Chess for Fun and Chess for Blood

This is a fun book, not just the part entitled 'Chess for fun'. For the one year when I lived on campus during my undergraduate days, I had a next-door neighbour with whom I played chess, and whenever he would take a piece, he would issue his war-cry, 'Blood!' How could I not purchase this book when I saw the title? Edward Lasker (1885-1981), an American chess champion, may have been related to Emanuel Lasker (1868 - 1941), who was the second official World Chess Champion, a title he held for 27 after claiming it from Wilhelm Steinitz. The term of 27 years as champion is still a record. Edward Lasker played a famous game against Emanuel Lasker, which is recorded in this book in detail with commentary. This is not a how-to manual specifically, although one will get many tips, particularly about combinations, end-game set-ups, and general strategy ideas. Edward Lasker brings in many historic games and show their strategies, and does so in both sections. The section on 'Chess for Blood' goes into more detail about major games and master play, but even here the focus is on strategy and psychology, albeit of a different sort. At the highest level, chess ceases to be a game (much like professional sports) - 'Such games are no fun, even for the winner. They are the hardest work imaginable. You play for blood!' Lasker in this section shows a move-by-move recreation of some of his own games, giving not only insight to the chess but also into the state of mind, the psychological aspects, of what goes on during a high level chess match. This is indeed interesting, but the better part of the book for all but the most obsessive of chess players is the first, in which Lasker looks at the hobby aspect of chess (well, perhaps not entirely hobby). He looks at the history of sportsmanship, good and bad, such as the sixteenth century text that advocated that the chess player try to put the sun in the eyes of his opponent as a distraction. Lasker explores the makings of a good chess player, which includes (in no particular order) memory, mathematical skill, concentration, creativity, and artistry. While there are definite strategies and tactics in chess (it does sound like war, and with elements such as knights, pawns, and other military features, it makes sense to think of chess in terms of martial imagery), there is no particular science that always leads to the same outcome. 'The general laws of chess strategy are surprisingly simple and few in number. In fact, they can almost be reduced to one single principle which might be termed the principle of mobility.' How this principle is used, however, it dependent upon the psychology and personal taste of the player. Lasker makes chess-playing ability out to be similar to music, where there are definitely guidelines, but also enormous range for individual style. This is a very personal book in many ways. Lasker was a concentration camp survivor from the second world war, and credits chess with

I got this book many years ago. This is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable chess books money can buy. Edward Lasker has a way with words!

I found this book a lot of fun to read. lasker makes his point precisely. The book is very easy to read and instructive too. It talks abt genreal statergies in chess and the way ametuers and preofessional view it. A must read for all chess lovers...

As the title says this is for fun and blood. The fun is very good. There is the touch of a Master - of chess and writing. In the chess for blood there is the game vs. Torre which the author desribes so well we feel we are actually at his side as he plays. The opening of this game is a line that is still of interest to this day. A fine book.

I actually had the pleasure of playing in a chess game which Edward Lasker watched. My opponent and I played very poorly, but Mr. Lasker was very gentle and encouraging, clearly enjoying our humble efforts. That humane, urbane flavor is what shines forth in reading this book. The first half presents a view of chess for fun, as most amateurs enjoy it. An introduction to the moves of the pieces, a short look at various aspects of the game, a simple introduction to the possibilities ways to enjoy chess. It's a friend introducing you to chess, not an instructor beating it into your head. The second half reveals the inner secrets of chess for blood, as the professionals play it. It's presented in the same humorous, gentle tone which permeates the rest of the book, but the sense of fierce competition at this level comes though. The highlight of this section is Lasker's analysis of his famous game agiainst his namesake, former world champion Emanuel Lasker, at New York in 1924. The game was an epic one, going 103 moves, and was generally considered the most exiciting game of the tournament. Lasker's analysis runs a full thirty pages, but is not just the signs and symbols style so popular today. Instead, Lasker gives an insight into the thought processes, explaining everything in elegant language. This analysis alone is worth the price of the book! This book may not make you a better chessplayer, but it will afford many hours of enjoyment and give you an insight into why people love this game so. Highly recommended. (Small warning: Descriptive notation.)