Pandolfini Bruce. Russian Chess

Touchstone, 1987. - 224 p.This is a veritable textbook on how to conduct a complete game. It emphasizes the game as a WHOLE, not just opening, middle, and end parts. Six games are given with EACH move given commentary and/or analysis. Questions are given to the reader at key points during each game to stress certain points. GrandMaster and past World Champion anecdotes are also given to help accentuate these points. This book is a joy to read. It may be a little too simple for B-class and above players, but "you can always learn something from anyone"(Robert J. Fischer). Highly recommended for beginners to 1600s.The 6 annotated games begin with an introductory "what to look for" discussion along with some biographical info on the players to whet your appetite. Then the game is presented with short descriptive paragraphs interspersed concerning principles such as gambit play, color control, central influence vs occupation, open files, pawn islands, etc. Chess principles that a player < Class A may not quite fully appreciate just yet.A great question and answer format is liberally applied within the games to challenge the reader.