CHESS PRAXIS
Author: Aron Nimzowitsch
Quality Chess (2007)
215 pages
$29.95

Reviewed by Jeremy Silman

This is one of the great chess classics, and together with MY SYSTEM, represents Nimzowitsch's most important work. While MY SYSTEM is a basic instructional tome, CHESS PRAXIS (which is really a collection of Nimzowitsch's best and most instructive games) has always been, in my view, far more fun to read and (dare I say it?) even more instructive.

The question here is not whether CHESS PRAXIS is a great book -- everyone knows that it's one of those "must be in every chess library" kind of things -- the real question is whether this new edition is better or worse than other versions before it.

Since I don't speak German, it's impossible for me to say what translation does a better job of giving us the heart and soul of Nimzowitsch's message. Keep in mind that a German gentleman I know (A scientist of towering intelligence with considerable accomplishments under his belt, who also happens to own the original German editions signed by Nimzowitsch himself!) told me that the old English translation more often than not misses the mark regarding Nimzowitsch's intended humor and literary energy. Of course, just speaking fluent German and English doesn't mean you have the ability to "channel" a writer's artistry. In fact, doing this is a rare talent. Anyway, since I'm unable to translate key lines of the original book myself and see if I agree with the various translations, I'll settle for a basic comparison between my trusty Dover edition (the more modern 21st Century edition makes use of the same translation as the Dover edition) and the new Quality Chess edition. Note that I will ignore the Dover edition's cumbersome use of English descriptive and instead explore the quality of the writing.

The following example was taken from game one:
Note to black's 31st move.
Quality Chess: "Poor bishop, its hour has come; its only consolation is not to perish in foreign fields!"
Dover: "Poor Bishop, your hour has come. But there is one consolation, you die at home!"

I chose this particular note because the old translation (in this specific example) is infinitely superior to the new one. The old version is far more powerful, personal, and expresses more humanity and humor.

Here's another case of the new translation being inferior to the old (note to white's 13th move in game 29).
QUALITY CHESS: "It is obvious that Black will not just look on, but for his part will struggle for the control of the central squares."
DOVER: "It is clear that Black is not going to look on passively, but will himself contend for mastery in the center."

The game 29 example shows the Quality Chess version to be clunky and poorly written, while the old version is energetic and easy to read.

Want another example of the new translation's flaws? Okay, let's look at the note to black's 24th move in game 40.
QUALITY CHESS: "This is clear proof of our point of view that blockading without preventive moves is sheer nonsense."
DOVER: "A clear proof of our contention that blockading without prophylaxis is an impossibility."

Another victory for Dover!

Do the buzzards want more blood? Okay, try these on for size:
(Note to black's 7th move in game 47)
QUALITY CHESS: "I pointed out to him the line 8.Bf4 Qxb2 9.Nbd2."
DOVER: "I mentioned the variation ..."

Ugh! So simple, but it makes such a huge difference.

(Note to black's final move in game 63)
QUALITY CHESS: "... instead of an alleged dynamism, there was the covering up of a static weakness."
DOVER: "... instead of the alleged dynamic strength, we see a timid concealment of its static weakness."

The Dover version (of the game 63 comparison) has charm, the Quality Chess version took that charm away.

Of course, all this is a bit unfair, because in the majority of cases the new version's translation is less cumbersome than the old. A sample can be seen from the note to black's 6th move in game one:
Quality Chess: "Such a set-up would mean centralization, which is the greatest possible safeguard against any surprise."
Dover: "This disposition would mean centralization and therefore the greatest possible safeguard against all surprise."

Here there's no doubt that the Quality Chess version is better than the old one, and we can find many more examples like this all through the book.

My final thoughts on both translations: The old one can be very cumbersome at times, but also manages (now and then) to capture some of the author's humor and the charm of his pen. The new translation (which offers a smoother read) is more workmanlike, but the translator often seems to completely miss the intended humor and occasionally "inks it out." Nevertheless, though the new translation is indeed a slight improvement over the old, I expected something earthshaking and am rather disappointed since the resulting product didn't live up to my over-the-top expectations.

For English speakers, there are three choices to be made when deciding on the purchase of CHESS PRAXIS. The old Dover edition can be found at most used bookstores for just a few bucks. However, it makes use of the ever-annoying English Descriptive notation (in fact, many modern amateur's can't read this form of notation at all!).

The Hays Edition (the so-called 21st Century Edition) makes use of the original translation (the same as the Dover edition did), but presents the moves in algebraic notation. However, I never liked its layout and was never a fan of this particular edition, though others seem to be happy enough with it.

The new Quality Chess edition offers a new translation (kudos for the effort), algebraic notation, lots of diagrams (thank you!) and an elegant presentation. It also offers a short list of computer corrections to some of the author's analysis.

Personally, I don't mind the old Dover edition (while others seem content with the Hay's edition). However, if you simply can't use anything but algebraic notation, and if you want an elegant book on your shelf rather than the clunky looking Dover edition, and if you are sick and tired of the often cumbersome nature of the old translation (which is used in both the Dover and Hays editions), then the new Quality Chess edition is your only logical choice.

Click to buy (or get more information about) CHESS PRAXIS (Quality Chess 2007 Edition)

Click to buy (or get more information about) CHESS PRAXIS (Hays Publishing, 21st Century Edition, $17.95)