Study Chess with Tal

Publication: London, B.T. Batsford Ltd, 1981 Formatting: 8vo, pp. 188. Condition Report: Very Good. The limp cover binding remains notably tight, straight, and structurally sound, completely lacking the severe reading creases so often found in chess paperbacks of this era. The striking orange gloss covers are predominantly bright, though the spine exhibits moderate, even sun-fading typical of this specific pigment. There is minor rubbing to the extremities and slight corner bumping, but no significant edge-wear, tears, or structural flaws. Internally, the text block is exceptionally square and clean. The page margins show a faint, uniform age-toning consistent with the paper stock used in the early 1980s, but the pages remain entirely free from the aggressive oxidation or heavy foxing that frequently afflicts similar volumes. Completely devoid of internal markings, highlighting, or dog-eared corners, this copy presents as a highly functional, well-preserved survivor of a typically heavily-handled study text. Catalogue Note: This is the First English Edition (published 1981), translated by Mike Price from the original 1978 German publication (Schachtraining mit Exweltmeister Tal) and edited by John Littlewood. It was issued as part of Batsford’s esteemed "The Club Player's Library" series, presented here in its original limp binding. The text is well-illustrated throughout, featuring 93 chess diagrams to complement the profound analytical insights. Original Batsford chess publications from this era, particularly those in such well-preserved condition, have become quite scarce on the open market. Unmarked, non-ex-library copies such as this represent a premium acquisition for the dedicated chess practitioner and collector alike. A masterclass in attacking chess, Study Chess with Tal offers an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of the "Magician from Riga." Based directly on the training diaries of Alexander Koblenc, Mikhail Tal’s long-time coach, the book features 40 of Tal’s most brilliant games, systematically analysed to teach the practical mechanics of top-level play. Designed to actively challenge the reader with 91 carefully structured questions interwoven throughout the text, this dynamic book encourages the student to apply the same imaginative, full-blooded thought processes that propelled Tal to the World Championship in 1960.…