"Secrets of Practical Chess" by John Nunn, 1998 Gambit
Publications, Figurine Algebraic Notation, Softcover, 176pp.,
$19.95

British GMs Murray Chandler (editor of the "British Chess
Magazine"), John Nunn and FM Graham Burgess recently formed
a new chess publishing company in Great Britain called Gambit
Publications. Several of the new releases are first quality, among
them John Nunn's "Secrets of Practical Chess."

Nunn has written several books that feature profound, almost
mind-boggling analysis. His treatment of the Bg5 Najdorf comes
immediately to mind in that regard. And his book on K&R vs. K,
R & P endings is *the* definitive work in this area. "Secrets of
Practical Chess", however, is a different kind of book, at least for
Nunn. First, it is clearly designed for the lower-rated player
(perhaps just the kind of player who would *not* consider playing
the Bg5 Najdorf), one who takes a more relaxed approach to the
game, but still likes to win. And it is chock full of practical tips
and advice designed to help a player's OTB performance and
results.

The book is divided into five chapters: (1) At the Board; (2) The
Opening; (3) The Middlegame; (4) The Endgame; and (5) Using a
Computer. Nunn states his objective in the Introduction: "This
book includes a description of various common failings at the
board. I think that many readers will reach a particular section and
suddenly think 'Yes, that's exactly the mistake I always make.'
Recognizing the problem is already the first step towards solving
it. An awareness of when one is most likely to go wrong enables
one to take special care in these 'danger situations'. Eventually,
by concentrating on a particular weakness, it is often possible to
eradicate it completely."

In many respects, Nunn challenges conventional wisdom. This is
evident from Chapter One. Many players may be familiar with the
"Tree Analysis" approach originally set forth by Alexander Kotov
in his seminal work "Think Like a Grandmaster" which appeared
over two decades ago. Kotov discusses the selection of candidate
moves and the thought processes that might be used to narrow the
selection to a final choice. Nunn takes issue with this academic
approach and makes some valid points about practical factors that
should also be considered, factors such as intuition, the clock and
psychology. Although he does not reject Kotov's theories
completely, he does cast doubt about their usefulness for most
players.

His treatment of opening study is also different.  He not only
discusses what should go into the selection of a particular opening
system but also, most interestingly, how one might regard and use
opening books. He admonishes the reader to be wary of "Winning
with ..." manuals. As he rightly points out, such texts, by virtue of
their title, require the author to reach a pre-determined conclusion
that the opening is sound, playable etc., and he questions the
effect of either contrary analysis being discovered by the author
during the production of the book, or those books that essentially
are premised on one narrow line or move. He illustrates his points
nicely by examining opening manuals by Kosten and Soltis. This
is unique, eye-opening stuff.

This no-nonsense approach also runs through his brief but helpful
look at endgame study. His examination of both pawn endings
and rook endings will offer sound, practical advice that will
improve your endgame play. The book is rounded out by a brief
chapter on the use of computers and databases. No revelations
here, but some practical advice.

In short, Nunn's "Secrets of Practical Chess" delivers exactly
what it promises. A helpful guide for the weekend warrior. And at
a reasonable price. Primarily designed for players in the 1600-
2200 Elo range, most will find useful nuggets of wisdom to take
with them into battle royal, with their chances of success greatly
enhanced thereby. Nicely done, John.