Both an instruction book and an engaging meditation on the joys of chess, this final work by one of the most successful chess writers of all time is appropriate for players at every level. Irving Chernev blends anecdotes with his observations on inspiring moves and combinations by well- and lesser-known players, including Troitzky, Réti, Kasparyan, Botvinnik, Kubbel, Rinck, Grigoriev, and many others. Each example is introduced with a cue ('White to play and win') and includes the composer's name, the date of its original publication (if available), a clear diagram with an algebraic grid, and the winning variation presented in algebraic notion