Your First Move: Chess for Beginners

Publication: Moscow, Raduga Publishers, 1984. Formatting: 8vo, pp. 296. Condition Report: Very Good. The binding remains tight and square with no signs of loosening or leaning, demonstrating that the volume has been well-preserved and lightly handled. The boards retain their original structural integrity, with unoxidised surfaces and clean, vibrant illustrative detailing. The page block edges are clear of significant discolouration or foxing, and the internal leaves are bright, crisp, and free from any underlining, marginalia, or signs of previous use. The original cloth bookmark remains present, with minimal fraying consistent with its age, rounding out an excellent example of this edition. Catalogue Note: This volume represents the second printing of the popular English translation of Alexei Sokolskyâs seminal work, Vash pervyÄ khod. Originally released by Progress Publishers in 1981, this subsequent Raduga Publishers issue became the standard English-language format for the text throughout the mid-1980s. Sokolsky, a renowned International Master and Soviet correspondence chess theorist, presents a comprehensive and accessible primer designed specifically for the novice. The work is notable for its structured approach to the game, moving logically from foundational rules and basic notation to complex middle-game combinations and specific endgame studies. The text is extensively illustrated with chessboard diagrams, facilitating a clear pedagogical experience for the reader. While not rare, finding copies in this state of preservation, with the binding fully intact and the pages free from the typical usage marks found in instruction manuals, is increasingly uncommon. Your First Move is a foundational guide to the art of chess, authored by the distinguished Soviet master Alexei Pavlovich Sokolsky. Designed for the absolute beginner, this book distils the complexities of the game into clear, actionable chapters covering everything from piece movement and initial setup to the strategic nuances of the middle game and essential endgame techniques. Through a logical progression of exercises and thematic examples, Sokolsky demystifies the mechanics of play, making it an enduring classic for any student of the board. Whether you are learning to control the centre or seeking to master the "Sokolsky Opening," this volume offers a structured and authoritative pathway to improving your tactical understanding and overall performance.…