Soviet Middlegame Technique | Chess Classics | Peter Romanovsky

“Soviet Middlegame Technique – Chess Classics” by Peter Romanovsky is a highly regarded work that delves into the critical area of middlegame strategy and tactics in chess.

Romanovsky was one of the prominent Soviet chess masters and a renowned chess educator. This book reflects the deep-rooted Soviet chess school’s emphasis on systematic and scientific approaches to the game.

Many classics of Soviet chess literature have faced challenges in reaching a wider audience, but perhaps none more so than Soviet Middlegame Technique by Peter Romanovsky.
 
The original edition of this renowned guide to the middlegame was published in 1929, during Romanovsky’s reign as Soviet Champion. Later, he sought to revise and enhance the work, completing it in 1942 amid the turmoil of World War II. 

However, trapped in the infamous siege of Leningrad, Romanovsky barely survived, and his manuscript was lost.

Despite these setbacks, Romanovsky persevered and finally reconstructed his improved version in 1960. His writings were eventually translated into English and published as two separate volumes—one on Planning and the other on Combinations. 

This new translation combines both works, offering the ultimate edition of this classic piece of Soviet chess literature.

• This book is typically for intermediate and advanced players aiming to refine their positional understanding and tactical awareness
• Deepen your middlegame understanding; Romanovsky breaks down complex middlegame principles, making them accessible to players at various skill levels
• Improve your understanding of Soviet chess philosophy: disciplined education, rigorous training and an analytical approach to solving positions on the board
• With insights on how to transition your opening into a solid middlegame plan
• Learn how to focus on not just tactical opportunities but also long-term positional advantages
• Gain insights into historical chess perspectives in the Soviet era

Reader’s Reviews:

This book has completely transformed my approach to chess. Even though I'm only halfway through, I've noticed a significant improvement in my gameplay and ability to analyze new positions. 

To clarify, this book is a compilation of games organized by various themes to highlight them effectively. While the "philosophical" commentary on concepts is brief, the consistent exposure to solid examples paired with excellent game analysis provides all the necessary instruction. 

The book retains much of its original format, with some editorial notes primarily contributed by Kasparov, ensuring high-quality insights – Kchesser

This is one of the finest chess books I’ve ever come across. It's an essential addition to the library of every chess enthusiast. The explanations are clear, instructive, and powerful. There's no doubt that your understanding of the middle game will deepen after reading this book. An absolute must-read! - B Goldman

About the Author:

Peter Romanovsky (1892-1964) was the Soviet chess champion in 1923 (outright) and 1927 (jointly with Bogatyrchuk). According to Chessmetrics, he was ranked 12th in the world in 1925. Romanovsky was also one of the greatest teachers of Soviet chess, standing at the very foundation of the Soviet Chess School.

Other Details:

Paperback
Pages: 416
Dimensions: 16.8 x 2 x 24cm
ISBN-13: 9781907982484