Author: Soloviov, Sergei N (1957- )
Year: 2003
Publisher: Chess Stars
Place: Sofia
Description:
493 pages with diagrams, tables, plates and index. Royal octavo (9" x 6 1/2") bound in original publisher's pictorial wrappers. Translated by Christo Iovev. First edition in English.
Boris Vasilievich Spassky (1937- ) is a Russian chess grandmaster. He was the tenth World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1969 to 1972. Spassky played three world championship matches: he lost to Tigran Petrosian in 1966; defeated Petrosian in 1969 to become world champion; then lost to Bobby Fischer in a famous match in 1972. Spassky won the Soviet Chess Championship twice outright (1961, 1973), and twice lost in playoffs (1956, 1963), after tying for first place during the event proper. He was a World Chess Championship candidate on seven occasions (1956, 1965, 1968, 1974, 1977, 1980, and 1985). In addition to his candidates wins in 1965 and 1968, he reached the semi-final stage in 1974 and 1977. Spassky emigrated to France in 1976, becoming a French citizen in 1978. He continued to compete in tournaments but was no longer a major contender for the world title. He lost an unofficial rematch against Fischer in 1992. In 2012 he left France and returned to Russia. He is the oldest living former world champion. Soloviov collected 400 of the best Spassky games from 1948 until 2002, and it is especially the games from 1960 until he lost his title to Fischer in 1972 that are the most interesting. Before that Spassky was of course a very talented player, but he had problems taking the final step to the top. After 1972 where he already was on the decline, he of course was a great player but I think he needed the motivation to get to the top again. Nearly half the games are from his best period which I think was a good choice. One of my colleagues said that after 1980 the only thing he could do was to make a draw! I won't argue against that, and it is a fact that after 1986 he quickly lost some of his playing strength.
Description:
Tips gently bumped else a near fine copy.
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