The Bottom Line
Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual is, by the author's own admission, a work aimed at very strong players looking to complete themselves. It certainly provides extraordinarily deep analysis into a number of examples, which makes for a fascinating read -- even if most of these were far too difficult and complex for me to solve or gain much knowledge from. I suspect this will be the case for most class players.
That said, there is a good amount of practical advice, and working through these detailed examples with extensive notes is a rewarding process for those willing to put in the time.
Pros
- Offers great practical advice and materials for training analysis skills
- Extremely difficult positions present a rewarding challenge
Cons
- High degree of difficulty and complexity may be too much for many players
Description
- Over 400 pages of detailed analytical material from trainer and International Master Mark Dvoretsky.
- Numerous training exercises rated on a scale of 1-5 stars, based on difficulty.
- Foreword by GM Karsten Müller.
Guide Review - Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual (Mark Dvoretsky)
Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual is, in the author's words, a work aimed at very strong players looking to complete themselves. As a "Class A" player, I can't say I'm qualified to review it from that angle, although others (such as Jeremy Silman) give it high marks for that audience.
Dvoretsky also aims for amateur players to "find something of interest" in his book, a perspective I can speak from. I was a big fan of Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual; despite its complex and difficult nature, I found that working through the book improved my endgame skills greatly -- even if I couldn't solve (or perhaps even gain much) from some of his examples.
Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual has left me with a similar impression. The book is filled with positions that Dvoretsky feels are ideal for teaching players how to improve their analytical skills. On the whole, these positions are fiendishly difficult for most players; remember, the book is mainly for masters and above. I had trouble understanding most of the positions I worked on, even with the author's extensive notes.
I think stronger amateur players can get something out of this book, but only if they are willing to put in many hours of hard work. In between the endless variations explored, there is a good amount of practical advice on how to accurately analyze positions. Many of the positions also beautifully explore the depths of chess, and were enjoyable to work through -- even if they were well beyond my capabilities.
Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual will not appeal to everyone. Weaker players aren't likely to get much from it, and even stronger amateurs will have to put in a lot of work to benefit. That said, it is clearly a thorough and educational work, and despite its somewhat limited audience, the book deserves high marks.
