Edward Winter
(2017)
C.N. 1651 mentioned a little-known work in Spanish by Richard Réti, Curso científico de ajedrez, and the Wanted feature article noted a) the existence of a French translation, by Denis Teyssou, Cours scientifique d’échecs (Paris, 1998), and b) the absence of an English edition.
The imprint page of the above copy of Curso científico de ajedrez described itself as a second edition (‘Segunda edición, diciembre, 1986’), but it will be shown below that there were other prior editions, and that the second word of the book’s original (1925) title was different. From this overview it will be seen too that there were substantial differences in the Spanish text.
The images below of the two 1925 books – the Curso itself and a Suplemento – are shown courtesy of the Royal Dutch Library in The Hague.
Below are scans of the 1930, 1948 and 1970 editions of Réti’s Curso, courtesy of the Cleveland Public Library.
The title of the book had a discrepancy: Curso científico de ajedrez on the front cover but Teoría científica del ajedrez on the title page and on the imprint page.
The first page of Reti’s text, as shown above in the various editions, illustrates how the Spanish version of Julio Ganzo changed from the earlier ‘Superior’ ones. For example, before 1970 the first paragraph read:
‘Cada jugador de ajedrez, aún el más débil, tiene algunos principios, de acuerdo con los cuales juega, sea con[s]ciente o subcon[s]cientemente.’
The 1970 version had the following:
‘Sea cual fuere su categoría, cada ajedrecista posee algunos principios fundamentales en los que basa su forma de jugar, ya de una manera consciente, ya llevado por el subconsciente.’
Miquel Artigas (Sabadell, Spain) reports that he owns a different edition of Suplemento al curso superior de ajedrez, published in 1930:
(10594)
From page 10 of the second edition of Curso científico de ajedrez by R. Réti (Madrid, 1986):
‘El maestro ruso Alapin recomendaba al principiante cambiar las piezas cuanto antes.’ [The Russian master Alapin recommended that the beginner should exchange pieces as soon as possible.]
Where did Alapin give such advice?
(3825)
See also Richard Réti.
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Copyright: Edward Winter. All rights reserved.