My System: New Translation

As an aspiring chess player, I have delved into numerous chess books, hoping to enhance my skills and understanding of the game. However, many of these books seemed to be tailored for more experienced players, leaving me still struggling to grasp the games concepts. That was until I stumbled upon a true gem of a book in the chess world.

One of the most influential chess manuals of all time and a must have for any aspiring tyro. However, this is not a book for beginners. Nimzowitsch assumed some knowledge on behalf of his readers... how the pieces move, a basic understanding of opening play, even a limited awareness of tactics. I would say My System is an excellent book for any student that is already familiar with these concepts and wishes to improve further. Suitable, perhaps, for an intermediate club player or those that are looking to add a third or fourth treatise to their chess library. Nimzowitsch presents his material by breaking chess strategy down into "elements". There are nine chapters each dealing with a separate element; e.g. passed pawns, open files, 7th & 8th ranks etc, which occupy approximately half the book. Each chapter begins with an introduction and definition of the material and the theme is then illustrated by examples from actual tournament play by leading players of the day including Nimzowitsch himself. Frequent reference to diagrams help the reader. These chapters conclude with illustrative games which further amplify the element under discussion. If we liken a chess position to an electrical blueprint it is just a mass of unfathomable symbols (elements) to the untrained eye. The student is gradually acquainted with the meaning and dynamic function of these elements and thus able to build up a thorough understanding of chess positions regardless of whether taken from opening, middle game or ending. The second half of My System deals with the arcane subject of "positional" play. This represents the greatest challenge to the student. These five chapters comprise complete games annotated in detail by the author who not only incorporates all the elements previously discussed but introduces the concepts of maneuvering, prophylaxis and restraint. Study of this material will likely require perseverance. It is in these final chapters that Nimzowitsch reveals his revolutionary new ideas in tournament praxis and features some of his finest creations, including my favourite the encounter against Johner, Dresden 1926. The author's use of language is definitely Old World and may strike the contemporary reader as some what florid. It will therefore come as no surprise to fine the text interspersed with Nimzowitsch's lively and amusing anecdotes and similes: an opponent's passed pawn is referred to as a "dangerous criminal" that must be kept under lock and key. This may or may not be to readers taste but for my part it adds to the book's charm and helps mark it out as unique in the history of chess writing. What pleases me most is that Nimzowitsch avoids confronting the reader with excessive analysis so there are no dense thickets of variations that take hours to wade through. Instead the author focuses on the essential ideas which are explained in writing. There are tactical digressions but these are kept to a minimum and where they do surface only serve to enhance the point being made. The book ends with a fascinating thirteen page Postscript which chronicles the revolutionary new ideas promulgated by the author and their impact on the chess fraternity of the day. This edition also includes some additional material not in the original version: there is a short article discussing the relevance of Nimzowitsch in the 21st century as well as cross-tables giving his tournament appearances and results. The publishers, Quality Chess, have done a good job with type script and uncluttered layout along with frequent, clear diagrams. All notation is in algebraic form and the binding on the paperback version appears durable. For those that wish to read more about Aron Nimzowitsch may I recommend for future reading: "Nimzowitsch: a re-appraisal" by English Grandmaster and writer Raymond Keene.

Just loved it. Very good book indeed. Not to be missed.

A classic written with a humurous touch makes this easily my favorite chess book. This version includes the algebraic notation and a lot of diagrams.

Nimzowitsch in My System, offers even a beginner a deeper insight to what the shifting currents of the game are about.The winning strategies (and tactics!) seem even more inspiring than in the older somewhat stilted English translations. The writing shows more clearly N's incisive mind and style. Direct, clear, and to the point>The new annotations, and the computer update, are fresh and welcome.Also, the book has an attractive large format, sort of has a nice business-like textbook look.I can't recommend this edition enough. Well done, guys!