How Not to Play Chess by Znosko-Borovsky | A Classic Revisited by IM Thomas Engqvist

In this video, Swedish International Master Thomas Engqvist revisits one of the most beloved and enduring books in chess literature — "How Not to Play Chess" by Eugene A. Znosko-Borovsky, first published in 1934 and republished by Dover in 1961. Written in descriptive notation, this remarkable book suits players of all levels — from beginners to advanced players — and has stood the test of time for nearly a century. IM Engqvist shares his personal impressions from studying the book many years ago, drawing on his own notes and underlinings made according to the principles of the American philosopher Mortimer Adler — whose celebrated method of active reading encourages the reader to engage deeply with a text in order to truly understand it. Whether you are discovering this classic for the first time or returning to it as an old friend, this video offers a unique and personal perspective on one of chess literature's most thoughtful and instructive works.