Chess for Fun and Chess for Blood Paperback – June 1, 1962

Lasker was an ambassador for chess and always has a touch of humor that he was famous for. Funny how such an affable guy can write about being out for blood, but he does a good job of it. For not being at the pinnacle himself, he rubbed elbows with just about everybody. Few people know that he invented the breast pump so he couldn't be all bad. Something about Lasker and others like Nimzovitch, their humor leans toward the old world and I like that.

I found this book a lot of fun to read. lasker makes his point precisely. The book is very easy to read and instructive too. It talks abt genreal statergies in chess and the way ametuers and preofessional view it. A must read for all chess lovers...

In 1961, at the age of 8, I learned chess from my father who had been taught the game by a fellow pilot in W.W. II. Two years later Dad purchased his first chess book that also became my chess book, it was Edward Lasker's Chess for Fun and Chess for Blood. Some 50 years later it remains my sentimental favorite.

Chess for Fun and Chess for Blood introduced me to tactics, pawn structures in the opening, king side attacks in the middlegame, subtleties in the endgame, the beauty of studies as well as the unexpected queen sacrifice and unforgettable king hunt of Lasker's 1912 game against Sir George Thomas and Edward's incomparable slugfest against his distant cousin and world champion, Emanuel, in 1924. Unique are the letters in the preface written by those in various professions from businessman to musician to physicist expressing their understanding of and attraction to the game. Then there are the captivating illustrations by Maximilian Mopp that can't help but add an attractive flourish to an already entertaining work.

In this age when chess books multiply like fruit flies and live just as long, this work remains in print by the good graces of Dover Publications, but also because of the entertaining and erudite Mr. Lasker. However, despite Lasker's erudition this book will not turn you into a master and it may not even move you up a class, but it assured my life long love for the game. That's far more lasting than beating someone's brains out in a grotesque game of blitz.

Thanks to Chessco, Chess Digest, ChessCafe, eBay and Amazon not to mention one serious chess book collector, I own over 900 volumes on the game of kings. This is too many to read cover to cover as I move along in years, but Chess for Fun and Chess for Blood is the old friend I fondly return to, the one I'll take to my grave. Need I say more.

UPDATE: I stand corrected, Dover no longer publishes this book, which is sad. I'm not sure when it went out of print, but new and used copies are available.

This is a fun book, not just the part entitled 'Chess for fun'. For the one year when I lived on campus during my undergraduate days, I had a next-door neighbour with whom I played chess, and whenever he would take a piece, he would issue his war-cry, 'Blood!' How could I not purchase this book when I saw the title?

Edward Lasker (1885-1981), an American chess champion, may have been related to Emanuel Lasker (1868 - 1941), who was the second official World Chess Champion, a title he held for 27 after claiming it from Wilhelm Steinitz. The term of 27 years as champion is still a record. Edward Lasker played a famous game against Emanuel Lasker, which is recorded in this book in detail with commentary.

This is not a how-to manual specifically, although one will get many tips, particularly about combinations, end-game set-ups, and general strategy ideas. Edward Lasker brings in many historic games and show their strategies, and does so in both sections. The section on 'Chess for Blood' goes into more detail about major games and master play, but even here the focus is on strategy and psychology, albeit of a different sort. At the highest level, chess ceases to be a game (much like professional sports) - 'Such games are no fun, even for the winner. They are the hardest work imaginable. You play for blood!' Lasker in this section shows a move-by-move recreation of some of his own games, giving not only insight to the chess but also into the state of mind, the psychological aspects, of what goes on during a high level chess match.

This is indeed interesting, but the better part of the book for all but the most obsessive of chess players is the first, in which Lasker looks at the hobby aspect of chess (well, perhaps not entirely hobby). He looks at the history of sportsmanship, good and bad, such as the sixteenth century text that advocated that the chess player try to put the sun in the eyes of his opponent as a distraction. Lasker explores the makings of a good chess player, which includes (in no particular order) memory, mathematical skill, concentration, creativity, and artistry.

While there are definite strategies and tactics in chess (it does sound like war, and with elements such as knights, pawns, and other military features, it makes sense to think of chess in terms of martial imagery), there is no particular science that always leads to the same outcome. 'The general laws of chess strategy are surprisingly simple and few in number. In fact, they can almost be reduced to one single principle which might be termed the principle of mobility.' How this principle is used, however, it dependent upon the psychology and personal taste of the player. Lasker makes chess-playing ability out to be similar to music, where there are definitely guidelines, but also enormous range for individual style.

This is a very personal book in many ways. Lasker was a concentration camp survivor from the second world war, and credits chess with helping him to get through the ordeal. When he arrived in England after the war, he was tired and seasick, and spoke no English, but did find a chess game (and he recounts this game, which he won, in a move-by-move exposition here, too). Lasker's tale is interesting, as much chess as his own life here.

Lasker includes a complete listing of the International Chess rules, well worth having. The notations throughout the book are standard to chess books, and Lasker's love of the game comes through very clearly, from a boyhood obsession to a lifelong avocation that becomes a true calling.

Check!

I got this book many years ago. This is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable chess books money can buy. Edward Lasker has a way with words!

Don't get this book for instruction. If you want to read some fun and amazing stories in chess (with some instructive parts) you will find "Chess for Fun and Chess for Blood" to be very entertaining! I read this book long ago and recommend it for anyone age 12 or older.

This must be the absolute most enjoyable book to read! Once you start you cannot put it down. It doesn't contain as much instruction as it does fun reading.

A must if you love reading interesting things about chess history!