The Next Move Is. Studies in Chess Combinations

Publication: London, G. Bell & Sons Ltd, 1945 Formatting: 8vo, pp. 88. Condition Report: Good. The original light brown cloth binding remains firm and structurally sound, sitting squarely with uncracked hinges and a tightly bound text block. While the boards maintain their original colour, they exhibit moderate shelf-wear, most notably typical fraying and minor cloth loss to the head and tail of the spine. The front board bears a few faint, superficial blemishes and handling marks, yet the black spine lettering remains distinct and unrubbed. Internally, the pages present remarkably well; they are bright and crisp, entirely avoiding the heavy foxing or browning that often affects wartime-era paper, making this a highly legible and sturdy copy. Catalogue Note: This 1945 issue constitutes the Second Edition of Cordingley's highly regarded instructional text, following the original edition published just a year prior. It is thoroughly illustrated throughout with black-and-white chess diagrams detailing 250 distinct master-game positions. Printed during the tail end of the Second World War when paper rationing strictly limited British publishing outputs, the survival of these practical manuals in such unblemished internal condition is increasingly uncommon on the open market. The volume retains a clean aesthetic, free from any distracting bookplates, marginalia, or previous ownership signatures. A true mid-century staple of chess literature, The Next Move Is. invites enthusiasts to step directly into the minds of the game's greatest masters. In this volume, E. G. R. Cordingley has expertly curated 250 crucial positions derived from actual tournament play, challenging the reader to identify the winning combinations and tactical sacrifices. Far more than a mere puzzle book, it serves as a rigorous training ground for developing pattern recognition and positional awareness, ensuring its methods remain as relevant to today's aspiring club player as they were upon its original release.…