Imagination in Chess by Paata Gaprindashvili (2005)

This book contains several hundred chess positions, for which the reader must find the best moves and supporting variations. The problems range from difficult to impossible, and require skill in tactics as well as positional judgment. Extensive solutions are provided in the back of the book, along with the source of the position (players, composers, etc.). The problems are organized into chapters, each preceded with some plain text on the move selection process, accompanied by schematic diagrams.

I have to say candidly that the title of the book is not accurate. There is nothing much of substance on the actual subjects of creativity and imagination. The processes illustrated in the schematic diagrams are pretty much what any determined player would do anyway in the natural course of a game. I did not notice anything specifically advising how to avoid foolish mistakes. For all this, a deduction of one star.

The exercise collection itself is challenging and worthwhile. In terms of difficulty, I would place it about two notches ahead of "The Ultimate Chess Puzzle Book" by Emms, and three ahead of "Chess Training Pocket Book" by Alburt. It is certainly not for beginners.

The layout and binding are excellent quality. The solutions appear to be correct, and indeed computer-checked. I did notice a couple of typos and at least one incorrect diagram, but nothing serious.

I recommend this to strong players as a source of exercises and solutions; the small amount of text can be ignored.

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Enjoy ;)