The Book of Luck

A new children’s book, published by China Commerce and Trade Press, is about to come out: 《少儿基础国际象棋》 (“Basic Chess for Kids”), authored by national chess Master and international referee 肖红 (Xiào Hóng), and prefaced by four-time Women’s World Chess Champion and women’s world number one 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) (pictured above, without glasses). The book, colourfully cartoon illustrated and particularly designed for the first and second grades of elementary school, is divided in two volumes, from first basics to the early practice. In her brief preface 13th Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) observed, with a light note of regret, that there had been such colourful and bright books during her childhood, she would more easily have made friends interested in chess. Photos: sohu.com.

Citizen Kane

The last issue of New In Chess (5/2018, July 27, 2018) is finally out, featuring on its cover 17th Women’s World Chess Champion 居文君 (Jū Wénjūn) making breakfast at Tiffany’s. Inside there is a profile of 上海 (Shànghǎi)’s Queen by Woman Grandmaster 张继林 (Zhāng Jìlín), with analysis and commentary by 居文君 (Jū Wénjūn) herself. For further details, visit: https://www.newinchess.com/.

The Forgettable One

“My 61 Memorable Games”... A sophisticated plagiarism or Bobby Fischer’s swansong? Canadian Grandmaster Lawrence Day — by now alone against the world – insists on his convincements: he’s sure Fischer has really written that book! And that’s his review for the Toronto Star of February 28, 2009:

On the contrary, Fischer’s Icelandic friends ensure that Bobby was completely extraneous to the writing and the publishing of that book.