José Raúl Capablanca (1888–1942)

This book has good principles and some interesting diagrams to study, but it is hard to follow the moves because he uses descriptive notation. For someone trying to learn chess today I think algebraic notation is probably more helpful and it is a shame that this book doesn't use it, because I felt that it could have been great practice for getting more familiar with it.

Capablanca was a chess grandmaster, one of the great chess players and this is his book of basic strategy. This book originally was owned by my mother; she taught herself how to play primarily by using this book, then taught me--and we went on to destroy the enemy! Er... I mean to enjoy playing the game with many others. It explains first principles such as good openings, controlling the center, attacking and cutting off pieces and good endgame strategies. A well-written, very useful guide show more accessibly for a beginner. show less

A good book for the improving player. It is clear and concise, but perhaps too concise. It rewards careful study but needs to be supplemented with other material.

I recently watched the Queen’s Gambit on Netflix and it rekindled me interest in chess. I found this book on Project Gutenberg and gave it a try. Capablanca was a chess grandmaster and this book is mostly his notes. You’d better have an understanding of chess scoring before you read it, though.