The way a beginner develops into a strong chess player closely resembles the progress of the
game of chess itself. This popular idea is the reason why many renowned chess instructors such
as former World Champions Garry Kasparov and Max Euwe emphasize the importance of studying the
history of chess. Willy Hendriks agrees that there is much to be learned from the pioneers of
our game. He challenges however the conventional view on what the stages in the advancement
of chess actually have been. Among the various articles of faith that Hendriks questions is
Wilhelm Steinitz's reputation as the discoverer of the laws of positional chess. In The Origin
of Good Moves Hendriks undertakes a groundbreaking investigative journey into the history of
chess. He explains what actually happened creates fresh perspectives finds new heroes and
reveals the real driving force behind improvement in chess: evolution. This thought-provoking
book is full of beautiful and instructive 'new' material from the old days. With plenty of
exercises the reader is invited to put themselves in the shoes of the old masters. Never
before has the study of the history of chess been so entertaining and rewarding.
