My System & Chess Praxis

As a chess player, Aron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935) belonged to the very best. In his peak years the Latvian-born maestro was ranked third in the world behind Capablanca and Alekhine.

However, Nimzowitsch will first and foremost be remembered as the founder of the Hypermodern movement and the author of two undisputed masterpieces, unique landmarks in the history of chess.

In My System, he expounded his theories of prophylaxis, blockade and much more, while providing ground-breaking insights in pawn structures. In the sequel Chess Praxis, Nimzowitsch demonstrated how he had successfully tested his theories in his games.

Without reading Nimzowitsch your chess education cannot be complete. Perhaps not all of his convictions have stood the test of time, but even today, any chess student will deepen his understanding while enjoying the author’s insights and witticisms.

Part of the charm of Nimzowitsch’s prose was his idiosyncratic use of the German language, which has been very carefully preserved in Robert Sherwood’s new translation.

Added in this edition are the influential essays The Blockade and On the History of the Chess Revolution 1911-1914.


Jeremy Silman, author of ‘How to Reassess Your Chess’:
“This translation finally allows English-speaking audiences to acquaint themselves with the real Nimzowitsch.”

Gary Lane, English Chess Federation Newsletter:
"This brand new edition represents excellent value for money as Nimzowitsch’s other classic work, Chess Praxis, is included along with a couple of essays (..) If you have the time and patience Nimzowitsch will help you to advance to the next stage. This edition naturally looks like a modern book with lots of diagrams and plenty of space so that reading it is easy (..) If you have never read the insights that Nimzowitsch has to offer, this timeless classic should be ordered now."

John Watson, author of ‘Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy’:
“Robert Sherwood has finally succeeded in rendering Nimzowitsch faithfully, something earlier translations have failed to do. His translation is fluent, engaging and a pleasure to read.”

Jacob Aagaard, author of the ‘Grandmaster Preparation’ Series:
“Modern chess thinking is a refinement of previous ideas, leaving the study of 'My System' as an essential part of a full chess education.”

Matthew Sadler, former British Champion:
"Despite all its flaws, 'My System' should defintely be read at least once by all chess players."

Florian Jacobs, Max Euwe Centre, Amsterdam:
"No chess player should ignore such a load of fundamentals he can easily identify with. And the book is a real bargain, at that: more than 600 pages of great stuff for less than 30 Euro."