English Chess Federation Book of the Year 2008

The judges this year had no difficulty choosing a book which gives a remarkable inside view of match play chess at the highest level.

From London to Elista Evgeny Bareev and Ilya Levitov New in Chess pp398 £21.95

This volume, which is in three parts, covers in sequence the three world title matches Kramnik has played. The first part “Overthrow of a Colossus” was his defeat of Kasparov in London 2000; the second “Photo finish in Brissago” was the 2004 drawn match against Leko where Kramnik held onto his title by winning the last game. Lastly, “Big Brother in Elista” refers to the controversy- ridden match with Topalov in 2006 which Kramnik won on the tie break.

Grandmaster Bareev was one of Kramnik’s seconds for the first two matches and a closely involved spectator in the match with Topalov. Levitov is a journalist and an enthusiastic amateur chess player. There are also contributions from Smyslov, and two of Kramnik’s other seconds Lautier and Svidler. The basis of the book is a dialogue between Levitov and Bareev. Levitov, a spectator and outsider to the professional chess world, seeks to understand the complex inner workings of world championship chess matches. Bareev as the professional insider explains what is going on. Bareev also annotates all the games in depth concentrating on the critical moments of play in the openings and the interface between the contestants.

Well written and translated the quality of the book resides in the open and frank way Bareev answers the questions. Amongst the many subjects discussed (and we can only list a few here) are stress, opening preparation, team working, relations with Kramnik, the opponents, fatigue and exhaustion of players and seconds. But above all the narrative captures very well the psychological issues behind the drama of the matches. When will Kasparov’s fight back take place? How to keep an ailing Kramnik going when behind in his match with Leko? And last but not least can Kramnik keep his composure after being defaulted a game against Topalov?

London to Elista gives a unique insight into world championship chess. Without doubt this is one of the most original and interesting books to have won the Book of the Year award.

Ray Edwards      Julian Farrand      David Friedgood      1st October 2008

Short List

The short list this year features four books which illustrate very differing aspects of the chess world.

From London to Elista Bareev and Levitov New in Chess pp 400 £21.95
This remarkable book features Kramnik’s three world title matches between Kasparov, Leko and Topalov. Grandmaster Bareev was one of Kramnik’s seconds in the first two matches and an interested spectator in the third against Topalov. Levitov is a professional journalist and keen amateur chess player who questions Bareev not only about the matches, but a wide range of chess matters. Together they have provided a remarkable insight into the drama, stress and hard work involved in world championship clashes. An exceptional book in every respect.

222 Opening Traps Muller and Knaak Edition Olms pp 472 £14.99 each
This is in fact a two volume work split between 1e4 and 1d4. The content is much better organised than previous works of this type as the authors endeavour, not only to show the nasty accidents that can arise, but to set them in a strategic and tactical context so that the reader improves his opening knowledge as he goes along. The two volumes are nicely produced by Olms

Secret Notes Bronstein and Voronkov Edition Olms pp 232 £19.99
With the relaxation of Soviet society, David Bronstein was able once again to travel out side Russia. This volume is a collection of his travels with many anecdotes about the people he met and the places he visited. Written in conjunction with the journalist Sergey Voronkov, it is an affectionate account of Bronstein’s last years with many flashbacks to his earlier great playing career. Garry Kasparov provides a foreward.

True Lies in Chess Comas Quality Chess pp160 £14.99
Lluis Comas Fabrego is a Spanish grandmaster who discusses in this book the human approach to chess playing. He argues humans cannot play like computers but must use our judgement to simplify the practical task of playing chess. Whether the reader agrees with his thesis or not there is much interesting writing and analysis as Comas is a true contrarian who likes nothing better than challenging accepted wisdom.

Ray Edwards      Julian Farrand      David Friedgood