Chess Variants, 50 variants on the game of chess (Book information)
Adrey Caljé wrote a book, in Dutch, on chess variants, titled
Schaakvarianten - 50 varianten op het schaakspel. The book appeared in
May 2013. According to the website of the author, the English translation
of the book, titled
Chess Variants, 50 variants on the game of chess appears in
October 2013, i.e., soon after I write this. My review is based on the Dutch
version, but I assume that the English version is similar.
In this book, as the title already tells, fifty chess variants
are discussed. After the introduction, the book first gives a detailed explanation
of the rules of chess, and then, in alphabetical order, the author describes
each of the chess variants, from Adviesschaak (Advice chess) to Weggeefschaak (Give away
chess). Each of the games has its rules described in a very clear way. After
the rules, more information on the variants is given: most variants have
the moves of a sample game, history or other background, and occasionally a quote
from the inventor or a fan of the variant.
The book is written in a clear and enjoyable way. The book contains many well
known, and a few lesser known variants.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Eduardo Comoglio from Argentina, based
on raw sketches by the author.
If you are able to read Dutch and enjoy chess variants, this book is a must for your
bookcase. And if you are able to read English and enjoy chess variants, I think that
the English
translation is a must.
More information can be found on the website of the author:
www.schaakvarianten.nl, where you
can see some pictures from the book, order the book for 19.95 euro (excluding postage),
or pictures from the book on canvas. Postage in the Netherlands is 3.27 euro
when I looked.
Information on the Dutch book:
Schaakvarianten - 50 varianten op het schaakspel
Adrey Caljé
1st print: May 2013
194 pages
ISBN 9789077733028
WWW page created: Oktober 15, 2013.
Written by: Hans Bodlaender.