Book Review: Steinitz: Move by Move by Craig Pritchett

Distilling the essence of Steinitz into 35 games.

This was my first real introduction to Steinitz as a player, and I thought this book did a great job showing Steinitz's growth and (r)evolution as a Romantic player who really catalyzed the transformation of chess theory and play from the swashbuckling escapades of live-or-die sacrificial kingside attacks into a sporting and scientific (some would say "pawn-grubbing") accumulation of small advantages constituting the basis of a sound attack.

You can see this in the games from early Steinitz, where he plays in a somewhat murky tactical style, with many sacrifices and some impatience. But when Steinitz defeats everyone alive who could challenge him, he goes like a bear into a cave for a decade-long hibernation. When he is coaxed back into competitive chess, the difference is readily apparent.

This book shows Steinitz at his best, and also at his most provocative. "A pawn is worth a little trouble" -- once you see Steinitz, you'll see how much trouble "a little trouble" is, but you can't say it isn't inspiring to watch him use his king as its own defender -- this man refused to baby his king. See the multiple games in the "Steinitz Gambit" to see what I mean.

The Steinitz Gambit (or should we call this the “Bongcloud Deferred”?

Also interesting is the selection of games which shows a certain prescience in Steinitz's theory, where some his play looks downright hypermodern (in the style of his fiercest critics who would begin to show up in the 1910s and 1920s). From a historical standpoint I find this fascinating, but the game itself is also very instructive.

“Rather than occupy the centre with pawns, Steinitz, rather less conventionally, for the times, rushes to clear it, especially the e5-square, which he then almost maniacally ‘over-protects’ (a la Nimzowitsch), backed up by centralized rooks and knights, and two powerfully fianchettoed' (Richard Reti-like bishops.”

I found the analysis very helpful, with lots of good prose and "stop-and-think" moments as per the usual Move by Move book ethos. Pritchett strikes a nice balance without getting too exhaustive. Each of the games has a nice little introduction giving you a bit of historical context. Since the games are presented in chronological order, you kind of get a feel for Steinitz's development as a player, especially as he becomes the first official world champion.

Overall, I think this is a great collection of games. If you're, say, 1500 USCF or up, or an avid reader and enthusiast, this is right up your alley.

4/5