Chess Strategy (Dover Chess) [Paperback]

Edward Lasker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1959 | Series: Dover Chess

One of a half-dozen great theoretical works in chess, shows principles of action above and beyond moves. Acclaimed by Capablanca, Keres, and other greats.

Product Details

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1959)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486205282
• ISBN-13: 978-0486205281
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,587,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a classic work on strategy, August 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Chess Strategy (Dover Chess) (Paperback)

This book on strategy is one of the best and clearest texts ever written. Lasker claims that by following a few principles of strategy which he gives one can play chess very well. A large part of the book is devoted to illustrative games to show how these strategic principles have been applied by masters. These games show that by learning how to clear files, concentrating forces in the center of the board, and keeping pawn movement down to only the most needed ones, you can become a master. I improved by playing greatly by playing three of the illustrative games in back of the book, and learning everything I could from these three games. The book should be read and reread and the illustrative games played over and over again. You will learn something each time. With enough work and rereading and application of the principles in this book, one can become a strategic master.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An Out of Date Classic of Chess Literature., August 3, 2006

By 

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

This review is from: Chess Strategy (Dover Chess) (Paperback)

This book was consider the "Chess Bible" when published many many years ago, but now is out-dated. Even the author considered the book to be out-dated when he wrote his modern version "Modern chess strategy". Don't buy this one, look instead for the "Modern" revision.

In this last book the author uses a clear and conversational style to clarify problems that may seem difficult or confusing for the beginner or casual player. Even if you don't know the first thing about chess, this book can help you learn the fundamentals behind chess strategy and become a good player within a short period of time. The book is profusely illustrated with hundreds of diagrams and annotated games.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perennial Chess Classic, July 13, 2003

By 

Knight Hawk "jjl0113" (Chicagoland, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chess Strategy (Dover Chess) (Paperback)

For the average player who wants to further his enjoyment of chess while learning the essential strategic principles of the game, Edward Lasker's "Chess Strategy" may well be the only chess book he will ever need. I recall fondly how this book enabled me and my brother to beat every kid in our high school. I'm now middle aged and am again reading the book, reviewing the various topics, and playing over the many fine example games. I find that I'm still very impressed by the author's clear, logical, and systematic approach to the game as well as his warm and personal style. If you've been playing chess for awhile, but haven't really studied the game, this book will boost your skill markedly, and with minimal effort. And even the more experienced player will find plenty of rewarding material in its many superbly chosen and annotated illustrative games taken from international grandmaster play.

Edward Lasker is the product of an earlier time, and yet his style and method are hardly dated. There are perhaps a few who may disagree with this opinion, and for them there are always the "dummy" books. But for the rest of us, there is Edward Lasker's "Chess Strategy", a book worthy of a place on every chess player's shelf.