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November 1995 book review by Hanon Russell! news 257 for more info.

Technique for the Tournament Player by Mark Dvoretsky and Artur Yusupov Reviewed by Hanon W. Russell

Technique for the Tournament Player, by Mark Dvoretsky and Artur Yusupov, 1995 Batsford, Softcover, Figurine algebraic notation, 240pp., $27.00

Russian International Master Mark Dvoretsky is one of the most highly respected trainers in the world. Previous books such as "Secrets of Chess Training" and "Training for the Tournament Player" have been excellent both in presentation and content. His most recent effort, "Technique for the Tournament Player" is another superb work, albeit poorly titled. The correct title of the book should be "Endgame Technique for the Tournament Player." This is, after all, what the book is about. Those looking to improve their technique in the opening or the middlegame will be disappointed. A look at the table of contents is helpful to illustrate the book's focus -

Part 1: Theory of the Endgame 1 How to Study the Endgame (Mark Dvoretsky) 2 Improving your Technique (Mark Dvoretsky) 3 Theory and Practice of Rook Endgames (Mark Dvoretsky, Artur Yusupov) 4 From the Simple to the Complex: the theory of endgames with opposite-coloured bishops (Mark Dvoretsky)

Part 2: Endgame Analysis 5 Typical positions with Rooks and connected passed pawns (Vladimir Vulfson) 6 Adventures on Resumption Day (Mark Dvoretsky) 7 Knight Solo (or what pure horsepower is capable of) (Artur Yusupov)

Part 3: Technique 8 Exploiting an Advantage (Mark Dvoretsky) 9 Techniques of Grandmaster Play (Artur Yusupov) 10 The Lessons of one Endgame (Mark Dvoretsky) 11 Analysis of a Game (Artur Yusupov, Mark Dvoretsky)

Part 4 12 Examples from Games by Pupils of the School (Artur Yusupov)

Throughout his highly instructive book, Dvoretsky, with the help of Yusupov, takes a very practical approach to the explanation and advice for those seeking to handle their endgames better. Take for example, some remarks made in Chapter 8 (Exploiting an Advantage) about time pressure:

Once again, I won't go into detail about how to fight against time trouble. I'll just mention the two basic methods: 1) "anti-time trouble games"; 2) writing down clock times with the aim of later analysing the causes of time trouble. Points are lost not only in your own time trouble but also in your opponent's. This happens because chess players often neglect basic principles in such situations. If you have the better position, never try to exploit time trouble. Act and play in exactly the same way as usual, without even thinking about your opponent's shortage of time. Why? By playing quickly and not giving your opponent time to think about his moves, you are in effect forcing yourself into the same time trouble. Your opponent is completely focused and determined in a difficult situation, whereas you on the other hand, lulled by your advantage in time and position, are waiting for the flag to fall and cannot function at full intensity. Some players consciously fall into time trouble in difficult positions, relying on this psychological effect, and quite often they manage to turn round an unfavourable position.

The original was written in Russian. The translation by Steven Lovell is competent, although occasionally choppy. That does not detract to any great degree from this valuable book. This book will pay substantial dividends to anyone willing to spend the time to go through it carefully. When you have done that, put the book aside, return to it in a few months and then do it again. It is hard to believe that you won't add 50-100 points to your rating.

*************************************************************** The books which are reviewed by Mr. Russell are furnished courtesy of the United States Chess Federation. The views expressed are those of Mr. Russell and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Chess Federation. You may order this book and/or obtain the latest catalog of chess books and equipment from the U.S.C.F., 186 Rt. 9W, New Windsor, NY 12553 or call toll-free 1-800-388-5464.

Copyright 1995 Hanon W. Russell All Rights Reserved ***************************************************************