Craig Pritchett (b 1949) is a former national champion and international master (1976), who represented Scotland in nine Chess Olympiads (1966-1990), including four times on top board (1974-1980). Gold medal winner on top board for Scotland at the European Seniors (60+) Team Championship in 2011, he continues to compete regularly at Senior and Open events. Chess Correspondent for the Scottish newspaper The Herald (1972-2006) and East Lothian Life (since 2005), he has taught and written widely on chess, specialising latterly on the historical development of chess thought and the fascinatingly wide differences in players’ chess styles. A University of Glasgow graduate in Modern History and Politics and a Chartered Public Finance Accountant, he also worked for many years in UK central government audit. President of his local Dunbar Chess Club, he has also long been associated with three major chess clubs: Edinburgh West, Barbican 4NCL and SK Berlin-Zehlendorf.
I wanted to share news of a very interesting new book: ""Modern Chess: From Steinitz to the 21st Century"" by International Master Craig Pritchett. This Thinkers Publishing title is exactly what it sounds like, and has something for chess enthusiasts of all levels: Some history, some culture, some famous games we ought to have seen but maybe haven't, some instruction. The author's love for chess history and admiration for the giants of the game really shines through. I can definitely see it becoming one of my favorites. I have already been enjoying the book in a few ways: Using some moments from the earlier, more direct games with some of my inexperienced students, reading the historical segments for pleasure, and studying some mid 20th Century games myself or with a friend. MASTER CHESS USA March 2022