{"product_id":"terekhov-the-life-and-games-of-vasily-smyslov-volume-ii-the-challenger-1948-1953","title":"Terekhov: The Life and Games of Vasily Smyslov Volume II - The Challenger: 1948-1953","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSmyslov's Path to the World Championship: 1948–1953\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Life and Games of Vasily Smyslov Volume II by FIDE Master Andrey Terekhov traces the critical five-year period when Smyslov established himself as a leading contender for the world title. Following his strong performance in The Hague-Moscow tournament, Smyslov engaged in fierce competition with Boleslavsky, Bronstein, Keres and Reshevsky, culminating in his 1953 Candidates' victory in Zürich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on rare Soviet archives and private family collections, Terekhov reconstructs Smyslov's ascent to elite status with unprecedented documentary evidence, archival photographs—many published here for the first time—and 28 carefully annotated games that reveal the strength of his play during this formative era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis biography appeals to advanced players and chess historians seeking an authoritative account of Soviet chess during the post-war years and the personal story of a chess genius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovers the five decisive years from 1948 to 1953 leading directly to Smyslov's world championship challenge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures 28 deeply annotated games showing critical positions and instructive decisions from a world-class competitor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes dozens of rare archival photographs, the majority never previously published\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBased on unique access to Soviet-era documentation and family archives unavailable to previous biographers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContinues a series whose first volume earned 2020 Book of the Year recognition from FIDE and the Chess Journalists of America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChronicles Smyslov's battles with five other elite players for the right to face world champion Botvinnik\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA definitive historical and analytical work for readers who want to understand both the chess and the life of one of the twentieth century's strongest grandmasters.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this volume stand alone, or do I need to read Volume I first?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile Volume II forms a complete narrative of the 1948–1953 period, reading Volume I provides essential context for Smyslov's earlier career and development. The series is designed to be read in order for the fullest understanding of his rise to prominence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat time period and competitive events does this book cover?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book covers spring 1948 through the end of 1953, including Smyslov's matches and tournaments against top Soviet rivals and international grandmasters, ending with his victory in the 1953 Candidates' tournament in Zürich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre the annotated games suitable for intermediate players, or aimed only at advanced readers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 28 annotated games are written for advanced players and serious chess students. The author's analysis assumes familiarity with strong tournament-level play and strategic concepts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Russell Enterprises","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57960399372670,"sku":"9781963885323","price":44.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/8415\/3664\/files\/lxtertlatovs2.jpg?v=1788437331","url":"https:\/\/chess-tigers.de\/products\/terekhov-the-life-and-games-of-vasily-smyslov-volume-ii-the-challenger-1948-1953","provider":"Chess Tigers Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}