The revolutionary Wilhelm Steinitz
(1836-1900) considered himself to be in the vanguard of an emerging, late-19th
century 'Modern' school, which embraced a new, essentially scientific vitality
in its methods of research, analysis, evaluation, planning, experiment and even
belligerent fight.
Steinitz, who dominated the chess world in
the shadow of a more directly attacking, openly tactical and combinative,
so-called 'romantic' age, established a much firmer positional basis to chess.
A pivotal change!
This book follows that story, both before
and beyond Steinitz's early 'modern' era, focusing closely on the subtly varied
ways in which the world's greatest players in the last two centuries have thought
about and played the game, moving it forward.
The author reflects on all sixteen 'classical'
world champions and others, notably: C-L. M. de la Bourdonnais, Adolf Anderssen,
Paul Morphy, Siegbert Tarrasch, Aron Nimzowitsch, Richard Reti, Judit Polgar and
the contemporary Artificial Intelligence phenomenon, AlphaZero.
Be inspired by this exploration of the 'modern'
game's roots and trajectory!
About the Author :
Craig Pritchett (b 1949) is a former national champion and international master (1976), who represented Scotland in nine Chess Olympiads (1966-1990),
including four times on top board (1974-1980). Gold medal winner on top board
for Scotland at the European Seniors (60+) Team Championship in 2011, he continues to compete regularly at Senior and Open events.
Chess Correspondent for the Scottish newspaper The Herald (1972-2006) and
East Lothian Life (since 2005), he has taught and written widely on chess, specialising latterly on the historical development of chess thought and the fascinatingly
wide differences in players’ chess styles.
A University of Glasgow graduate in Modern History and Politics and a Chartered Public Finance Accountant, he also worked for many years in UK central
government audit. President of his local Dunbar Chess Club, he has also long
been associated with three major chess clubs: Edinburgh West, Barbican 4NCL
and SK Berlin-Zehlendorf.
Review :
I wanted to share news of a very
interesting new book: "Modern Chess: From Steinitz to the 21st
Century" by International Master Craig Pritchett. This Thinkers Publishing
title is exactly what it sounds like, and has something for chess enthusiasts
of all levels: Some history, some culture, some famous games we ought to have
seen but maybe haven't, some instruction. The author's love for chess history
and admiration for the giants of the game really shines through. I can
definitely see it becoming one of my favorites.
I have already been enjoying the book in
a few ways: Using some moments from the earlier, more direct games with
some of my inexperienced students, reading the historical segments for
pleasure, and studying some mid 20th Century games myself or with a friend. MASTER CHESS USA March 2022
