of which have been subjected to a critical, compute-based analysis. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Development of A Chess Master by Eric Schiller,-2002, Paperback, 192pages. 55 Game Lessons to Chess Success. This brilliant approach and powerful collection of 55 game lessons concentrates on the author’s own mistakes, using each typical error as a springboard to show you how to develop into a master player. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Epic Battles of the Chessboard by R.N. Coles, -Reprinted 1971, Paperback, 173 pages. Here are fifty slashing, gut-and-thrust encounters, studded with brilliant play & astounding recoveries. All the great masters are represented. Morphy, Stienitz, Lasker, Capablanca, Alekhine & Botvinnik-all world champions-are seen at their “fightingest” best with the chips down, & resorting to the low, sly cunning of the cornered beast, when the game threatens to slip away. Donated by, Ilya Korzhenevich.

The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played by Irving Chernev, -1992, Paperback, 277 pages. Here are sixty-two masterly demonstrations of the basic strategies of winning at chess, compiled and annotated by one of the game’s most admired and respected writers. Each game offers a classic example of a fundamental problem and its best resolution, described and diagrammed in the clearest possible manner for players of every level of skill. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Instructive Modern Chess Masterpieces by Igor Stohl,-2001, Paperback, 318 pages. Deepen your understanding of chess by studying 50 sensational games. Igor Stohl has selected 50 outstanding games from recent years and analyzed them in painstaking depth. Here he presents his findings to chess enthusiasts, who will find the games entertaining and the annotations both instructive and illuminating. Donated by, John Buky.

Most Instructive Games of the Young Grandmasters, The, by Paul Motwani, -1999, Paperback, 176 pages. Motwani has delected the finest games of the brightest young stars of the 1990’s-including Kramnik, Anand, Adams & Judit Polgar- & annotated them in his own inimitable style. Readers will be both inspired & delighted by the games & notes, which both impart instruction in painless fashion & shed light on the factors that have made these players such world-beater. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Studies & Games by Jan Timman, -1996, Paperback, 192 pages. Timman examines & explains games against Kasparov, Karpov, Korchnoi & other top grandmasters, & offers a fine selection of chess studies, both his own & those of other composers. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Tal-Botvinnik 1960 by Mikhail Tal, -2000, Paperback, 220 pages. Mikhail Tal’s splendid account of his world championship match victory is one of the masterpieces of the golden age of annotation-before insights and feelings and flashes of genius were reduced to mere moves and Informant symbols. This is simply the best book written about a world championship match by a contestant. That shouldn’t be a surprise because Tal was the finest writer to become world champion. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

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Tactics & Strategy

303 Tricky Chess Tactics by Fred Wilson & Bruce Alberston, -1999, 2003, Paperback, 191 pages. These fascinating positions, taken from actual games, are fun, useful training tools to help you improve your tactical skills. Learn more than 20 tactical concepts including forks, pins, overloading, discovered attacks, skewers, mating nets, & more. Find the best move! Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Art of Attack in Chess by Vladimir Vukovic, -2002, Paperback, 352 pages. One of the finest chess books ever written, the Art of Attack has been transcribed into algebraic notation for the first time. In this revised edition the great classic, the author expounds both the basic principles and the most complex forms of attack on the king. A study of this masterpiece will add power and brilliance to any chess enthusiast’s play. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Chess Traps Pitfalls & Swindles How to Set Them & How To Avoid Them by I.A. Horowitz & Fred Reinfeld, -1954, 243 pages. Chess Traps, Pitfalls & Swindles is a rich storehouse of Chess “crimes.” Sometimes the villain is thwarted: more often he gets away with his nefarious deeds. But, in either event, the tales, & their telling, will prove to be instructive & vastly entertaining. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

How to become a Deadly Chess Tactician by David LeMoir, -2002, Paperback, 240 pages. This user-friendly & humorously written book contains many outstanding examples of seized opportunities, together with guidance on how to spot surprising tactics & handle positions of material imbalance. Throughout, there are exercises for readers to tackle. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Josh Waitzkin’s Attacking Chess by IM Josh Waitzkin, -1995, Paperback, 243 pages. Aggressive Strategies and inside moves from the U.S. Junior Chess Champion. The subject of the book and movie Searching for Bobby Fischer, Josh has long been the top-ranked player for his age in the United States and a role model for chess-playing kids everywhere. Now, for the first time, Waitzkin reveals the aggressive tactics and psychological techniques that have propelled him to the forefront of the chess world. His unique introduction to the game combines solid instruction with stories about his personal experiences that capture all the excitement and tension of playing chess at the championship level. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Modern Chess Strategy by Ludek Pachman, -1963, Paperback, 313 pages.GM Pachmann presents his ideas & theories, beginning with basic concepts & the rules of the minor & major pieces, he covers the use of the Queen, the active King, exchanges, various kinds of Pawns, the center & its use, superiority on the wings, minority attack, strategical points & weak squares, methods of attack & defense, & similar topics. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

Storming the Barricades by Larry Christiansen, -2000, Paperback, 174 pages. Lessons in Attacking Chess from a top American Grandmaster. Many books provide training in how to round off a successful attack with a final combination, both that’s really just the easy part. The difficult thing is to decide how and where to attack in the first place, and to build up the offensive without giving the opponent real counter chances. Larry Christiansen is highly respected by his grandmaster colleagues for his ability to conjure up dangerous attacking chances from almost any position. In this book he takes more than 50 real-life positions, breaks each one down into its key elements and explains the right strategy for conducting a successful attack. The examples are selected to illustrate a wide variety of attacking themes and to provide an instructive and accurate picture of how modern players attack and defend. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Tactics and Strategy by Graham Burgess (FIDE Master & Chess World Record Holder), -2002, Hardcover, 537 pages. Comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy to follow, this invaluable guide to the age-old game of chess will enable even players with very little experience to progress to a good club level-or better. Donated by, Dominic Amodei.

Tactical Chess Exchanges by Gennady Nesis, -1991, Paperback, 121 pages. INTERMEDIATE. Most chess players understand the basic principles of tactical & positional play. However, one very important area is very often neglected-the technique of exchanging pieces (& pawns) effectively. Yet there is no more logical way by which a positional or material advantage can be realized than by a well-timed exchange, or squandered by an over-hasty one. Gennady Nesis uses a series of clear examples from the play of top grandmasters to show how this is done. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

The Tarrasch Formula by GM Sam Palatnik & NM Mark Ishee, -2003, Paperback, 240 pages. Dr. Siegbert Tarrasch was the first to formulate & express the rule that “If one piece is badly placed, your whole game is bad.” The genius of this phrase lies in its simplicity as well as its correctness. Properly applied, it is a significant addition to Steinitz’s theory. This book offers a straightforward & effective method for improving your decision making & move selection. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

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Bobby Fischer

BOBBY FISCHER'S OUTRAGEOUS CHESS MOVES: A STUDY OF 101 OUTRAGEOUS MOVES BY THE GREATEST CHESS CHAMPION OF ALL TIME, by Bruce Pandolfini, -1985, 144 pages. Describes crucial situations in Fischer's chess games & explains the surprising & creative moves he used to turn the games in his favor. Two copies. Donated by, Dominic Amodei & E. Heiser.

Bobby Fischer vs. the Rest of the World by Brad Darrach, -1974, 240 pages. Once again, as the 1975 World Chess Championship match approaches, Bobby is making international headlines. And again, millions are pondering the mysterious, brilliant, exasperating personality of America’s weirdest genius. Donated by, Ilya Korzhenevich.

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer, -1972, Paperback, 334 pages. Learn to think the same way Bobby does. This is the secret. You will put increasingly complex situations where you will be required to think & move the way Bobby Fischer does. You’ll be a better player after you take Bobby Fischer’s Chess Course. It works. Two Copies. Donated by Dominic Amodei & E. Heiser.

History

The Adventure of Chess by Edward Lasker,-1950, Paperback, 296 pages. Second Edition. An engaging account of chess history; Personal experiences with Alekhine, Dr. Lasker, Capablanca; Chess frauds; Automata; Electronic chess machines; and chess lore. Donated by, Eric Heiser.

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