How to Win in the Chess Openings: A Noted Champion Reveals the Secrets of Seizing and Holding the Initiative

by I.A. Horowitz

In this classic chess work, I. A. Horowitz presents the study of chess openings in a logical, easy-to-understand manner, not beyond the grasp of the player who has learned little more than the rules of chess. To begin with, an outline and discussion of the principles and concepts of opening play, common to all openings. Then, in turn, an account of the most popular openings—attacks and defenses—and a breakdown of their individual moves and grand plans, with an attempt to show how the tactical forte of each move ties up with the strategical idea.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction, Classics

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 1977

About the author

Israel Albert Horowitz

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people don't like it because the games are in descriptive notation. The information is golden, the techniques are solid. Many modern chess books are based off of the principles espoused by Horowitz in this book.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great classic chess book. I'm not a fan of descriptive notation, but the knowledge Horowitz drops will encourage a contemporary player to muscle through the old notation. A must read.

[John Haynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written book for intermediate chess players, held back by its notation being descriptive rather than algebraic (instead of 1.e4, written as 1.P-K4). You can pick it up quickly but still a headache at times.

[Herman Schmit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a paper copy of this from the 1960s on my bedstand for a long time. I like the descriptions of the games and the what-if scenarios. Probably not great for super technical chess people.

[Lino Matteo · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be clear, the version I read was even older - 1972, and the original was from 1951. It was something to do. It was useful.

Perhaps I should get a more recent edition?

[a.m. kozak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has some commentary on openings and likely countermoves but I've found lots of resources online much easier to follow and more comprehensive. Mostly interesting because it's an old book.

[bluetyson]

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