KOCHI: While there are a plethora of books in various languages comprehensively tutoring chess enthusiasts with mastering the game, nothing of that sort has been so far attempted in the Malayalam language. Filling that void is ‘Chessinoru Patapusthakam’ by P V N Namboothiripad, a massive 800-page affair detailing various tactics that help to steal a march on your opponent.
PVN, who has been contributing articles on chess to magazines for almost 40 years, is also an expert in the game, having been fascinated by the game from his childhood. Later, while teaching Malayalam at government schools, he was a regular participant in state chess championships and had even represented Ernakulam district, where he hails from.
“Hardworking people with foresight and the inner resolve to face challenges are the ones who are most prone to success. Chess is a game that, while rooted in discipline, is a pastime that strengthens the brain muscles,” the author remarks in his foreword to the book.
The book, which contains a preface by renowned Malayalam literary critic and educationist Dr M Leelavathi, begins by introducing the reader to a brief history of chess, taking the reader through the origins of the game to the rules, various moves and other tactics - in short, everything that the beginner would probably need to get a firm grip on the game. ‘Chessinoru patapusthakam’ is published by the Kerala Bhasha Institute and priced at Rs 450.