Schacksnack

In this video, International Master Thomas Engqvist presents #30 on the list of the Top 30 Chess Books: The Human Side of Chess by Fred Reinfeld (New York, 1952).

Fred Reinfeld (1910–1964) was the man who taught America chess. He was not only one of the most influential chess writers of the 20th century, but also a strong tournament player. During the 1930s and 1940s he was generally among the top ten players in the United States, with only Samuel Reshevsky and Reuben Fine clearly ahead of him. On the 1950 rating list, Reinfeld had an impressive 2593, but he ended his competitive chess career in 1942 to focus on providing for his family and his life with his wife Beatrice.

The Human Side of Chess is a personal and engaging history of chess, focusing on the seven world champions: Anderssen, Morphy, Steinitz, Lasker, Capablanca, Alekhine, and Euwe. In addition, Reinfeld brings in many other great players connected to these champions and their eras, creating a rich and human portrait of chess history.

What makes this book special is Reinfeld’s ability to combine deep chess knowledge, historical insight, and a warm, human perspective. His writing reflects the fact that he was not only a great author, but also a strong practical player who truly understood the game and its champions.

Fred Reinfeld was an incredibly productive writer, authoring around 260 books, of which 118 were about chess. In this 48-minute video, Thomas Engqvist explains why The Human Side of Chess remains an important and enjoyable read for all chess lovers, regardless of playing strength.