How i became grandmaster at age 14

It`s a story we`ve been intrigued with before, sisters are raised by exceptional, nurturing parents in a chess environment and continue to develop into world class players. Such is the case with the two Kosteniuk sisters, Alexandra and the younger Oksana. The book`s focus is primarily on Alexandra (Sasha) as we learn that the Russian chess school is still capable of churning out GM after GM. This detailed account of her early development made for fascinating reading. Included are many original photos of past and present chess greats in locales most of us will never get a chance to visit.

The book also contains a collection of her annotated games, numerous exercises and even a few poems. I especially enjoyed Panov`s (of the well known attack) chess poem. The production is undeniably Russian (translated into English) with a chic, modern twist and is physically well constructed. It does lack an index. Anyone that is interested in the state of international women`s chess, is a chess parent or would just like to start following the career of this sweet, young chess superstar (currently rated 2469) should definitely go out of the way to purchase this book.

• Casa editrice Ajax
• Code 4833
• Anno 2001
• Pagine p. 216