Chess Fundamentals is an instructional work by world champion José Raúl Capablanca, presented as a series of essays on the game's core principles. It covers strategy, tactics, and essential endgames, offering clear guidance for players seeking to improve. Capablanca's straightforward explanations make it a valuable listen for anyone interested in chess.
PREFACE Chess Fundamentals was first published thirteen years ago. Since then there have appeared at different times a number of articles dealing with the so-called Hypermodern Theory. Those who have read the articles may well have thought that something new, of vital importance, had been discovered. The fact is that the Hypermodern Theory is merely the application, during the opening stages generally, of the same old principles through the medium of somewhat new tactics. There has been no change in the fundamentals. The change has been only a change of form, and not always for the best at that. In chess the tactics may change but the strategic fundamental principles are always the same, so that Chess Fundamentals is as good now as it was thirteen years ago. It will be as good a hundred years from now; as long in fact as the laws and rules of the game remain what they are at present. The reader may therefore go over the contents of the book with the assurance that there is in it everything he needs, and that there is nothing to be added and nothing to be changed. Chess Fundamentals was the one standard work of its kind thirteen years ago and the author firmly believes that it is the one standard work of its kind now. J. R. CAPABLANCA New York Sept. 1, 1934 LIST OF CONTENTS PART I CHAPTER I First Principles: Endings, Middle-game and Openings PAGE 1. Some Simple Mates 3
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