02 Jul 08
1 edit
Street Fighting Chess by Andrew Burnett
I've been sent a copy of this book to review.
www.streetfightingchess.com
I like everything I've read so far.
A unique and honest approach written in a very enjoyable and instructive manner.
(....I'll use that).
Last time I reviewed a book this good was Rowson's Zebra's.
(...I'll use that).
What a joy it is to read a chess book written by a good chess player
who can actually write. (...and will use that as well).
Will have full review on the Corner by the weekend.
02 Jul 08
Originally posted by greenpawn34If you talk about players that can write, than the first name that pops up in my mind is Tal. He's books are definitely worth reading. I've seen only a little from them but I'm eager to read one.
Street Fighting Chess by Andrew Burnett
I've been sent a copy of this book to review.
www.streetfightingchess.com
I like everything I've read so far.
A unique and honest approach written in a very enjoyable and instructive manner.
(....I'll use that).
Last time I reviewed a book this good was Rowson's Zebra's.
(...I'll use that).
Wh ...[text shortened]... te. (...and will use that as well).
Will have full review on the Corner by the weekend.
02 Jul 08
1 edit
Originally posted by greenpawn34I thought the title of Andrew's book was a little silly... That is, until I saw his photo on his web page. Then I realized he was probably deadly serious about the title. I'd half expect him to say to his opponent, "If you don't let me win, I'll cut ya...I'll cut ya real bad..." 😉
Street Fighting Chess by Andrew Burnett
I've been sent a copy of this book to review.
www.streetfightingchess.com
I like everything I've read so far.
A unique and honest approach written in a very enjoyable and instructive manner.
(....I'll use that).
Last time I reviewed a book this good was Rowson's Zebra's.
(...I'll use that).
Wh ...[text shortened]... te. (...and will use that as well).
Will have full review on the Corner by the weekend.
P.S. Looking forward to your review.
02 Jul 08
I think £15.99 + P&P for a book by an author who is untitled and unknown to the chess book buying world is far too much.
I agree that he looks the part on his website:
http://www.streetfightingchess.com/
However he is by no means the scariest looking chess player I have seen or played against. An Irish played I knew in London used to carry a knife strapped to his ankle, though I don't think he ever used it on a fellow chess player. Andrew Kitchlew (now Horton-Kitchlew) was very scary looking in his younger days and I'm sure he intimidated many of his opponents into playing meekly.
02 Jul 08
1 edit
Originally posted by Fat LadyI think £15.99 + P&P for a book by an author who is untitled and unknown to the chess book buying world is far too much.
I think £15.99 + P&P for a book by an author who is untitled and unknown to the chess book buying world is far too much.
I agree that he looks the part on his website:
http://www.streetfightingchess.com/
However he is by no means the scariest looking chess player I have seen or played against. An Irish played I knew in London used to carry a knife st ing in his younger days and I'm sure he intimidated many of his opponents into playing meekly.
I think this comment is really unfair. The price of this book surely reflects the costs of publishing a book that is complicated to lay out and not expected to sell a huge amount. It's the books by the famous authors that should be cheaper...to reflect the savings of bulk production. This is more than likely a labour of love and - taking a wild guess - I'd be surprised if the author realised the minimum wage (£5.00 an hour here in the UK) for his efforts. Not that this is a reason to buy a book but I'll wait for greenpawn34's review before deciding.
And another thing - a famous chess players byline is no guarantee of a good book. Being a chess champion does not necessarily make you a good author. Let us judge this book on it's merits.
02 Jul 08
2 edits
Originally posted by Mahoutlike the correspondence champ who made a flop book.. what was it called?
And another thing - a famous chess players byline is no guarantee of a good book. Being a chess champion does not necessarily make you a good author. Let us judge this book on it's merits.
02 Jul 08
5 edits
Originally posted by Mad RookAndrew has gained the nickname of "streetfighter" as a result of his playing style. He may not be a GM but he's defeated GMs. His style of play is very attractive to club players, and although I've yet to get a copy of his book, I'm sure his advice will be very practical too. Ironically, you may find that an author like Burnett is more in touch with the needs of club players than many titled players.
I thought the title of Andrew's book was a little silly...
Burnett is White against a GM....
02 Jul 08
1 edit
Originally posted by VarenkaAlright, I guess I'm busted. I didn't really mean the "silly" remark. It was just an excuse as a lead-in for my joke. 🙂 Actually, the first thing I thought of when I read the original post was the late Simon Webb's book, Chess For Tigers, which is sort of a minor classic.
Andrew has gained the nickname of "streetfighter" as a result of his playing style. He may not be a GM but he's defeated GMs. His style of play is very attractive to club players, and although I've yet to get a copy of his book, I'm sure his advice will be very practical too. Ironically, you may find that an author like Burnett is more in touch with the needs of club players than many titled players.
Edit - And I just recently bought a book written by a club player - Ray Cheng's "Practical Chess Exercises". (Although I realize that it's easier to produce an exercise book than many other types of chess books.)
02 Jul 08
1 edit
Originally posted by VarenkaI think 26.Qf6 is a pretty easy move to spot, it's definitely the sort of move you'd be looking at in that sort of position, and once you've found it it is clear that the mate is forced. However, looking through the game, I suspect Burnett spotted the idea at move twenty when he played Rh4. I'm amazed McNab didn't suspect something when White played 25.Qf3.
[b]Andrew has gained the nickname of "streetfighter" as a result of his playing style. He may not be a GM but he's defeated GMs. His style of play is very attractive to club players, and although I've yet to get a copy of his book, I'm sure his advice will be very practical too. Ironically, you may find that an author like Burnett is more in touch with the needs of club players than many titled players.
Burnett is White against a GM....
What is much, much more difficult than finding tactical wins from a set position is getting this sort of double edged position with tactical opportunities against players much stronger than yourself.