The KGB Plays Chess: The Soviet Secret Police and the Fight for the World Chess Crown

The KGB Plays Chess: The Soviet Secret Police and the Fight for the World Chess Crown

The KGB Plays Chess is a unique book. For the first time it opens to us some of the most secret pages of the history of chess.
The battles about which you will read in this book are not between chess masters sitting at the chess board, but between the powerful Soviet secret police, known as the KGB, on the one hand, and several brave individuals, on the other. 
Their names are famous in the chess world: Viktor Kortschnoi, Boris Spasski, Boris Gulko and Garry Kasparov became subjects of constant pressure, blackmail and persecution in the USSR. Their victories at the chess board were achieved despite this victimization.
Unlike in other books, this story has two perspectives. The victim and the persecutor, the hunted and the hunter, all describe in their own words the very same events. One side is represented by the famous Russian chess players Viktor Kortschnoi and Boris Gulko. 
For many years they fought against a powerful system, and at the end they were triumphant. The Soviet Union collapsed and they got what they were fighting for: their freedom.

Former KGB Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Popov, who left Russia in 1996 and now lives in Canada, was one of those who had worked all his life for the KGB and was responsible for the sport sector of the USSR.
It is only now for the first time that he has decided to tell the reader his story of the KGBs involvement in Soviet Sports. This is his first book, and it is not only full of sensations, but it also dares to name names of secret KGB agents previously known only as famous chess masters, sportsmen or sport officials. 
Just a few short years ago a book like this would have been unimaginable. Read this book. It is not only about chess. It is about glorious victory of the great chess masters over the forces of darkness.
Marshtower Chess Reviews:
"A gripping study of fear, paranoia and the struggle of the individual against the powerful system. My only complaint is that there isn't more of it, as it makes for compulsive reading."
Arne Moll, ChessVibes:
"The book, and especially the lengthy chapter written by Gulko, made a deep impression on me of which I am still recovering (..) You should read this book (..) An inspiring testimony of hope, courage and human survival."

John Elburg's Chess Reviews:
"Shocking!"
Richard Vedder, SchakersInfo:
"Machinations, harassments, exciting stories. This book is indispensable for those who like chess history."
David Surratt, ChessVille:
"The book serves to confirm much of what so many have whispered and written about over the years."

idź do sklepu
Napisz opinię
Soviet Chess Strategy by Alexey Suetin (twarda okładka)

Soviet Chess Strategy by Alexey Suetin (twarda okładka)

Wersja językowa książki - angielska.   Hardcover edition of SOVIET CHESS STRATEGY The Soviet Union is history, but its influence on chess is still strong in the 21st century, as a glance at the rating list proves. The late Alexey Suetin was perfectly qualified to reveal the strategic secrets of the Soviet chess school. Suetin was a strong grandmaster and for many years one of the most respected coaches in Moscow – he guided the ultimate strategist, Tigran Petrosian, to the World Championship,

idź do sklepu
Soviet Chess Strategy by Alexey Suetin (hardcover)

Soviet Chess Strategy by Alexey Suetin (hardcover)

Wersja językowa książki - angielska. Hardcoveredition of SOVIET CHESS STRATEGY The Soviet Union is history, but its influence on chess is still strong in the 21st century, as a glance at the rating list proves. The late Alexey Suetin was perfectly qualified to reveal the strategic secrets of the Soviet chess school. Suetin was a strong grandmaster and for many years one of the most respected coaches in Moscow he guided the ultimate strategist, Tigran Petrosian, to the World Championship, and numb

idź do sklepu
The Chess Alchemist by Mikhail Tal and Oleg Stetsko (twarda okładka)

The Chess Alchemist by Mikhail Tal and Oleg Stetsko (twarda okładka)

Wersja językowa - angielska.  Expected Release (hardcover) Autumn 2021   Mikhail Tal is one of the most celebrated World Champions in chess history, who confounded his opponents and dazzled chess fans around the world. Seemingly breaking every rule in the book, yet also breaking records with his accomplishments, Tal truly was The Chess Alchemist. In this unique book, Oleg Stetsko has compiled 80 of Tals most interesting games, as annotated by the Magician himself in a variety of sources, many of w

idź do sklepu
The Shereshevsky Method to Improve in Chess: From Club Player to Master

The Shereshevsky Method to Improve in Chess: From Club Player to Master

Two instructional classics condensed into one practical volume In 2014 the Russian Chess Federation started a wide-ranging programme aimed at the revival of chess in Russia. One of the first actions that were taken was commissioning legendary Belarusian chess coach Mikhail Shereshevsky to recapitulate and condense his famous training methods. In doing so Shereshevsky has created a totally reworked compendium of his acclaimed classics Endgame Strategy and The Soviet Chess Conveyor, with many new exam

idź do sklepu
For Friends Colleagues Vol. I: Profession Chess Coach (PB)

For Friends Colleagues Vol. I: Profession Chess Coach (PB)

Mark Dvoretsky has long been considered one of the premier chess coaches and trainers in the world. He is renowned for taking talented masters and forging them into world-class grandmasters and champions. His literary achievements are also quite distinguished. For example, Dvoretskys Endgame Manual, soon to be released in a fourth edition, established itself as the sine qua non of endgame theory from the moment it appeared over a decade ago. This accomplished chess instructor and author now shares his s

idź do sklepu
Analyzing the Chess Mind by Boris Gulko and Dr. Joel R. Sneed (twarda okładka)

Analyzing the Chess Mind by Boris Gulko and Dr. Joel R. Sneed (twarda okładka)

Książka w języku angielskim, twarda okładka.   Analyzing the Chess Mind is an exploration of psychology in chess. Psychology affects the chess moves we make, as the authors entertainingly illustrate in expertly annotated examples, but our personal chess psychology is not fixed. We can improve our chess psychology, and the authors show how. To write about chess psychology, the ideal authors would have world-class chess skills and advanced professional qualifications in psychology, so GM Boris Gulko an

idź do sklepu
Soviet Middlegame Technique by Peter Romanovsky (twarda okładka)

Soviet Middlegame Technique by Peter Romanovsky (twarda okładka)

Wersja językowa książki - angielska.   Many of the classics of Soviet chess literature have struggled to see the light of day, but none more so than Soviet Middlegame Technique by Peter Romanovsky. The original version of this famous guide to the middlegame was published in 1929 when Romanovsky was Soviet Champion. Romanovsky later decided to update and improve his work. As he finished his work in 1942, World War II was underway and Romanovsky was trapped in the notorious siege of Leningrad. The author

idź do sklepu
Soviet Middlegame Technique by Peter Romanovsky (miękka okładka)

Soviet Middlegame Technique by Peter Romanovsky (miękka okładka)

Wersja językowa książki - angielska.   Many of the classics of Soviet chess literature have struggled to see the light of day, but none more so than Soviet Middlegame Technique by Peter Romanovsky. The original version of this famous guide to the middlegame was published in 1929 when Romanovsky was Soviet Champion. Romanovsky later decided to update and improve his work. As he finished his work in 1942, World War II was underway and Romanovsky was trapped in the notorious siege of Leningrad. The author

idź do sklepu
A World Champion's Guide to Chess

A World Champion's Guide to Chess

In A World Champions Guide to Chess, Womens World Champion Susan Polgars exclusive training methods will have you playing winning chess! Topics include Chess Essentials, Tactics, Strategy, Pattern Recognition, Endgames, Chess Etiquette, Advice for Parents Coaches and much more! Susan Polgar is a winner of four Womens World Championships and the top-ranked woman chess player in the United States. She became the #1 woman player in the world at 15 and remained in the top 3 for over 20 years. In 2013,

idź do sklepu
Ding Liren's Best Games by Davorin Kuljasevic (miękka okładka) Ding Liren's Best Games by Davorin Kuljasevic (New in Chess)

Ding Liren's Best Games by Davorin Kuljasevic (miękka okładka) Ding Liren's Best Games by Davorin Kuljasevic (New in Chess)

Książka w języku angielskim. Miękkaoprawa. Ilość stron 328. Fragment książki dostępny w   On 30 April 2023, in Astana, Kazakhstan, Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren sensationally defeated Russias Ian Nepomniachtchi in a dramatic battle for the chess crown. Ding Liren not only became the 17th World Chess Champion, but he also won the hearts of chess fans across the globe with his incredible fighting spirit and disarming interviews. At the final press conference, the new champion said the match reflected t

idź do sklepu
Ding Liren's Best Games by Davorin Kuljasevic (twarda okładka) Ding Liren's Best Games by Davorin Kuljasevic (New in Chess)

Ding Liren's Best Games by Davorin Kuljasevic (twarda okładka) Ding Liren's Best Games by Davorin Kuljasevic (New in Chess)

Książka w języku angielskim. Twarda oprawa. Ilość stron 328. Fragment książki dostępny w   On 30 April 2023, in Astana, Kazakhstan, Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren sensationally defeated Russias Ian Nepomniachtchi in a dramatic battle for the chess crown. Ding Liren not only became the 17th World Chess Champion, but he also won the hearts of chess fans across the globe with his incredible fighting spirit and disarming interviews. At the final press conference, the new champion said the match reflected

idź do sklepu
The Road to Reykjavik by Tibor Karolyi

The Road to Reykjavik by Tibor Karolyi

Wersja w twardej okładce. Książka w języku angielskim   Robert James Fischer is one of the greatest and most celebrated players in chess history. Exactly fifty years since the American won the right to challenge Boris Spassky for the World Championship crown, Tibor Karolyi documents Fischers unique journey from precocious youngster to the chess icon who obliterated Taimanov and Larsen before convincingly beating Petrosian on The Road to Reykjavik. The second volume, Fischer – Spassky 1972, is devot

idź do sklepu
Soviet Chess Strategy by Alexey Suetin (miękka okładka)

Soviet Chess Strategy by Alexey Suetin (miękka okładka)

Wersja językowa książki - angielska.   The Soviet Union is history, but its influence on chess is still strong in the 21st century, as a glance at the rating list proves. The late Alexey Suetin was perfectly qualified to reveal the strategic secrets of the Soviet chess school. Suetin was a strong grandmaster and for many years one of the most respected coaches in Moscow – he guided the ultimate strategist, Tigran Petrosian, to the World Championship, and numbered Vassily Ivanchuk among his many

idź do sklepu
The Road to Reykjavik by Tibor Karolyi (twarda okładka)

The Road to Reykjavik by Tibor Karolyi (twarda okładka)

Wersja językowa - angielska.  Expected Publication October 2021 Robert James Fischer is one of the greatest and most celebrated players in chess history. Exactly fifty years since the American won the right to challenge Boris Spassky for the World Championship crown, Tibor Karolyi documents Fischers unique journey from precocious youngster to the chess icon who obliterated Taimanov and Larsen before convincingly beating Petrosian on The Road to Reykjavik. The second volume, Fischer – Spassky 1972, is

idź do sklepu
The Road to Reykjavik by Tibor Karolyi (miękka okładka)

The Road to Reykjavik by Tibor Karolyi (miękka okładka)

Wersja językowa - angielska.  Expected Publication October 2021 Robert James Fischer is one of the greatest and most celebrated players in chess history. Exactly fifty years since the American won the right to challenge Boris Spassky for the World Championship crown, Tibor Karolyi documents Fischers unique journey from precocious youngster to the chess icon who obliterated Taimanov and Larsen before convincingly beating Petrosian on The Road to Reykjavik. The second volume, Fischer – Spassky 1972, is

idź do sklepu