Schacksnack

In this video, International Master Thomas Engqvist explores the classic chess book Lessons From My Games – A Passion for Chess by American Grandmaster Reuben Fine (Dover, 1983; originally published 1958).

This book is a standalone continuation of Chess Marches On and offers a rich and insightful look into Fine’s career through carefully selected games. It is filled with personal reflections, the books that shaped Fine’s thinking, and fascinating insights into the playing styles of the great masters of the time.

A recurring thread throughout the book is Alexander Alekhine, whom Fine faced several times. We dive into some of the most compelling chapters, including:

• I Meet Alekhine

• I Turn to Blindfold Chess

• Beyond the Hypermodern School

• How Far Ahead Can a Chess Master See?

This video is also a tutorial on how to study chess books effectively. I demonstrate how I read, underline and highlight key passages when working with classic chess literature — especially older, out-of-print books written in descriptive notation.

These timeless works remain incredibly valuable for players who want to:

Improve their chess understanding

Develop stronger study habits

Gain historical and strategic perspective on the game

This video is for chess lovers interested in American chess history and the legacy of Reuben Fine.