How to Defend in Chess [Paperback]

Colin Crouch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2000

Author Colin Crouch explains the basics of defending against direct offensives, and takes an in-depth look at how the all-time greats have fended off their opponents' attracks.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Many books discuss how to attack in chess, but good, resourceful defensive play is also a vital ingredient in competitive success. However, this is an area largely neglected in the literature of the game. This book fills the gap admirably, by explaining the basics of defending against direct offensives, and taking an in-depth look at how the all-time greats have fended off their opponents' attacks. Following a survey of general defensive methods in chess, Dr. Crouch investigates the defensive techniques of World Champions Emanuel Lasker and Tigran Petrosian. Despite their vastly different styles, Lasker and Petrosian were both highly effective defenders. Lasker would place myriad practical obstacles in the opponent's way, and was a master of the counterattack. Petrosian developed Nimzowitsch's theories of prophylaxis to a new level. His opponents would find that 'somehow' their attacking chances had been nullified long before they could become reality. (5 5/8 x 8 1/4, 224 pages, illustrations)

About the Author

International Master Dr Colin Crouch is a highly experienced chess-player from England who has written well-regarded books about openings, endgames and middlegame theory. His game annotations have appeared in several major chess magazines, including Inside Chess and Chess Monthly.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Everyman Chess; 1st edition (May 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857442504
• ISBN-13: 978-1857442502
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,155,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly necessary addition to chess liturature., December 25, 2000

By 

John Kato (Honolulu, Hawaii USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Defend in Chess (Paperback)

There are a lot of outstanding books on attack, but very few on defense. The few books on defense have centered on game analysis and calculation focusing on details on how to approach defense. What makes this book unique is its insistance on examining the two greatest defensive geniuses, Emanual Lasker and Tigran Petrosian. As an occasional chess instructor I have to spend an lot of time trying in vain to convince beginners to Class B players to study books like this one. So many tournament games are spoilt by putting pieces on bad squares or worse dropping material. Going through the games and analysis in this book will greatly aid the aspiring player. Now if only I can get my students to actually go through the games and analysis.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Examining an area not often covered in the literature, April 18, 2002

By 

Petrosian (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Defend in Chess (Paperback)

First off, throw out the title. A more apt one would be "A Thorough Examination of 10 of Lasker's and 10 of Petrosian's Games". Yes, the book does contain many tough defensive grinds, the sort not often seen in anthologies. But there are some games (especially in Lasker's case) where the "defense" is in fact "counterattack", and therefore the entire game turns into a tactical donnybrook.

Crouch went over these games with care, and the effort shows. The topic of defending may not be as popular as one of the 60,000 "Attack the King" books out there, which is all the more reason to read this book. Salvaging a draw from a loss is a valuable thing to do in chess; you see many examples of it in this book. Highly recommended.

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another masterpiece, May 4, 2000

By 

A. Ali "Harkonnen" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Defend in Chess (Paperback)

There is a dearth of books on defensive play. There's Polugayevsky and Damsky's 'The Art of Defence in Chess', another by Soltis with the same title, a book by Florian titled 'Defence and Counterattack in Chess'. There's also a chapter by Keres in 'The Art of the Middlegame' that is outstanding. All these books have merit. This new book by Crouch is a worthy addition and arguably the best of the lot.

To those familiar with Crouch's other books, no explanation is required concerning the quality of what he writes. His books such as 'Hastings 1895', 'Attacking Technique' and 'Pawn Chains' are out- standing. 'How to Defend in Chess' is of a similar high quality.

Twenty defensive accomplishments are extensively and verbosely annotated. Ten games of Lasker and ten of Petrosian. These annotations use up two hundred pages. Verbosity is important. Crouch describes the plans and other resources available to both sides, the practical and psychological problems, and the sheer tenacity of the defender. The erudition displayed in these notes is impressive, with frequent allusion being made to other annotators.

For those with a taste for the game and a tastefor good writing, this book should be considered as an essential addition to their libraries.