Magnus Carlsen's Most Instructive Games - Annotated by Martyn Kravtsiv (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Magnus Carlsen is the greatest chess player of the 21st century. His tactical wizardry, strategic inventiveness, technical expertise and legendary fighting spirit put him head and shoulders above all other players. They also make his games tremendously instructive.

To extract the best lessons from this amazing source material, Gambit has commissioned Martyn Kravtsiv, a Ukrainian grandmaster from the same generation as Carlsen (in fact, they were born just a few days apart). He has annotated these 42 games from a thoroughly modern perspective and with an innate understanding of the impact Carlsen's play has had on modern chess.

In each game Kravtsiv picks out a key point - the Magnus Moment - where he demonstrates the special insight that sets him apart from other players. Perhaps he clarifies a messy situation, confident in his technical ability. Or sacrifices to gain practical chances in a game that has not gone to plan. Throughout, the emphasis is on how Carlsen makes life hard for his opponents in any way he can, whatever the objective assessment of the position on the board.

Each game is a themed lesson on an important chess topic. The bulk of the book addresses the fight for advantage and initiative in the middlegame, but there are also chapters focusing on opening ideas, endgame play and human factors.

From the Back Cover

Magnus Carlsen is the greatest chess player of the 21st century. His tactical wizardry, strategic inventiveness, technical expertise and legendary fighting spirit put him head and shoulders above all other players. They also make his games tremendously instructive.

To extract the best lessons from this amazing source material, Gambit has commissioned Martyn Kravtsiv, a Ukrainian grandmaster from the same generation as Carlsen (in fact, they were born just a few days apart). He has annotated these 42 games from a thoroughly modern perspective and with an innate understanding of the impact Carlsen's play has had on modern chess.

In each game Kravtsiv picks out a key point - the Magnus Moment - where he demonstrates the special insight that sets him apart from other players. Perhaps he clarifies a messy situation, confident in his technical ability. Or sacrifices to gain practical chances in a game that has not gone to plan. Throughout, the emphasis is on how Carlsen makes life hard for his opponents in any way he can, whatever the objective assessment of the position on the board.

Each game is a themed lesson on an important chess topic. The bulk of the book addresses the fight for advantage and initiative in the middlegame, but there are also chapters focusing on opening ideas, endgame play and human factors.

Martyn Kravtsiv is a grandmaster from Lviv, Ukraine. His tournament results include tied first places at Cappelle in 2012 and the 2015 Ukrainian Championship. He represented his country at the 2017 World Team Championship and was a coach for the team that won silver medals at the 2016 Olympiad.

Review Quotes

"...not the first book devoted to the reigning World Champion, but it
is one of the better ones" - IM John Donaldson, USA Team Captain


"the author states that the primary aim of the book is to introduce readers to major chess themes and ideas. There is no doubt in my own mind that he achieves this, and that players of all levels will benefit from this book. ... one needs someone with the playing strength and communicative skills to hold our hand and bring a game to life. Kravtsiv achieves this and I hope to read more of his work in future." - Carl Portman, Chess Book Reviews

"Each game has its own theme. For example, Carlsen-Karyakin, Bilbao
2016 is 'Prophylaxis' - preventing a threat that doesn't exist
yet. All in all a great book" - B.H.Wilders, Nederlands Dagblad

"For players eager to improve their understanding, this book is most welcome ... the
author has succeeded in presenting the various themes in a clear way. An excellent
textbook" - Herman Grooten, schaaksite.nl

About the Author

Martyn Kravtsiv is a grandmaster from Lviv, Ukraine. His tournament results include tied first places at Cappelle in 2012 and the 2015 Ukrainian Championship. He represented his country at the 2017 World Team Championship and was a coach for the team that won silver medals at the 2016 Olympiad.