From the “Game of the Century” (played against a chess master when he was just 15) to some of his most apocalyptic victories (and losses) against the world’s finest this is a superb insight into just how deep chess can be.
TOP TEN CHESS BOOKS PROFESSIONAL
What is surprising is that his “My 60 Memorable Games” is so free of the bruising ego which destroyed his reputation on and off the board after he left the world of professional chess.
There’s no doubt that Bobby Fischer was one of the most talented players of all time and that he may have been the greatest creative force that the game has ever seen. We’ve written about Fischer’s genius extensively including in our round up of “who is the greatest player” and also in examining why he quit chess and whether he ever lost a game. You can find Garry Kasparov On My Great Predecessors (All Volumes) on Amazon starting at Volume 1 here. It’s a bargain at any price but the e-book is particularly good value. It brings the entire history of chess to life while teaching the secrets of the greatest players of all time. If you read one set of chess books in your life, it should be this one. He also illustrates this with stories of the people, the politics, culture and history that made these men great. It’s better to start with the first volume (they are in chronological order) and allow Kasparov to work you through every chess champion and their game. These are not small books and at nearly 1,000 pages each, you don’t need to rush out and buy the entire set. There are an incredible five volumes in the set “On My Great Predecessors” by Kasparov and while he may not have turned out to be the greatest coach (he was famously sacked by Magnus Carlsen) there’s no doubting the ability of the former world champion to teach the game. Garry Kasparov On My Great Predecessors (All 5 Volumes!) 10 Best Chess Books to Become a Grandmaster –