Chess Fundamentals
Chess Fundamentals, first published in 1921, is the instructional book of José Raúl Capablanca, who had taken the world championship from Emanuel Lasker that same year. Capablanca believed that most players study openings when they should be studying endings, so he begins with simple mates and pawn endings, moves on to the middlegame and to general principles of planning, and only then discusses the opening. The second part applies the ideas to fourteen of his own games, annotated with his characteristic clarity and economy of words. The prose is plain and confident, and the book has remained a standard recommendation for improving players for a century. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Chess Fundamentals
Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Chess Fundamentals online?
Yes. Chess Fundamentals opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Chess Fundamentals free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Chess Fundamentals is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Chess Fundamentals in the public domain?
Yes. Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Chess Fundamentals?
About 2 h 54 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Chess Fundamentals?
Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca is filed under "Classics" in the Vinteuil library.
