I became acquainted with Smyslov by reading My Best Games of Chess 1935-1957 (Dover) by Smyslov. The beautiful games were streamlined and the notes offered a nice mix between prose and variations.

While it is true that the former World Champion failed to project much enthusiasm into his writing, this first book is still a classic and should be included in every serious player's library.

My next "Smyslov moment" occurred when I played him in one of the legendary Lone Pine tournaments. I remember that he never even sat down during our game, looking at me with scorn (or was it pity?) as he rolled me off the board.

The 20-year old Silman obviously had no chance against the Russian chess giant (the game was actually published in several books as an example of how NOT to play!), but I didn't need much experience to see that he hardly exuded the personality of a Najdorf or even a Petrosian (both gentlemen were very kind to me at that event).

The pain of my humiliation at Smyslov's hands faded long ago (to be honest, I was honored just to play the guy!). Thus, when this book arrived in the mail I was quite excited; how often do the chess greats come out with books?

Sadly, it offers the reader such a sterile, inhuman feel that I can't bring myself to recommend it.

Smyslov gives us very little formal or original instruction, instead handing us only a tiny taste of interesting prose. At times his notes are skimpy, and at other times he gives us lots of variations that are clearly devoid of soul or humor.

Of course, the endgames themselves are quite instructive, but the book isn't fun to go through and the writing style makes it more or less useless for weaker players.

If you want to study Smyslov, stick to his earlier book of best games. This new one would be placed on the shelf and forgotten in a very short time.

YOU CAN FIND THIS BOOK AT