Grandmaster Andrew Soltis, nine times champion of the Marshall Chess Club, New York Post editor and Chess Life columnist, is the author of dozens of chess books. He lives in New York City.

“just the right combination of fascination and brio”—Chess Life; “a real browser’s delight”—San Francisco Chronicle; “arguably the best chess writer on the American scene...opulent”—Washington Times; “a wonderfully readable book...fascinating”—Boston Herald; “enjoyable”—British Chess Magazine; “provides much fascination, amusement, and food for thought...stimulating company”—Chessopolis; “extraordinary...hundreds of curious chess facts...highly readable...fantastic collection”—Chess Mail; “updated…expanded…fun to browse through...should not be missing from any chess library”—The Washington Post; “lists are complete with background detail”—Chess Horizons; “presents us with truth and entertainment...buy this book”—Correspondence Chess News; “noted author and chess master Andy Soltis delivers the best, the worst, the shortest, the longest, the oddest, the most brilliant, and the most memorable games, books, and matches in chess history…lots of great info…highly-recommended”—The Charleston Daily News.

• Table of ContentsPreface     1 How We Play the Game     2 The Best (and Some Worst)     3 Masters at Play     4 Fakes, Myths and Real Jobs     5 Life, Death and the World Championship     6 The Great, the Most and the Tragic     7 Openings and Endings and What’s in Between     8 Last Words     Index of Openings (Descriptive)     Index of Openings (ECO)     General Index