Biographies and History

Genna Sosonko is widely acclaimed as the most prominent chronicler of a unique era in chess history. In the Soviet Union chess was developed into an ideological weapon that was actively promoted by the country’s leadership during the Cold War. Starting with Mikhail Botvinnik, their best chess players grew into symbols of socialist excellence. Sosonko writes from a privileged dual perspective, combining an insider’s nostalgia with the detachment of a critical observer. He grew up with legendary champions such as Mikhail Tal and Viktor Korchnoi and spent countless hours with most of the other greats and lesser chess mortals he portrays.

In the late 1980s he began to write about the champions he knew and their remarkable lives in New In Chess Magazine. First, he wrote primarily about Soviet players and personalities, and later, he also began to portray other chess celebrities with whom he had crossed paths. They all vividly come to life as the reader is transported to their time and world. Once you’ve read Sosonko, you will feel you know Capablanca, Max Euwe and Tony Miles. And you will never forget Sergey Nikolaev.

This monumental book is a collection of the portraits and profiles Genna Sosonko wrote for New in Chess magazine. The stories have been published in his books: Russian Silhouettes, The Reliable Past, Smart Chip From St. Petersburg and The World Champion I Knew. They are supplemented with further writings on legends such as David Bronstein, Garry Kasparov and Boris Spassky. They paint an enthralling and unforgettable picture of a largely vanished age and, indirectly, a portrait of one of the greatest writers on the world of chess.

Genna Sosonko (1943) was born in Leningrad, where he was a leading chess trainer. Following his emigration from the Soviet Union in 1972, he settled in The Netherlands. He won numerous tournaments, including Wijk aan Zee in 1977 (with Geller) and 1981 (with Timman) and an individual gold medal at the Olympiad in Haifa 1976. After his active career, Sosonko discovered a passion for writing.

'Each new story of Genna Sosonko is the preservation of grains of our chess life' -- from the foreword by Garry Kasparov

IM Gary Lane (Australian Chess) 

“This is surely a great addition to anyone who wants to top up their chess history knowledge, and you can dip in and out of fascinating anecdotes about the stars of a bygone era. A joy for anyone who appreciates the inside story on some of the greatest chess masters in the world.”

In his third full-length memoir about one of the world's greatest ever chess players Genna Sosonko portrays a warm picture of the seventh world champion Vasily Smyslov, with whom he spent considerable time over the board, during tournaments and while meeting at each other's homes. Smyslov the man was far more balanced and spiritual than most of his contemporaries, capable of a relaxed and yet principled approach to life. Unlike most top players he was able to reach a very high standard in his chosen hobby - in his case, classical singing - even while playing chess at the very top. His natural inclination to see the best in people was, however, challenged as the world around him underwent fundamental changes late in his life.

The new freedoms of the post-Soviet era also engendered one of the most extraordinary polemics in chess history - David Bronstein's article 'Thrown' Games in Zurich (2001) - bringing accusations against Smyslov that forced him to defend himself at the age of eighty, by which time many witnesses to the events in Zurich were already deceased. In this book, Genna focuses in particular on that polemic, places it in the wider context of the so-called Soviet Chess School, and asks whether Bronstein's hurt and accusations were justified.

First published in Russian in 2014 and written by Genna Sosonko – widely recognized as the number one writer on the history of Soviet chess – this is a truly unique book about the life and destiny of the great chess player David Bronstein (1924-2006).

Emerging from a challenging background – he narrowly escaped the holocaust in WWII, during which he starved, and his father spent seven years in a gulag – Bronstein faced Botvinnik in the world championship match in 1951 and nearly defeated him. But this ‘nearly’ inflicted a wound on David so deep that it would not heal for the rest of his life.

Sosonko knew Bronstein well. Their conversations – many of which have made it into this book – not only portray the thoughts and character of one of history’s most original grandmasters but also take us back to a time unlike any other in world history. This is not a biography in the traditional sense of the word. Rather, Sosonko’s fascinating book asks eternal questions which don’t have neat and simple answers.

With a foreword to the English edition by Garry Kasparov.

Viktor Korchnoi was one of the leading grandmasters of the 20th century, coming within one game of winning the world championship in 1978. His battles with Karpov for the world crown were among the most important chess matches ever played. A man with a unique – and in many ways tragic – life and career, Korchnoi’s defection to the West in 1976 was a major event in Cold War politics. 

Grandmaster Genna Sosonko was Korchnoi’s coach and second during tournaments and candidates matches in 1970-71 and then a close friend of Korchnoi for decades. Indeed, Sosonko’s emigration to the West in 1972, which is described in detail in this memoir, had a key impact on Korchnoi’s decision to defect four years later. They would meet up at tournaments and at home and discuss chess, politics, and just about everything else. Their conversations constitute an important part of this book, in which Sosonko tackles difficult questions about Korchnoi’s personality and places much of his often challenging behavior into its historical context. This book, like Sosonko’s previous masterpiece The Rise and Fall of David Bronstein, contains no games but focuses on Korchnoi’s life, from his early childhood to his final years. Further, it includes many previously unpublished photos from the private collections of Sosonko and the Korchnoi family.

*** SHORT-LISTED FOR THE ENGLISH CHESS FEDERATION BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2019 *** 

Sally’s breathtaking story, first published in Russia in 1998 and which has been reprinted multiple times, is a memoir of her time with Tal, with whom she remained friends long after they divorced right up until his death in 1992. Full of detail about Tal and their life together, it is a tale of triumph and tragedy, love, parenthood, sorrow, jealousy, betrayal and revenge. Colored by a historical and social background including the Second World War, the Soviet chess scene, Rigan high society, the shadow economy in the Soviet Union, and Jewish emigration, it contains a fascinating portrait of Misha’s mysterious family and is illustrated with photos from Sally’s private archive. And it all just happens to be true...

Please keep in mind that the same stories are also featured in The Essential Sosonko.

‘At the time Botvinnik was the personification of chess in the Soviet Union – river: Volga, 

poet: Mayakovsky, goalkeeper: Yashin, chess player: Botvinnik. And suddenly – a kid with a name as short as a gunshot: Tal!’

Genna Sosonko’s riveting portrait of Mikhail Tal, the Magician from Riga who to this day mesmerizes chess fans all over the world, bears all the hallmarks of the author’s inimitable writing.

Few – if any – knew ‘Misha’ as well as his good friend and training partner. Here you see the real Tal: nonchalant genius, charming wit, womanizer, cult hero and drug addict. Mikhail Tal is only one of the chess greats that Sosonko brings to life in this collection of his best writings on World Champions.

Two of them lived before his time: his story of Alexander Alekhine is based on fresh research; his intriguing portrait of José Raúl Capablanca followed unforgettable encounters with Capa’s widow Olga.

Genna Sosonko got to know the other champions described here through his extensive travels as a chess pro. Countless hours of private conversation form the basis of his unique portraits of Max Euwe, Mikhail Botvinnik,Vasily Smyslov and Tigran Petrosian.

Genna Sosonko was born in Leningrad,where he was a leading chess trainer. Following his emigration from the Soviet Union in 1972 he settled in The Netherlands, later becoming a world class player. After his active career, he discovered a passion for writing that resulted in widely acclaimed books in which he masterfully combines an insider’s nostalgia with the detachment of a critical observer.

Garry Kasparov: 

‘Sosonko brings genuine delight even to the most demanding readers, from professionals to amateurs or even non-players who are simply interested in chess history as a part of general human culture.’

Daniel King: 

'Sosonko's portrait of Tal is no hagiography and is all the better for that. Beautifully written, heartfelt and moving.'

Jeremy Silman: 

"If you love chess history, or history in general, or if you simply want to know more about some of your chess heroes, this book is a must buy. Beautifully written and rich with amazing content, I give Sosonko’s 'The World Champions I Knew' my highest recommendation."

Dominic Lawson, Standpoint Magazine: 

"Sosonko's remiscences of [Mikhail Tal,] the self-destructive, alcoholic, womanising 'half angel - half devil' form the pulsing heart of his latest memoir."

Gary Lane, Chess Moves Magazine: 

"A wonderful insight to the lives of the World Champions."

Max Euwe Center, Amsterdam: 

"An important addition to what we know about the the lives of the world champions. This is chess literature at its very best."

John D. Warth, Chess Club of Southern Indiana: 

"Sosonko writes with uncommon grace. His free-form stories speak from the heart, and frame each subject within the context of the times. There is wisdom in his open and honest assessments, and each world champion's story has been told with unusual warmth, insight, and compassion."

David MacEnulty dared to dream big. In the 1990’s, despite the many skeptics and the scarcity of resources, he became a pioneer of chess in the public schools of the Bronx. The obstacles were formidable—poverty, crime, racism, and ignorance. Yet, with unwavering dedication, MacEnulty and his students defied all expectations.

In Sunrise in the Bronx, MacEnulty describes his transformative journey from fumbling substitute teacher to legendary chess coach. While gradually building a team of administrators, parents, and benefactors, he guides his students through not only the rules of chess but also the invaluable lessons of resilience and determination. Along the way, he establishes the importance of principles, planning, and practice, stressing the need to believe in one’s own potential. He demonstrates how each move, each match, can be seen a metaphor for life itself. MacEnulty teaches—and sometimes learns from the students themselves—that success is not just about winning games and tournaments, but about a personal journey of self-discovery and growth.

Over the years, MacEnulty’s chess teams win countless local, regional, and national championships, all while earning the respect of peers and mentors alike. These accomplishments capture not only the attention of their school and chess communities, but that of the nation as well. They soon find themselves invited to dinner at the White House, where they are celebrated as symbols of hope and inspiration for all. Even in the wake of such achievement, however, the true measure of success for MacEnulty and his students lies not with the honors, titles, and trophies they win, but in the lives they touch and the futures they forge together.

A testament to the transformative power of true dedication, Sunrise in the Bronx celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the enduring impact of integrity, teamwork, and effort in the face of adversity. Throughout this remarkable journey, David MacEnulty and his students remind us that, with dedication and faith, every sunrise brings the promise of a brighter future.

David MacEnulty began teaching chess at the elementary school, PS. 70X in the South Bronx. He is an award-winning teacher with over thirty years of experience teaching children and adults. His chess teams have won numerous New York City, New York State, and National Chess Championships. He was named Chess Educator of the Year by the University of Texas at Dallas, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the US Chess Federation, and has written chess books such as How to beat your kids at Chess.

This book completes a glowing tribute to the sparkling chess career and life story of Boris Spassky, by biographer extraordinaire Tibor Karolyi. We continue the story where Boris Spassky’s Best Games 1 left off, with Spassky poised to claim the title of World Champion in 1969.

Even after his famous defeat to Bobby Fischer in Reykjavik 1972, Boris Spassky remained among the strongest players in the world, and his masterpieces continued to delight chess lovers for decades to come. Boris Spassky’s Best Games 2 completes a fitting tribute to a brilliant chess player, who sadly passed away at the age of 88 while this book was being edited.

Robert Hübner (1948-2025) was one of the world’s leading players in the 1970s-1980s, reaching four world championship candidates cycles. Widely recognised as Germany’s greatest chess player since Emanuel Lasker, he reached the candidates final against Korchnoi over the 1980-1981 New Year. He was ranked number 3 in the world in July 1981, behind only Karpov and Korchnoi.

Following the success of their year by year series on Korchnoi, the winning team of Tibor Karolyi (games analysis) and Hans Renette (biography) is back with a new multi-volume series on Robert Hübner. While less information is available on his life outside chess than with Korchnoi, Hans has managed to find several contemporary sources and to interview people who knew Hübner to compile an informative portrait of Hübner the man. Some information was provided by Robert himself, although he was clearly unwell by the time this project began. In volume one, which covers the period of 1959 to 1979, we read about the early part of his career, from child prodigy to world championship candidate in the 1970-1971 cycle, when he lost narrowly to Petrosian in the quarter-final, to his gold medal on first board at the 1972 Skopje Olympiad, and ending with his shared first place in the 1979 Rio de Janeiro Interzonal.

In this series, Tibor demonstrates in particular that Hübner was one of the world’s most resilient endgame players. He was one of very few players to draw with Fischer in a difficult endgame, and he saved many lost endgames, often at critical times: he even saved them against Karpov and Kasparov. We find that Hübner generally withstood tension well, but occasionally collapsed under pressure. Also, rarely for an elite player, he was equally comfortable playing both 1.e4 and 1.d4 throughout his career.

Opponents in the 159 games and samples instructively analysed by Tibor in volume one include world champions Karpov, Fischer, Spassky, Petrosian, Tal, and Smyslov, as well as many other players from the world and German elites. The book is supplemented by a selection of tournament photos.

Swedish chess legend Ulf Andersson was a positional genius with a crystal-clear style. In his prime, in the 1970s and 80s, he rose to the number 4 spot of the FIDE world rankings because he almost never lost a game and kept scoring wins from quiet positions.

But every now and then, he found himself in a position on the board that demanded an attack. And then he would strike! He was fierce and decisive, showcasing his phenomenal talent and his incredible ability to sense any imbalance on the board.

Ulf - The Attacker is an amazing collection of thrilling games! Ulf is widely regarded as one of the most likable figures in the chess world. He is consistently humble, generous with his time, and known for his exceptional sportsmanship. But at the board, he was merciless in his games against Anatoly Karpov, Viktor Korchnoi, Bent Larsen, and Lajos Portisch, to name a few of the chess stars that got crushed in an attack.

This book is both entertaining and instructive. Ulf Andersson's fluid attacking game will undoubtedly influence your own thinking about chess.

Thomas Engqvist is an International Master from Sweden. He has over forty years’ experience as a chess coach, teacher and writer. This is his eleventh chess book, and the first one published by New In Chess.

The beginning of the 20th century was a different time in chess. The World Champion was the German Emanuel Lasker, and tournaments took place in Paris, Monte Carlo, Cambridge Springs, and St. Peterburg. The key contestants were familiar names such as Pillsbury, Schlechter, Tarrasch, Marshall, Maroczy, Rubinstein, and many more.

Based on his popular blog series on Chess.com, Sam Kahn covers the first decade of the 20th century, where you get to meet all of the above characters and many more, read about the fascinating tournaments, what went on behind the scenes and see more than forty exciting games, carefully annotated by the experienced authors Cyrus Lakdawala and Carsten Hansen

The fourth and final volume of FM Hans Renette and IM Tibor Karolyi’s treatise on the life and games of Viktor Korchnoi will surprise you. Covering the period from 1992 until the maestro’s death in 2016 at the age of 85, it contains a bumper 208 highly instructive games and fragments. Fighting games, attacks, endgames, theoretical battles, time scrambles, classical and rapid – it has the lot.

And Korchnoi was no weakling in his incredible late career! He won the category 16 Madrid tournament in 1995 at the age of 64 ahead of Short, Salov, Yusupov, Polgar and Timman among others. His first place at Sarajevo in 1998 saw him achieve a tournament performance rating of 2831 at the age of 67. He was the highest-rated 70-year old ever with an Elo of 2639 in 2001. In that same year he won the category 17 double-round robin tournament at Biel, ahead of Gelfand, Svidler, Lautier, Grischuk and Pelletier. In 2004 he achieved a tournament performance rating of nearly 2800 in the city of Paks, Hungary, at the age of 73.

Viktor was still unleashing opening novelties in his late 70s, playing tournaments around the world and winning some of them. Notably, he was World Senior Champion in 2006 and was ranked in the world’s top hundred as late as 2007, when aged 75. He became Swiss champion for the fifth time in 2011 at the age of 80 and he even introduced a novelty in a game with Uhlmann in 2015 when aged almost 84.

This book contains games against Magnus Carlsen (whom he beat in 2004), Fabiano Caruana (whom he beat in 2011), Kasparov, Karpov, Spassky, Gelfand, Timman, Short, Ponomariov, Yusupov, Svidler, Uhlmann, Hort, Beliavsky, Piket, Speelman, Tiviakov, Adams, Sadler, Romanishin, Vallejo, Vasiukov, Sutovsky, Gashimov, Ashley, and the legendary trainer Mark Dvoretsky among many others. 

It also contains 80 tournament and family photos, the vast majority of them published in a book for the first time. This book comes in B/W paperback, B/W hardback and full-colour hardback. In the full-colour version of the book, 70 of these photos are in colour.