Description
Paperback, 181 pages, Independently Published 2025
Throughout chess history, certain players transcended the game itself—becoming legendary not just for their moves, but for the remarkable lives they led. Best Stories in Chess captures the most captivating tales of these chess titans, from world champions to contenders and pioneering women who fought their way to the summit.
Discover the unlikely inspiration that kept Fischer focused during his legendary Spassky match, how Smyslov mastered time pressure against Reshevsky, and the astonishing memory that allowed Pillsbury to simultaneously play 20 blindfold games of chess and checkers. Between towering figures like Lasker, Alekhine, and Kasparov, you'll find bite-sized stories brimming with humor and human detail—from a grandmaster's lost hotel room to an accidental dress swap before a championship tuxedo moment.
Spanning from 1027 AD to 2025, with most narratives rooted in chess's most documented era, the 20th century, this collection balances entertainment with insight. The authors share nine years of personal tournament experiences from North America and Europe, revealing the wildest and strangest twists of fate both on and off the board.
Whether seeking Kasparov's emotional drama or Panno's wisdom on rook power, this book delivers stories that entertain, amuse, and teach. Written by Lan Huang, principal of Canada Chess Youth Club and seasoned tournament organizer, and Mike Ivanov, International Master and head coach of Canada Chess Youth Club—with a foreword by Grandmaster Davorin Kuljasevic.
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