Réti, Kasparian, Rinck… the kings of artistic study

Dear enthusiasts of the enchanted world of 64 squares, we had, in the previous letter, discussed the tactical ingenuity of the first world champions in history. In their game, after a preparatory strategic approach, the climax of the fight often resulted in a surprising, decisive blow, which Capablanca wittily called “a small jumpsuit“.

But the art of chess, so dear to Alekhine, Tartacover and consorts, is revealed with even more magic in the study, rightly called artistic. Here the depth of the ideas, a hidden key, a series of surprising moves, delight the amateur and the master.

Study also has another virtue: it is a sure way to develop one’s imagination. The French super-champion Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, MVL for his fans, often says that the resolution of studies is one of the secrets of his training. He follows in this the precepts of the late Mark Dvoretski (1947-2016) who was considered one of the best coaches in the world.