Many decades ago, Irving Chernev wrote a wonderful book called The Chess Companion. This was one of the most popular chess books of the pre Fischer era. It was filled with many interesting games of the past, as well as short stories such as "The 3 Sailors Gambit" and Professor Pownals Oversite" (Sorry if I misspelled anything), as well as some interesting chess problems if I recall. I remember checking this book out at the library as a boy many times. Some of the stories were a bit silly, I'll admit, but interesting anyway. I would like to see more chess books like this. I'm confident some interesting games from the last 10 years can be found, as well as some of the more educational chess problems. As for short stories on the subject of chess...this is an area that has almost been totally forgotten in the last 30+ years, stories about chess that inspire, as well as entertain. Perhaps we need an updated chess companion to inspire a new generation of young chess players. Any thoughts?😏
Maybe. I have the original, and it is a great book. However in a world with too many chess books, it would be an uphill battle for an entertainment book like chess companion when you have all these other silly books out there that people buy because the back cover says it will make them a better player.
I always loved Chernev's books, how he not only entertained and informed but tried to put the game in its broader cultural context, so we all could see what a tremendous influence it's had on art and literature and science over the centuries, something no other game has ever had. Many modern chess books seem dry and lifeless by comparison. Chernev really loved the game and he made you love it too.
My first ever tournament game of chess. G.Chandler v J. Mackie, Sennelager 1972.
I played the trap from the poem in Chess Companion, my opponent fell into it
and resigned. (game below).
In my second game I was Black and this postion.
I played 4..Qe7 giving up my Queen for the Bishop and Knight on f7.
I drew that game after trying to win this position
for a dozen or so moves.
(the controller had to demonstrate to me it was a draw).
I finished 3rd= playing 6 games.
Here is the trap from the poem.