Raymond D. Keene Boeken

The narrative explores the intense rivalry that unfolds over five years, focusing on the fourth and penultimate chapter of this gripping saga. It delves into the motivations and conflicts between the key players, highlighting the stakes involved and the emotional toll of their competition. As tensions escalate, the story captures pivotal moments that define the characters' journeys and set the stage for the final confrontation. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and resilience are woven throughout, making it a compelling read for those interested in rivalry dynamics.

Ray Keene, a pioneering British chess player and Grandmaster, showcases over 190 of his games in this comprehensive collection. The book highlights his strategic prowess, particularly in the opening phase, against legendary opponents like World Champions Euwe, Smyslov, Tal, and Karpov. Keene's impressive career includes numerous titles and awards, as well as contributions as a chess writer for prominent publications. His achievements in organizing World Chess Championships and authoring a remarkable 130 books further cement his legacy in the chess world.

Reflecting on the year 2020, the author draws parallels between chess and broader societal changes, inspired by historical texts. He explores the surge in chess popularity due to Covid-19, the cultural impact of the Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," and the rise of teenage Grandmasters. The shift to online chess competitions and the emergence of chess entrepreneurs, including Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, are also discussed. Through these insights, chess serves as a lens to examine art, culture, and civilization.

The book highlights the illustrious career of Grandmaster Ray Keene OBE, showcasing his achievements in international chess competitions across five continents. It details his role in organizing three world chess championships featuring Garry Kasparov and his groundbreaking work in establishing the first human-computer championship in any Mind Sport. Additionally, Keene's prolific authorship of 206 books on Mind Sports, thinking, and genius, translated into sixteen languages, underscores his significant contributions to the field.

Set against the backdrop of Moscow in autumn 1984, a historic chess match unfolds between reigning champion Anatoly Karpov and the young challenger Gary Kasparov. This intense battle showcases their contrasting styles and personalities, capturing the public's fascination and elevating chess to a prominent cultural spotlight. As Kasparov aims to become the youngest World Champion, the match becomes a significant event, not just in sports but also in the realm of media and public interest.

Focusing on a key defense to the Queen's pawn, this companion volume offers a comprehensive analysis of a chess strategy favored by legends like Fischer and Kasparov. It stands out by providing detailed commentary on complete games, highlighting timeless strategies rather than isolated moves. This approach ensures that readers can grasp the intricacies of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced players seeking to deepen their understanding of this classic opening.

Focusing on the King's Indian defense, this book delves into essential strategies for both players in key variations, including the Fianchetto, Petrosian system, Sämisch/Four Pawns attack, and Averbakh. It combines thorough analysis with clear verbal explanations, making it an excellent resource for beginners and those looking to enhance their competitive play against this dynamic counter-attacking defense.

The book features a curated selection of Ray Keene's most intriguing chess games, showcasing his matches against renowned players like Karpov, Botvinik, and Tal. Each game is thoughtfully annotated, providing insights into Keene's strategies and thought processes. Originally released as a limited edition, this work offers a unique glimpse into high-level chess competition and the dynamics between these legendary figures in the chess world.

This comprehensive guide offers a clear introduction to chess, detailing the legal moves for each piece and special rules like castling and en passant. It covers essential strategies for both openings and endgames, along with a curated gallery of notable chess figures. Additionally, the book presents the Golden Rules of chess mastery and includes puzzles with solutions to enhance learning and assess progress. Perfect for beginners, it provides a structured approach to mastering the game.