The Chess Companion

The Chess Companion is a collection of chess games, strategies, and stories compiled by chess writer Irving Chernev. Published in 1968, it contains over 100 annotated games spanning multiple centuries of chess history. The book presents tactical puzzles, endgame studies, and strategic principles through real game examples from both famous masters and lesser-known players. Each section includes Chernev's analysis and explanations aimed at chess players of varying skill levels. The material covers openings, middlegame play, and endgame technique, with special attention given to combinations and sacrificial attacks. Historical anecdotes and brief player biographies provide context for the featured games. The Chess Companion serves as both an instructional manual and a celebration of chess creativity, demonstrating the depth and beauty of the game through concrete examples rather than abstract theory.

Chess players say this collection hits a sweet spot between basic principles and deeper strategy. Readers appreciate how Chernev weaves instruction with entertaining stories and historical games. Likes: - Clear explanations make complex concepts accessible - Mix of tactical puzzles and annotated games - Humorous writing style keeps material engaging - Good balance of content for intermediate players - Historical anecdotes provide context Dislikes: - Some material repeats from Chernev's other books - A few dated opening recommendations - More suitable for 1200-1800 rated players than beginners - Some readers found the humor distracting Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (31 ratings) Common reader comment: "Helps identify key patterns while being fun to read" - multiple Amazon reviews ChessCafe.com forum users frequently recommend it as a follow-up to basic chess books, noting it bridges the gap to more advanced texts.

The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal by Mikhail Tal This autobiography presents instructive chess games with detailed annotations and personal insights from one of chess history's most creative players.

The Art of Attack in Chess by Vladimir Vukovic The book examines attacking patterns and combinations through classic chess games with emphasis on king-side attacks and sacrificial play.

Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca The world champion shares core chess principles and strategic concepts through annotated games and position analysis.

My 60 Memorable Games by Bobby Fischer Fischer analyzes his most significant games with precise explanations of moves, variations, and strategic decisions.

The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played by Irving Chernev The book breaks down 62 chess games move by move with explanations of the reasoning behind key decisions and tactical combinations.

🔹 Irving Chernev wrote over 20 chess books during his lifetime, but The Chess Companion (1968) is considered one of his most entertaining works, blending instruction with historical anecdotes and humor. 🔹 The book features a famous section called "The Game of the Century," analyzing the brilliant match between 13-year-old Bobby Fischer and Donald Byrne from 1956. 🔹 Chernev spent over 40 years collecting the stories, games, and puzzles that appear in The Chess Companion, gathering them from historical records and personal conversations with grandmasters. 🔹 Despite never achieving the title of chess master himself, Chernev's books have taught generations of players, with his clear, conversational writing style making complex strategies accessible to beginners. 🔹 Several of the tactical puzzles featured in the book were actually played out in cafes and chess clubs in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s, when the city was a major hub for chess culture.