Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #84596 in Books
• Published on: 2007-12-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Synopsis
Why are football and chess 'beautiful games'? Do top football coaches read the pitch as a chess player reads the board? What is the connection between Jose Mourinho's defensive cunning and Grandmaster Wilhelm Steinitz's 'principles of defence'? The global popularity of football and chess remains unmatched by any other game. In this book, Adam Wells argues that stereotypical views of the games have concealed a deep connection between them. The first study of its kind, this book explores a rich world of tactics, psychology and aesthetics. Structural principles are analysed using real life examples to show how these connections play out on the board and in the field. This book is accessible to fans of either game, including football fans with no previous knowledge of chess. Readers will see how chess can be a pulsating, dynamic game, whilst appreciating that football shares much of the mystery and structural beauty of the world's greatest board game.

Customer Reviews

Two beautiful games, and one beautiful book.
The synopsis above says it all really, an insightful view into the similarities and common themes of football and chess. Excellent for a fan of either game, especially so if, like myself, one is a fan of both! The author has cleverly and eloquently worked through the subject matter.
An entertaining read, highly recommended!