My Chess Career (Hardinge Simpole Chess Classics) [Paperback]

J. R. Capablanca (Author)

Book Description

Series: Hardinge Simpole Chess Classics | Publication Date: October 17, 2003

The seminal work of the Cuban genius who repeated the exploits of Morphy, suddenly bursting onto the European scene and annihilating the great masters who had hitherto dominated the international arena. This book captures the magic of Capablanca's early victory at San Sebastian 1911 and his second place - bowing only to Lasker - at St Petersburg 1914. All in all, 35 games are annotated by Capablanca in person with remarkable objectivity - bestowing praise and hurling criticism as and when required.

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Hardinge Simpole Limited; annotated edition edition (October 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843820919
• ISBN-13: 978-1843820918
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #912,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful games of Capablanca., December 12, 2002

By 

Bryan Castro (Williamsville, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: My Chess Career (Paperback)

This book presents several of Capablanca's games before he became a world champion. I really enjoyed (and still enjoy) studying and playing over these games. Capablanca was perhaps one of the top 3 world champs (with Fischer and Kasparov). His games show much clarity and are easy to understand even though the moves would be hard to find on one's own.

Capablanca has brief notes with a little analysis. I wish he would have had a little more. However, I enjoyed his notes, because in spots it elucidated a key point to a plan he had. However, these notes are few, perhaps one or two per game. Often, he makes a statement like "Better would have been X" without explaining. These comments are not very useful for amateur players. However, he sometimes (perhaps once a game) gives a more useful comment, such as the reasoning behind the move, or the reply to another dangerous looking move to the opponent.

The games themselves are beautiful. It is interesting seeing how Capablanca's game evolved from when he was a child. One great feature of the book is that before each "period" he talks about how he has changed. For example, he mentions that he did not know much about openings, but that he was very strong in the endgame since a youth. Later, he talks about how he matures and becomes a more complete player.

In summary:

Positive:
1. Incredible games by Capa. One can't help but feel "stronger" as a player after studying these games.
2. Interesting commentary on his development.
3. Analysis (when he gives it) is very insightful.

Negatives:
1. Not enough explaination behind the analysis.
2. Descriptive notation is not as common (a later version in algebraic is available, and I would give that 4 stars).

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Reading and a Good Chess Book, August 6, 2006

By 

David De Sousa "The Automation and Control Guy" - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Chess Career (Hardinge Simpole Chess Classics) (Paperback)

A great book that gives us the chance to known a little more about the events of the life of one of the greatest chess players of all time. Written one year before he became world champion, this nice book describes in Capablanca's own words 35 of his greatest games at the time. Among Capablanca opponents in these games one finds Alekhine, Niemzowitch, Janowski, Yates, Marshall, and Berstein among many others.

Each game is fully commented and annotated by Capablanca himself, and you can find suggestion that can help improve any reader's game in almost every paragraph.

Capablanca includes at the end of the book a short concluding essay on the basic precepts of opening, middle-game and end-game strategy.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for chess hobbyists and connoisseurs, February 17, 2004

By 

beginner_mind (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Chess Career (Hardinge Simpole Chess Classics) (Paperback)

Out of the 20+ chess titles in my library, My Chess Career, by Capablanca, remains my favorite.
The first hand explanations from the eventual world champion are useful, but sometimes abrupt. Nonetheless, the value of any of his commentary, in combination with games showing his historical development and clean elegant playing style, is simply a joy to read.
This book is more historical in intent than educational, yet my playing improved more through reading this chess book than any other, including those intended as educational.
Not meant for the beginner, yet, not much skill is required to enjoy it. A great read.