Schacksnack

In this episode of Chesslovers, IM Thomas Engqvist reveals what he considers the tenth-best chess book of all time – a masterfully instructive work on the Soviet Chess School of the 1950s. This tournament book, associated with David Bronstein, takes the reader deep into the strategic debates of the era, including the enduring question of the “backward pawn” on d6 – a theme that can arise in both the Sicilian Defence and the King’s Indian Defence. Here, dynamic chess thinking truly comes to life. With clear explanations and instructive examples, this book captures the essence of Soviet chess philosophy, making it as valuable for the ambitious club player as it is for seasoned masters. If you wish to understand how dynamic ideas began to dominate modern chess, this is an essential read.

Keywords: tournament book, Bronstein, King’s Indian Defence, Sicilian Defence, Soviet Chess School, 1950s chess, backward pawn, dynamic chess