This book, the first in a brand new series which follows on from the My Great Predecessors series, sees chess legend Garry Kasparov reflecting on a pivotal time in chess history. Bobby Fischer's spurt towards the chess summit (1970-1972) marked the approach of a new era, affecting all aspects of the game, and opening theory in particular. Fischer demonstrated the need for deep preparation with both colours, expanded the range of openings studied and laid the basis of present-day professional chess. He became the first real chess professional in the West.

The leader of the new generation, Anatoly Karpov, fully reaped the fruits of the Fischer revolution and mastered the lessons of his great predecessor. Of the players of the older generation, only Victor Korchnoi was able to achieve such a high level of professionalism.

Alas, Fischer left the chess stage. But the tectonic shifts caused by him led to the start of a genuine revolution in opening theory, which overturned many traditional impressions about various typical positions. Between 1972 and 1975 alone, progress in the field of opening theory was more significant than in the entire preceding decade! Under the influence of Fischer, who imparted a great impetus to the development of the game, chess was radically regenerated. This process, with increasing acceleration, also continued in later years. As a result, the overall picture in the openings changed almost beyond recognition.

By studying this fascinating book, the reader will certainly learn a great deal, discover things that are unexpected, and see how rapidly and inexorably chess development approached the computer era.