chess

With the sweat on the players' brows scarcely dry, two books have already been published on the games of the Kasparov-Anand match in the World Chess Championship. Both Kasparov v Anand, by Raymond Keene (Batsford, pounds 9.99), and World Chess Championship 1995, by Daniel King (Cadogan Chess, pounds 8.99) contain good analysis - though the similarity of their comments suggests that the main sources of both writers were the same: the press-room pundits at the match, and the players' own comments given after each game.

Keene's book contains a greater variety of background material, but shows more signs of having been compiled in haste. King's experience as one of the official commentators at the match enables him to bring a greater immediacy to his comments, and a generally more entertaining style.

Both writers tend to play down the unsatisfactory elements of the event - the dull draws, the far from soundproof booth, Kasparov's churlish behaviour, the last-minute 10 per cent reduction in prizes - perhaps through a desire not to offend the sponsors, Intel.

For the unsanitised version, I recommend the November issue of the British Chess Magazine which includes a full account of the match by Ian Rogers, including all the games with brief but pertinent notes, as well as an honest and amusing account of the frequently shambolic organisation. This single issue costs pounds 2.40, or pounds 25 for an annual subscription. Further details from BCM, 69 Masbro Rd, London W14 0SL (0171-603-2877).