RCF Library Series Adds Three Books

The authors are Shereshevsky, Bologan, and Dolmatovsky.

Mikhail Shereshevsky. “My method – from club player to grandmaster”. Preface by RCF President Andrey Filatov. Moscow, 2017, hard cover, 368 pages. 

Honored Trainer of Belarus, author of classic works on endgame strategy, reveals with method of working with young players, which brings players of first category to a grandmaster level within a few years. The first part is dedicated to building one's opening repertoire and learning from classics. Complex endgames are discussed in the second part. In the third part, the author talks about modern challenges of chess coaching. 

The book is mainly addressed to young players, their trainers and parents, but will be useful for all chess enthusiasts regardless of their age or level of skill. 

“Excellent books of Mikhail Shereshevsky on endgame strategy are still considered classical, despite being written almost 30 years ago. They were praised recently even by the World Champion Magnus Carlsen.

In his new book the author summarizes his coaching experience and reveals secrets of his coaching method. I am sure this book will be useful for thoughtful coaches and young players aiming at high goals.”

Andrey Filatov, RCF President



Viorel Bologan. “King's Indian Defense. Repertoire for Black”. Moscow 2017. Hard cover, 448 pages. 

A second edition of the popular opening manual on one of the most fighting modern openings. The author carefully builds up a defensive line for Black, and includes not only the proper King's Indian, but also relevant variations from English Opening and London System. He explains typical plans and tactical motives, and suggests novelties in popular schemes. Carefully selected puzzle positions will help the reader to consolidate his knowledge. 

The book is addressed to all devotees of the King's Indian Defense, from amateurs to supergrandmasters.



Photographic Album “Chess in Boris Dolmatovsky's Lens”. Gift edition. Coated paper, 208 pages. 

The best works of the renowned photographer made during the 50-year span of his career. 

“Photo by Boris Dolmatovsky. For decades, seeing his works in 64-Chess Review, chess books, and newspapers feels very natural for everyone in the world of chess.

I have great respect to creative work of the great master of photography. The first time I saw his photo was in the airport after winning the match in Baguio in 1978 – my parents met me with an issue of the 64. Since that time it became a habit – if there is a big event, look for photos by Boris Dolmatovsky. 

Once I was invited to play in Greece and asked the photomaster to come with me. After Boris Georgievich gave me a pack of photographs made during the trip, by wife Natalia, who collects all pictures of mine, said: “Now I understand what professional photography is!”

I am glad to note that Boris Georgievich was working at all Aeroflot Open tournaments, organized by the Association of Chess Federations. 

All in all, the signature “Photo by Boris Dolmatovsky” is a trademark of excellence in photojournalism.”

Anatoly Karpov, 12th World Champion.

“Photographers follow me all my life. Only a tiny fraction of photos is published. Oftentimes the choice of which photo to pick for printing was dependent on the way they wanted to present me: good or bad. However, Boris Dolmatovsky is different, and he shots me exactly as I am. This is perhaps the most difficult thing – showing someone acting naturally. 

His first photo of mine was made when I was 10 years old. The title of the photo is “A serious game”. I play in a simul with clocks, given by Yury Averbakh, and adult men with serious faces are grouping behind me, following the game closely. Showing this contrast was the photographer's idea.

Then there was a number of other shots, including those made during our matches with Karpov. Many of them can be found in my books. And some beautiful family portraits, made by Dolmatovsky, are hanging on walls of my house. 

Chess authors, who ask Boris Georgievich from illustrations, know that he will always try to find the perfect picture in his collection – a high-quality one and with an interesting plot.”

Garry Kasparov, 13th World Champion.

I remember Boris Dolmatovsky's signature since I picked up chess, I guess. Many years have passed, I became a World Champion, and then an ex-World Champion. Yet the familiar surname of Dolmatovsky continues to accompany the most interesting chess photographs. 

During his visit to the Alekhine Memorial in Paris, Boris Georgievich made us a family photo, with my wife and children. The pictures turned to be excellent. And why it should be surprising? This was a master's work!”

Vladimir Kramnik, 14th World Champion.