Secrets of Attacking Chess by Mihail Marin

A Gambit Classic Reissue: Understanding when, where and how to attack

In his previous work, Secrets of Chess Defence, Mihail Marin examined the task facing the defender. Now he considers the other side of the coin. In this wide-ranging treatise, he investigates attacking play from the initial decision to attack right through to the finish.

What are the premises for a successful attack? Marin discusses the traditional concept that a player with the advantage is obliged to attack, and also the value of notions of logic and justice in deciding whether to attack. If we believe an attack is justified, but cannot back it up with concrete variations, how do we decide whether to trust our intuition?

Sometimes an attack is launched straight out of the opening, when one player emerges with a development advantage or far better coordination. These same factors can also come into play in simplified positions, and we see successful attacks in endgames too. Marin surveys typical attacking scenarios, such as an attack on two wings, with a queenside attack as a prelude for a swift strike on the other wing, and all-out attacks against apparently well-defended positions. He also explains why grandmasters generally prefer to maintain as many options as possible, and investigates the role of prophylactic thinking in attacking play.

The discussion is illuminated throughout with entertaining and instructive examples from grandmaster practice.

Mihail Marin is a strong grandmaster from Romania. He achieved his first major success in international chess by qualifying for the interzonals in 1987. He has won the Romanian Championship on three occasions and has played in ten Olympiads. For several years he was editor of the magazine Chess Extrapress. He also acted as a second to Judit Polgar.

"He writes with passion ... his enthusiasm is infectious." - Johannes Fischer, KARL

"the insights into the vision of a grandmaster, that Marin generously and delightfully offers, enhance the perspective of the reader." - Fernando Offermann, Berliner Schachverband

"For those who appreciate an original work and some very impressive analysis, Secrets of Attacking Chess is highly recommended. It fully cements Marin's reputation as an excellent author, while being a most enjoyable and inspiring work to read and study." - IM Richard Palliser, Yorkshire Chess Association

"A quick glance at Secrets of Attacking Chess might prove somewhat intimidating. While there is plenty of explanatory prose, Marin believes in backing up his conclusions with concrete analysis. A closer look reveals that Marin has a definite pedagogical bent and has taken pains to sprinkle instructive comments throughout the book that are destined to stay with the reader. Highly Recommended." - IM John Donaldson, USA Team Captain