Book excerpt: This book by Grandmaster David Bronstein, one of the most original and influential players of the post-war period, is not a self-tutor in the conventional sense, where the basics of opening, middlegame and endgame are play are drily explained. Instead, the author engages in a frank conversation with the reader, discussing how strong players decide on their moves, and covering such topics as a shelter for the king, the deployment of the pieces and pawns, attack and defense, and the strengths and weaknesses of a position. A full list of David Bronstein's chess achievements would run to several pages. Suffice it to say that he once drew a match for the World Championship, was twice Soviet Champion, and has won numerous international tournaments around the world. He remains an active player and is a popular guest on the European circuit, where his uncompromising and creative approach still wins many friends. (This book is translated by Ken Neat, Cadogan's Russian Series Editor.)