Exploring the World of Capablanca Chess Variants: A Review of ‘Adventures in Capablanca Land’

John Vehre, a passionate chess player and author, has recently released a two-book set titled ‘Adventures in Capablanca Land’ that delves into the world of Capablanca Chess variants. Capablanca, the third world chess champion from 1921 to 1927, created this variant which includes two new pieces – the archbishop and the chancellor.

Vehre’s inspiration for writing these books came from Edward Lasker’s book ‘Chess Secrets I Learned from the Masters’, where Capablanca experimented with these new pieces on different sized boards to combat the potential draw death of chess. Vehre, a long-time player of chess variants, saw the potential for a book on these lesser-known variations and decided to compile his experiences and analysis into a comprehensive guide.

The books offer a brief overview of the variants, followed by detailed analysis of individual games played by Vehre and other strong practitioners. Vehre’s meticulous annotations and explanations make the games accessible to readers of all skill levels, providing a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the world of chess variants.

Through ‘Adventures in Capablanca Land’, Vehre hopes to showcase the diversity and complexity of chess variants, offering a glimpse into the potential future of the game. By sharing his experiences and insights, he aims to inspire other players to explore and analyze these unique variations, ultimately contributing to the growth and evolution of chess as a whole.

For chess enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and skills, ‘Adventures in Capablanca Land’ is a must-read that promises to ignite a passion for the rich history and endless possibilities of chess variants.