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ISBN (10 digits):
1-904600-08-5

ISBN (13 digits):
978-1-904600-08-4

MODERN CHESS ANALYSIS (Robin Smith)
176 pages (248 mm by 172 mm).
£15.99/$24.95/€24,95

Chess analysis is nearly as old as the game itself, with many of the pioneering works by the giants of chess history being devoted to the analysis of positions, openings and endings. Personal computers and powerful chess software are having a profound effect on chess analysis and theory - most grandmasters use them extensively. However, this book does far more than explain methods for computer-assisted analysis. Readers will develop a deeper understanding of the strengths and limitations of the human mind, and a greater understanding of many areas of chess while working through the examples that Robin Smith presents. The many topics in this wide-ranging book include: Schematic thinking; Dynamic play vs. quiet manoeuvring; Fortresses; King Hunts and 'King Drift'; The Problem of Exchanging; Interactive Analysis.

Robin Smith is a top-class correspondence chess player, and holds the grandmaster title for correspondence play. He has been USA Correspondence Chess Champion on two occasions and has won a World Correspondence Chess Championship semi-final.

Download a pdf file with a sample from the book.

"Amazing. Astounding. Excellent. Extraordinary. Marvelous. Rewarding. Staggering. Stunning. Surprising. That's what my thesaurus says about Modern Chess Analysis. Oh, yes, and I almost forgot - wicked, dangerous, difficult and troublesome. ... If you plan on playing international correspondence chess at the higher class or above, buy this book!" - Alex Dunne, ICCF Amici (www.amici.iccf)

"Modern Chess Analysis is an essential guide to the effective use of computers for chess analysis." - Frederic Friedel, Chessbase.com

"In recommending a book, I have to consider Chess Today's diverse readership from top Grandmasters to club level players. I think all readers would benefit from reading this book. All top players use computers, but most don't have a deep grasp how the process works and increasing this knowledge will allow them to get deeper evaluations and avoid certain pitfalls that can cost valuable points. For similar reasons, club players can use the improved knowledge to hone their analytic skills and hopefully keep improving. I highly recommend this book, as the topic and the author's knowledge and communication skills make it essential reading for today's chess players." - Andy Ansel, Chess Today

"In conclusion, the use of computers in chess has become a topic of interest to most players, and this book does a better job than any other at explaining how to maximize that use for the serious player. There are hands on tips galore, and any player interested in purchasing a computer for chess-related study will benefit from the introduction alone. In short, if you plan to use your computer for chess study at a high level, you will need this book." - Randy Bauer, www.jeremysilman.com

"This book tells you how to do your own analysis using the best tools available today. There are so many analysis methods and examples presented that it is impossible for a reviewer to comment on them all. By emphasizing the understanding of these methods Smith has made a great effort to assure that the book will remain a valuable reference for some time to come, even though the details of chess software will almost certainly continue to change at a rapid pace. MCA is highly recommended as an important reference for anyone doing chess analysis." - Stacy Angle, Chess Horizons

"This book is an absolute must for anyone who uses computers in chess analysis. Whether you use your computer for post-mortems of your own games, studying GM games, or ICCF correspondence play, you'll get your money's worth. If computers fascinate you, you'll probably be happy even if you don't seriously analyze with silicon assistance. Players over 1800 will probably learn something from the pure chess analysis in this book, even if they have no interest whatsoever in computers." - Michael Mulford, Georgia Chess

"Modern Chess Analysis is well written, Robin Smith is very well acquainted with the subject matter, and the topic is very interesting for everyone who uses computer software for analysis. Therefore it is a must-buy for the target audience." - Thomas Schian, Rochade

"The strengths and weaknesses of computer programs have been systematically explored and classified using examples of many positions from top class chess. The book is full of original insights and tips. Stimulating reading for chess friends who use their PCs for analysis, and required reading for correspondence players and programmers, and everyone who wants to win agains the computer." - Dr Erik Rausch, Rochade

"The examples convey to the reader a deeper understanding of the possibilities and limits of the human mind and also an understanding of many areas of chess." - Jerzy Konikowski, Fernschach International

"This book is warmly recommended to whoever wants to find out about computer chess or know more about it." - Heinz Brunthaler, Rochade

"Rating: unconditionally recommended! The best book on computer chess that I have read for a long time." - Helmut Conrady

"Alongside a detailed discussion of varied and interesting themes, of a type and intensity not given by any other author, the book also offers many impressive examples." - Schachmarkt