We are all familiar with the story. You are getting older, perhaps you forget more, and your chess suffers. Your playing strength diminishes. Players to whom you could give pawn and move a few years ago now defeat or draw you. What can be done?
In this unique book by American Grandmaster Alex Fishbein – the first book dedicated to this topic – he examines the games of elite players such Korchnoi, Smyslov and others. The author takes a hard look at what they did as they aged, how their approach to the game changed, and how this could benefit you.
As noted by legendary Grandmaster Artur Yusupov in his foreword:
Alex Fishbein begins by asking difficult but necessary questions. Do the methods that shaped us as players continue to serve us as we grow older? If certain skills have not fully developed after decades of play, can they still be improved? And how do we recognize, with honesty and precision, the changes in our own thinking? …
Among the techniques explored here is the “post-postmortem” – a disciplined way of revisiting and critically examining existing analysis, not to absorb it passively, but to challenge it, refine it, and deepen one’s own understanding. In doing so, we train the very faculties – visualization, memory, and concentration – that time seeks to erode.
When you are ready to roll up your sleeves and confront Father Time, you will find the author’s recommendations invaluable. And, by the way, you don’t have to wait until you are collecting Social Security to take advantage of the methodology advocated by the 2025 U.S. Senior Champion. Fighting Father Time? Yes, time to put on the gloves!
About the Author
Grandmaster Alex Fishbein was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1968. He learned chess from his father, a master-level player, at the age of 4. Alex later studied with the iconic Soviet coach Vladimir Zak, who had previously trained the young Boris Spassky and Viktor Korchnoi. From Zak, Alex came away with the feeling that chess is the most worthwhile endeavor life has to offer, an emotion that guides him to this day.
Fighting Father Time is Fishbein’s most personal work yet, and the theme of dissecting mistakes and rising from their ashes is central to the narrative. That journey culminates in this book with his victory in the 2025 US Senior Championship. Alex's earlier work for Russell Enterprises includes a revision of My System, two opening books, and several endgame projects jointly with German endgame theoretician GM Karsten Müller.
This is the second volume of the series The Life & Games of Vasily Smyslov. It covers the period from spring 1948, after The Hague-Moscow world championship match-tournament, to the end of 1953, when he won the Candidates’ tournament in Zürich to become the official challenger for the world championship.
FIDE master Andrey Terekhov continues the narrative as we follow Smyslov's intense struggle with Boleslavsky, Bronstein, Keres and Reshevsky for the right to play a world championship match with Mikhail Botvinnik.
With access to rare Soviet-era archival material and invaluable family archives, the author complements his account of Smyslov’s emergence as an elite player and title challenger with dozens of fascinating photographs, many never seen before, as well as 28 deeply annotated games.
The first volume won critical accolades, including 2020 Book of the Year from both FIDE and the Chess Journalists of America.
Are You Ready for a Strong, Dynamic Line against the French?
For some reason, many chessplayers feel a little uncomfortable when facing the French Defense. They search for active lines against this popular black reply to 1.e4. The Monte Carlo Variation of the French might be just what fits the bill.
The line begins 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4. It is worth mentioning that many other openings, including such diverse ones as the Queen’s Gambit Accepted, the English, the Petroff, etc., may also reach this position. The author, Ukrainian-French Grandmaster Vladimir Okhotnik, has had this variation in his repertoire for over 50 years and, by his own count, has played it in more than 200 serious tournament games. He now shares his extensive experience in this line.
For the most part, the Monte Carlo Variation has not been covered very well in chess literature. In fact, this is the first book devoted exclusively to this variation. Thorough coverage of positional concepts as well as tactical prospects make this a must-read for both Black (how to navigate the narrow path to equality) and White (how to maximize the pressure on the opponent). If you are looking for a strong, dynamic line against the French, go exploring with the author and look no more.
Ukrainian-French Grandmaster Vladimir Okhotnik won the Ukrainian Championship in 1979. He has won the World Senior Championship twice. Previous books include Carpathian Warrior, vols 1 & 2. This is his first book for Russell Enterprises.
Whip the Winawer with The Ram!
The French Defense is one of the most popular responses by Black to 1.e4. And the Winawer is the most popular variation of the French. In this book, the authors advocate an early advance of the h-pawn – The Ram – and plans related to it. This move was first used in the game Pilnik-Ståhlberg, Mar del Plata 1946. Argentine grandmaster Hermann Pilnik would go on to win many games with the Ram.
The major tabiya of this line arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7. While 7.Qg4 – leading to a direct attack against the black king – has been played many times in this position, it leads to well-known forced lines.
But this book is devoted to 7.h2-h4, a more positional method of attacking. More strategic considerations become pivotal – getting the “feel” for the position, becoming familiar with general plans, the best squares for the pieces, etc.
Mastering the typical motifs and ideas will in fact give you the opportunity to continue positionally or to pursue an attack directed against the black king. The authors heartily recommend The Ram for all chessplayers who strive for an energetic struggle, rich in possibilities in their quest to get an advantage as White in the French Winawer.
Greek Grandmaster Vassilios Kotronias, has won the championship of Greece ten times and has represented his country many times in team competitions. He is one of the most respected opening analysts in the world today.
Russian-Serbian Grandmaster Mikhail Ivanov has been successful in many European tournaments, including the 2002 Neckar Open. He is a respected chess coach and trainer. He has co-authored several books with GM Kotronias for Russell Enterprises.
Russian international master Andrei Obodchuk is an eleven-time Russian champion, eight-time world champion, participant of six World Chess Olympiads, and one of the most experienced and titled participants of the 4th FIDE World Chess Championship for People with Disabilities. This is his first book for Russell Enterprises.
Bored of the same old Spanish and Scotch? Smashing the Spanish! Stunning the Scotch! gives 1...e5 players a bold and practical way to take back the initiative. Face 3.Bb5 with the sharp and surprising Bird’s Defense (3...Nd4) and meet 3.d4 with the nearly forgotten Lolli Variation (3...Nxd4). Both are rare, under-analyzed, and perfect for unsettling White right out of the opening.
Inside, you'll find focused theory, practical guidance, and annotated games – all from Black’s perspective. No overloaded repertoires, just fresh, fighting lines ready for real play.
If you enjoy catching opponents unready and rewriting the script from move three, this book is for you.
Marek Soszynski is a Correspondence Chess Master and a Master of Philosophy. He has authored or co-authored a growing number of chess books including How to Think in Chess, The Great Reshevsky, and Double Trouble Scandinavian Style.
The Sixth Edition of a Modern Masterpiece
When it appeared in 2003, the first edition of Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual was immediately recognized by novice and master alike as one of the best books ever published on the endgame. The enlarged and revised sixth edition – 504 pages – is better than ever! German grandmaster Karsten Müller, widely recognized as one of the best endgame theoreticians in the world today, has carefully updated the sixth edition with the help of American grandmaster Alex Fishbein.
Here is what Magnus Carlsen, the 16th World Champion, had to say in his foreword to the sixth edition:
“This book occupies a very special place in chess literature… Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual will fill you with the joy and knowledge that will surely improve both your endgame skills and your understanding of our royal game.”
Here is what Vladimir Kramnik, the 14th World Champion, had to say in his foreword to the fifth edition:
“I consider it to be one of the very best chess books published in recent times…”
“Dvoretsky’s analysis is staggering in its depth and accuracy.” – John Watson in his review of the first edition in The Week In Chess.
“Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual comes close to an ultimate one-volume manual on the endgame.” – Lubomir Kavalek in his review of the first edition in his Washington Post column.
Black versus The Tromp and Torre Attacks
The Trompowsky and Torre Attacks, played regularly at club level, may be quite risky to face if you are not prepared. In this comprehensive treatment of both openings – highlighting play from Black’s perspective – popular authors Vassilios Kotronias and Mikhail Ivanov, present solid paths to dynamic equality for the second player.
The common thread in both these systems is Bc1-g5 by White. In the Trompowsky, White plays it on the second move, while it is on the third move in the Torre. In addition, there is a separate chapter on a dangerous cousin of the Tromp and Torre, the “Barry-Tarzan” Attack, which usually features pawn storms after castling on opposite wings.
All three have their own QuickStarter! section. This covers the major lines, allowing the reader to begin playing these systems sooner rather than later.
There is no longer any reason for Black to fear these potentially dangerous debuts. Let GMs Kotronias and Ivanov prepare you to face the Trompowsky and Torre Attacks with confidence.
About the Authors
A Dynamic Positional Enterprise
More than a half-century ago, Hungarian-American Grandmaster Pal Benko crafted a strategy for Black to meet 1.d4. A Benoni-style pawn structure is followed by a strike on the queenside – ...b7-b5! While this tactic had already been known, it was Benko who shaped it into a dynamic, dangerous system.
In this first book of a two-volume set, the authors examine the Benko Gambit Accepted in great detail. In addition, understanding that the opening analysis should not stand alone, they examine over 300 endgames arising from these lines. The result is an incredibly thorough and comprehensive treatment of one of Black’s most energetic defenses.
In his Introduction, Grandmaster Vassilios Kotronias points out that overall, the Benko Gambit is really a dynamic positional enterprise. Black sacrifices a pawn for open lines on the queenside while at the same time, the black king is relatively safe.
Three-time U.S. Champion, Grandmaster Lev Alburt has been a powerful proponent of the Benko:
An impressive work by excellent authors. I particularly like the QuickStarter! Section and the chapter on the endgames arising out of the Benko Gambit.
Russian-Serbian Grandmaster Mikhail Ivanov has been successful in many European tournaments, including the 2002 Neckar Open. He is a venerable chess coach and trainer. He has partnered with GM Kotronias on several books for Russell Enterprises.
The Fine Art of the Endgame Study
The chess endgame study has a long and storied history and occupies a unique place in chess because of its similarity to practical play. Many studies contain beautiful ideas and combinations. Solving or even simply playing through endgame studies is an effective method of studying the strategic and tactical elements of play and contributes to the growth of the number of fans of this chess art.
However, many chessplayers are unaware or apprehensive of endgame studies. The studies seem to be almost other-worldly. But now, for the first time, a world-class endgame composer explains the basics of studies, from the basic terms and themes, to solving and even composing endgame studies!
If you have always wanted to explore endgame studies but thought they were too abstract or difficult, this book is for you. The author breaks down all the basic themes, with examples and clear explanations.
The book you are holding – a first of its kind – is a complete practical guide to the wonderland of our fine art aimed at leading you to your upcoming solving and composing adventures by a world class expert – From the Foreword by Yochanan Afek
Whether you are seeking to improve your tactical and strategic endgame skills or just wish to enjoy the beauty and aesthetic appeal of endgame studies, let Oleg Pervakov open the door to the fine art of the endgame study.
Oleg Pervakov is one of the most distinguished endgame study composers in the world today. In 2005 he was awarded the coveted title of International Grandmaster in Chess Composition.
Excellent Ennui!
Chess, so the theory goes, takes 10,000 hours of practice to master. Clearly not all of those hours will be enjoyable and studying 80 endgames featuring a specific isolated pawn is definitely not in the fun category. This is where The World’s Most Boring Chess Book comes in.
What The World’s Most Boring Chess Book lacks in entertainment, it makes up in examples explaining how to push for a win in an endgame where one side is saddled with an isolated pawn, and how to defend against such efforts. The commentary which accompanies the deep analysis, makes the subject accessible but never easy: even the endgames with just kings and pawns are surprisingly challenging.
Isolated pawns are one major type of technical position. One can find oneself in such a position from many different openings, or at the end of a middlegame or endgame battle. Hundreds of fascinating games have been played with an isolated pawn and Rogers and Hazai deeply analyse 80 of them in this book... [A] reader will learn which pieces it is better to exchange, when one can wait patiently, and when one needs to look for active counterplay... If you are not shy about working diligently and want to improve your technique, then this book is for you! – From the Foreword by Boris Gelfand
Many chessplayers are uncomfortable in positions which have an isolated d-pawn. With the help of the authors, you will come to embrace these positions, whether on offence or defence. What excellent ennui!
Hungarian International Master Laszlo Hazai is a noted trainer and theoretician who has worked with elite Grandmasters such as Judit Polgar and Boris Gelfand and multiple World Junior Champions. Hazai is also a gold medal winning Olympic captain for Hungary. This is his first book for Russell Enterprises.
Ian Rogers is an Australian Grandmaster. He is commentator, trainer, and author who has tried to make the book accessible for players below a 2700 rating. His previous works for Russell Enterprises include two immensely enjoyable books, Oops! I Resigned Again! and Oops! I Resigned One More Time!.
What Does It Take to Play Master-Level Chess?
Becoming a master is a goal many chessplayers seek. And for most, it is an unfulfilled dream. Now, for the first time, the topic is squarely addressed. Not by a super grandmaster or high-powered international master, but by a "regular" national master, a master who earned his stripes in the trenches, battling his way to the title.
In Reaching the Top?!, author Peter Kurzdorfer shares his journey to the coveted 2200 Elo mark. Using his own games, major topics covered by the author include: Learning From Past Mistakes; Choose Openings to Suit Your Style; Handling Material Inequality; Practical Endgames; How Sound Do Your Openings Need to Be?; When Things Go Terribly Wrong; Overcoming Difficulties; and How to Win.
This guide shows what it takes to play at the master level. What you need to know. What you do not need to know. It is a practical presentation that will not only help aspiring masters, but in fact any player seeking to improve his game.
So come on in and sit by the side of a chess master as he plies his craft, marveling at the wonderful, intricate combinations and positional ideas and shuddering at the opportunities that supposedly strong chess players missed time and time again. Enjoy these every-day, blue-collar battles that do not involve the cutting edge of theory or top professional combatants, but do come out of ordinary amateur chess players who have made it work for them.
However, there is one requirement: you do have to love the game and give it your best shot, every game, every move. Mix in some discipline and concentration, and you too may be able to play master-level chess.
After a 30-year adventure spent immersed in chess beginning in the early 1970s, Mr. Kurzdorfer is back. He is a long-time national master, chess teacher, certified coach and tournament director. He is also a former contributor and later editor of Chess Life and School Mates magazines, a former judge for the Chess Journalists of America, and author of The Everything Chess Basics Book and the Tao of Chess. Though no longer active on the tournament circuit, he is involved in chess editing once again, notably with Russell Enterprises, Inc.
A 21st-Century Edition of a Great Checkmate Collection!
Ask most chessplayers from the “baby boomer” generation how they acquired and sharpened their tactical skills, and chances are a Fred Reinfeld tactics collection will be part of their answer. And now, for the first time, 1001 Brilliant Ways to Checkmate is available in modern algebraic notation.
This may be the all-time great checkmate collection, with forced checkmate positions culled mainly from actual play. And Reinfeld's selection is simply marvelous, touching on all the important tactical themes.
In short, this is an outstanding book to hone your tactical abilities. It will help you recognize mating patterns, develop visualization skills, enhance imagination, and improve tactical sharpness. And now, with a modern 21st-century edition of this great checkmate collection finally available, there is no excuse for not only improving your tactical skills, but also enjoying yourself along the way.
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