How to Defend in Chess

By Colin Crouch

Published by GAMBIT

International Master Dr Colin Crouch is a highly experienced chess-player from England who has written well-regarded books about openings, endgames, and middlegame theory. His game annotations have appeared in several major chess magazines, including Inside Chess and Chess Monthly.

Many books discuss how to attack in chess, but resourceful defensive play is also a vital ingredient in competitive success. This is an area largely neglected in the literature of the game.

This book fills the gap admirably. Following a survey of general defensive methods in chess, Dr Colin Crouch investigates the techniques of World Champions Emanuel Lasker and Tigran Petrosian, both highly effective defenders. Lasker would place myriad practical obstacles in the opponent's way, and was a master of the counterattack. Petrosian developed Nimzowitsch's theories of prophylaxis to a new level. His opponents would find that somehow their attacking chances had been nullified long before they could become reality.

Principles of Defence                       pg.  8

The Steinitz Legacy                                8

Prophylaxis                                           15

The Geography of the Chessboard        18

Lasker as Defender                                21-116

Petrosian as Defender                           117-220

In the preface Crouch tells a bit about the book and how he chose the included material. After that he explains some principles of defence and how it was developed and refined since the time of Steinitz also including some short examples including diagrams.

Crouch separates the rest of the book into two sections, one for each of the previously noted World Champions. For each section he gives 10 excellently chosen and annotated games from the selected player also with occasional "Supplementary Games" throughout. Crouch's annotations are great not only for understanding the position but for understanding key ideas and plans in the player's defence. Lasker's defense was most commonly active defence, using complications in difficult positions, often leading to decisive counter-attacks. On the other hand Petrosian's defence was quieter as he most often used prophylaxis and nullified attacks before they managed to achieve any momentum.

All together Crouch did a wonderful job putting together this work. The only thing to say against it is the old games, but with a great book like this, you can't ask for much more. For the decent price this is an excellent buy for anyone wishing to improve their defensive abilities or even further their game as a whole. Although not for players just starting out, I must highly recommend it to anyone else.

NSG rating = 9.6 of 10