Remembering Gerald Abrahams (15-iv-1907 15-iii-1980)

Historical knowledge and information regarding our great game.
Nick Ivell
Posts: 1138
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 6:33 pm

Re: Remembering Gerald Abrahams (15-iv-1907 15-iii-1980)

Post by Nick Ivell » Sat Jan 08, 2022 3:57 pm

I've read ZB on the art of combination, and enjoyed it.

In fact I'm pretty sure it was Gerald who presented it, as a prize for winning a junior tournament in Liverpool (the first event Nigel Short played in, back in the mists of time).

Roland Kensdale
Posts: 179
Joined: Sat Mar 01, 2014 1:15 pm

Re: Remembering Gerald Abrahams (15-iv-1907 15-iii-1980)

Post by Roland Kensdale » Sun Jan 09, 2022 5:54 pm

Paul Habershon wrote:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 11:34 pm
'Not Only Chess' Abrahams has the lawyer's precise command of the English language, though his views on women's chess (pre-Polgars of course) would be highly controversial today.
I had forgotten his (presumably an attempt at humour) description of Gaprindashvilli which might get me suspended from the forum if I quoted it. Didn't seem inappropriate when I read it first in the late 70s, with the prevalent attitude to women in the media.

His books are really enjoyable, intelligent and well-written, though for instruction they may not compare with modern works. Best not to judge the past by modern standards.

ZB's 'How Not to Play Chess' I read as a near beginner and found very
useful. I absorbed the lessons so well my games have become text book examples he could have used.

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