A First Book of Morphy [Paperback]

Frisco Del Rosario (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2006

A First Book of Morphy aims to illustrate the teachings of three great chessplayers with games played by the first American chess champion, Paul Morphy. The book presents more than 60 of Morphy's brilliant and instructive games in demonstration of basic chess principles written by grandmasters Reuben Fine and Cecil Purdy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Frisco Del Rosario is a chess teacher and writer. He edited the California Chess Journal from 2001 to 2003, when the magazine won national awards for analysis and general excellence. He resides in San Mateo, Calif., where he writes about basketball for a local newspaper.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412039061
• ISBN-13: 978-1412039062
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Chess

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Economy & Lucidity a la Morphy, December 14, 2004

By 

Big Wave Dave "BW Dave" (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A First Book of Morphy (Paperback)

Nineteenth century American prodigy Paul Morphy never wrote anything about how to play chess, but his games are sparkling examples of classical chess principles at work. He had a talent for discovering magical moves that wound his opponents up in knots -- check, check, and mate out of nowhere. How did he do it? Everyone agrees that it was his insight into principles and his tactical genius that allowed him to dominate the greatest masters of Europe in his day. So, a book of Morphy's games would be entertaining and inspiring. But Frisco del Rosario has done more than compile brilliancies from Morphy's games -- he uses carefully selected games as case studies to illustrate principles enunciated by chess writers such as Fine, Horowitz, and Purdy. On the one hand, you have a principle, such as "Develop with threats" and on the other you have an application, "Morphy vs. Duke of Brunswick and Count Isouard." The back and forth between principle and illustrations is well-choreographed and told in a lean and lucid manner. The beauty of this approach is del Rosario's choice of games to illustrate the principles -- they are all crystal clear. The cumulative wisdom of the principles themselves form a unified approach to good chess. Very helpful are del Rosario's explanations of tactical sidelights that informed the decisions of Morphy and his opponents. Some authors go overboard on this and leave you mired in detail. Not in this book. The text, like the games of Morphy, moves quickly. Read it and play through the examples for enjoyment, and you'll feel the effects next time you're faced with a decision over the board.

40 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE must have book, October 18, 2004

By 

B. Fallon - See all my reviews

This review is from: A First Book of Morphy (Paperback)

This book is incredible. I have bought (and sold!) many different chess books but this is the first that has had a dramatic impact on my game.

I have been to many of the author's lectures that were based on this book. It was how I was able to rediscover my game and got me back to the core principles of how to win a game (vs. memorizing the 20 variations to the xyz defense to the abc attack). It made chess fun again and had me winning more games.

The book is very readable and well thought out. It is also very powerful - you can spend a little time with it and still have a solid improvement - or you can spend a lot more time and be amazed at how much it can do for your game and your perspective on chess.

With regard to applicability, it has a wide range. I am using it with my young kids and know a bunch of expert players who love it also.

I can't recommend it highly enough.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots to Learn from Morphy, January 17, 2011

By 

Eric Noel - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A First Book of Morphy (Paperback)

I bought this book after reading the recommendation list of Dan Heisman and because I like Morphy's style of super rapid development, not to mention brilliant attacks.

The book is well written, with not too much commentary, so as not to get bogged down in endless variations. Thirty basic chess principles are put forward (10 opening, 10 middlegame and 10 endgame). Morphy games are then discussed with a focus on the principle being illustrated (one principle per chapter with a few games to illustrate it).

The method of teaching chess principles with real games is an excellent way to learn, at least for me. After going through about half of the book, it becomes not too difficult to guess what Morphy's next move will be as you will be well acquainted with his style.

My only gripe is the non-standard notation, which takes some getting used to. I am not sure why the author abandoned standard notation but it is a pain to read his bare bones notation if you are used to standard algebraic notiation. Hence, only 4 stars.