THE PROOF IS HERE

The book by Purdy now exists in printed form!

The proof arrived 20 minutes ago. It looks good but I want to take a last look. Should everything be all right, the order goes in today and the books should be here at the office in 6-8 days (or sooner).

I would like to list some Purdy written items I put on the back cover, notably:

You can imagine how a player would improve if he had a champion always at his shoulder.

It stands to reason that if you continue playing rabbits you remain a rabbit.

If a person retains an agile brain by constantly exercising it, his capacity to learn new things need not be wrecked by age.

The main desideratum in hess is avoidance of oversight.

Many players think they could play a good game "if only they knew the openings." This idea is really crazy... improve your intrinsic skill, which has very little to do with special openings.

Some people retract moves in "friendly" play without even asking--they are no better than professional thugs.

In good chess, ruthlessness is accepted as a matter of course, just as in any other game.

Chess differs so completely from war (players must move alternately and only one thing at a time).

The key to success in chess is the Double Threat.

This 197 page Handbook contains Purdy's Guide to Good Chess AND three selected chapters from Purdy's the Search for Chess Perfection II.

This is not a "kid's" book but it is good for beginners too, which might include kids. It is clearly good for players of an intermediate level. If you know everything, as some chess players profess, they won't need this book but will be required to show us why they are not a grandmaster.

Where the material shines is in its:

a) understanding of the problems of the average player

b) help for club-level chess

c) showing how strong players think

d) creation of a system to reduce screw ups

e) excellent choice of examples.

Was Purdy good? This is how good he was:

He was the first person to win a global correspondence world championship title.

He was many times Australian champion.

In correspondence play he beat the best players in the business.

He was a FIDE-rated International Master.

Considered the best teacher of chess in the 20th century.

Unfortunately, after Purdy's death in 1979, he is now recognized for his lucidity in teaching AND playing (esp. in how to find the best move to play on the board.) though thoughtful readers of his Chess World knew this a long time ago.

One last thing: brilliant stuff with an amazing understanding of chess ported to you.

The book is retailing at $24.95 + $4 for shipping. However, if you own a 2010 Gold Card you can get it for $15 + $4 for S&H (USA only). Shipping out of the country by "first class" varies depending on whether you are in Europe, South America, or Australia... so be sure to tell me if you are "from out of town."

I will also have a special pricing/sales sheet for larger orders (schools K-12), clubs, and the incarcerated. Be sure to ask if you are in that category.

My congratulations to the Purdy family (I have met John Purdy, CJS' son, and Frank Hutchings, Purdy's son-in-law).