Karpov's Strategic Wins 2: The Prime Years: 1986-2009 [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

This review pertains to both volumes of these great books, as they are really one work, two objects. It should be noted that the second volume must have been updated, as it goes to 2010, not 2009 as in the cover photo and title here.
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The Karpovian boa constrictor positional style doesn't always lend itself to raving enthusiasm from chess fans. I've heard his play described as "boring" many times over the years. John Nunn, in his introduction to the unfortunately out-of-print 1996/97 edition of "Capablanca's Best Games" by Harry Golombek, writes about how struck he was by Capablanca's and Karpov's stylistic similarities (specifically: endgame excellence, ability to make something out of nothing in simplified positions, and beneficial liquidation), with the primary difference being an underlying aggression in Karpov's play that he didn't find particularly evident in Capa's.

So now here we have two books that celebrate Karpov's strategic brilliance, very specifically avoiding any quick tactical checkmate coups that would mollify those looking for more tactical oomph. Tactics are there in plenty by virtue of their interrelation with positional factors and the nature of chess analysis, but the focus is his strategic thinking, which is great - not boring - as Karpov is an extraordinarily rich subject in this regard.

Tibor Karolyi's efforts are monumental. These are not merely games with commentary. They also contain a good deal of history that bridges key moments in Karpov's career, with chapters running year-by-year and paragraphs before and after every game about what was happening with him professionally. All chapters end with a brief statistical summary of how any particular year went for Karpov. The author tries to give some (admittedly short) biographical history of the more obscure players Karpov faces in the games and others around him in his career, including a nice little interview with his childhood trainer in the first volume. The biographical material, however, is clearly secondary to the heavy doses of pure chess science.

The books are deep in instructional value, and are some of the most readable variation-heavy books I've ever come across. A great deal of this latter factor is facilitated by the superb layout and design. Variation diagrams are always given in a slightly but noticeably smaller board size than those that follow the main game continuation, and actual game moves are distinguishable by bold font as per common modern practice. This all helps to make the often exhaustive variation sections easy both to skip through and locate.

The author often details entire ancillary games or positions (including those of other players and sometimes more than one) that illustrate a point he is making relevant to the treatment of a particular strategic or tactical idea in the main game. These comparisons are invaluable and well chosen. Nothing new here in that regard, but again the depth of all of this is substantial. Improvements to players' moves (including Karpov's) and discussion of more modern treatment of theory in the older games permeate the books. If studied conscientiously all the way through, one emerges with a better sense of Karpov's methods and their evolution over time. Not an easy task with such a player, but Karolyi pretty well nails it.

The author's prose is clear and concise, interesting, and quite readable. Karolyi imparts much in the way of useful nuance to the reader with his obvious pedagogical gifts. There is plenty of descriptive commentary. It's ever-so-slightly dry in style; not Bronstein or anything. They are on the whole heavy on objective factors with just enough easy moments of subjectivity or historical addenda to make them just the kind of books this chess lover loves. The game selections are great, with both known classics and many I don't have elsewhere.

The books are solidly bound and open flat with no damage to the spine. They use fine paper and a clear, comfortable font. Production quality is very high indeed. In dimensions, the (softcover) books are roughly the same size as the more popular Gambit books (Watson's "Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy," for instance, but denser and heavier). They have an excellent hand feel because of the smooth, cool material used on the cover. The only negative I can think of regarding the physical objects is that the ink has a pretty obnoxious and unusual industrial odor when bought hot off the press.

This is that rare set that is as brilliant as its subject. These volumes should only further cement Karpov's legacy among the very top of the greats in our times. The whole project is ambitious on the part of Mr. Karolyi, and I'm thrilled to have it in my library. A+. Very highly recommended.