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| Attack with Mikhail Tal - Tal / Damsky |
Mikhail Tal, the "Magician from Riga," remains a captivating figure in chess history. Known for his daring, sacrificial attacks and unparalleled tactical vision, Tal's games are a treasure trove for aspiring and established chess players alike. In "Attack with Mikhail Tal," Tal, with the assistance of Russian sports journalist Iakov Damsky, distills his attacking philosophy into a practical guide. This review delves into the book's contents, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and assessing its value to chess enthusiasts.
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About the Authors
- Content and Structure
- Key Takeaways and Analysis
- Is This Book For You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
About the Authors
The legendary Mikhail Tal was the finest ever exponent of attacking chess. His all-out sacrificial style took him all the way to the World Championship title. Dogged by ill-health, Tal's reign was a short one, and he was never able to regain his crown, but Tal remained an outstanding player right up to his death in 1992. His departure has taken away one of the chess world's most charismatic figures; a player who excited chess passions wherever he went.
Iakov Damsky was a Russian sports journalist who collaborated with Tal on this, his last book.
Book Specifications
- Pages: 184
- Format: Paperback
- Publisher: Everyman
- Published: August, 1994
Content and Structure
"Attack with Mikhail Tal" isn't just a collection of Tal's games; it's a guided tour through his attacking mindset. The book showcases a variety of positions, demonstrating how Tal identified opportunities to launch devastating attacks. The collaboration with Damsky provides context and analysis, making Tal's thought processes more accessible to readers.
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The book is structured around key themes and concepts that underpin Tal's attacking play. It covers topics such as:
- Sacrifices (positional and tactical)
- King hunts
- Exploiting weaknesses
- Initiative and momentum
Each chapter features annotated games and positions, with Tal's own explanations interwoven with Damsky's commentary. This combination provides a rich and insightful learning experience.
Key Takeaways and Analysis
One of the most valuable aspects of "Attack with Mikhail Tal" is its emphasis on understanding the underlying principles of attack, rather than simply memorizing patterns. Tal stresses the importance of evaluating the position, identifying weaknesses, and calculating variations. He also highlights the psychological aspect of attack, emphasizing the need to seize the initiative and maintain pressure on the opponent.
The book also reveals some of the less glamorous aspects of Tal's attacking style. He acknowledges that his sacrifices weren't always sound, and that he sometimes relied on intuition and calculation in equal measure. This honesty makes the book all the more relatable and instructive.
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Strengths:
- Clear and concise explanations of complex concepts.
- Abundant examples from Tal's own games.
- Emphasis on understanding the underlying principles of attack.
- Insightful commentary from both Tal and Damsky.
Weaknesses:
- Some of the analysis may be outdated by modern standards.
- The focus is primarily on tactical attacks, with less attention given to strategic considerations.
- The book assumes a certain level of chess knowledge.
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Is This Book For You?
"Attack with Mikhail Tal" is a valuable resource for chess players of all levels who are interested in improving their attacking skills. Beginners will benefit from the clear explanations and illustrative examples, while more advanced players will appreciate the insights into Tal's thought processes and tactical nuances. However, the book may not be suitable for complete beginners who are unfamiliar with basic chess concepts. You can also search for it on eBay.com or eBay.co.uk.
For players seeking to refine their tactical vision, "Attack with Mikhail Tal" provides a rich source of inspiration and practical guidance. The book's emphasis on understanding the underlying principles of attack, rather than simply memorizing patterns, makes it a valuable tool for long-term improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book suitable for beginners?
While the book provides clear explanations, it assumes some prior knowledge of chess notation and basic tactical concepts. Complete beginners may find it challenging.
Does the book focus solely on tactics?
The primary focus is on tactical attacks, but the book also touches upon strategic considerations and the importance of initiative.
Is the analysis still relevant today?
While some of the analysis may be outdated by modern standards, the underlying principles of attack remain timeless.
How does this book compare to other books on attacking chess?
"Attack with Mikhail Tal" offers a unique perspective on attacking chess, as it is written from the perspective of one of the greatest attacking players of all time. This provides valuable insights into Tal's thought processes and tactical intuition.
Where can I purchase this book?
You can purchase "Attack with Mikhail Tal" from online retailers such as Chess House. Also, don't miss out on these limited-time chess offers at Temu!
Conclusion
"Attack with Mikhail Tal" is a valuable addition to any chess player's library. It offers a unique and insightful look into the mind of one of the greatest attacking players of all time. While the book may not be suitable for complete beginners, it provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for players of all levels who are interested in improving their attacking skills.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with this book in the comments below. Also, feel free to share this review with your fellow chess enthusiasts.
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