Risk & Bluff in Chess: The Art of Taking Calculated Risks [Paperback]

Probably the most recommendable middle game book of the year. Risk & Bluff' is fantastic! Vladimir Tukmakov has turned out to be an extraordinary chess writer. 'Profession Chessplayer' is top notch stuff and I really enjoyed his 'Modern Chess Preparation'. But 'Risk & Bluff' is perhaps the best of the three. I hope people appreciate it. Please make sure Mr. Tukmakov keeps writing! Tukmakov shows many examples where players don't wind by playing their best move, but by choosing a risky move. Why are players doing so? Tukmakov endeavors to explain this case by case. A fascinating study of two misunderstood themes in chess (..) it might inspire readers to add a bit of spice to their play. Tukmakov's newest book deals with a topic seldom discussed in chess literature. He not only provides top-rate instructional material but also insights into the styles and preference of top-players (..) A book that should appeal to a wide range of players. Highly recommended. Quite often games are decided by emotional choices, aren't they? Vladimir Tukmakov, former top player and now top trainer, explores that emotional factor with lots of examples. An excellent book, great fun to read. In general, Tukmakov's examples are excellent, from classic as well as modern games. The beauty is that there are lots of useful tips and suggestions, some of which I subconsciously was aware of, but never had seen explicitly expressed. The emphasis is on practical play and when one should take risks. Even famous positional players have been known to roll the dice on occasion and win after tangling their opponent up in the resulting web of complications. One of the most entertaining books I have ever encountered (...) Tukmakov's book is packed with the most outrageous decisions and his engaging, chatty yet instructive writing style makes the whole thing a delight to read. A common theme can be seen in the extraordinary gantlets players run in terms of exposing their kings in the middlel“n