Grandmaster Sandipan Chanda was born on 13th. August, 1983. The renowned Chess player from Kolkata achieved his Grandmaster Title in 2003. He represented India in Chess Olympiads of 2004, 2006 and 2008. Worked as Vishwanathan Anand’s second for the World Chess Championship, 2013. His peak rating was 2656 as per May, 2011 Rating List. He is working as Anand’s second till date.

When we learn the game of chess, the complexities fascinate us. Slowly but surely, the web of wonders in the game engulf the learner. And when one recalls what is the most attractive part of chess- irrespective of the level of the player- one often remembers the beautiful sacrifices that swept over the board! The author of this book, with his rich experience in training
and writing, has chosen the theme of sacrifices on ‘h7’ (or h2) – referred to as ‘Greek gift’- which players of all levels should be familiar with. This typical theme can arise often in the game, though in many different forms. This is exactly what has been explained in the book, similar sacrifices in many different situations. I wish that the readers would learn from the book and recognize similar patterns in their own games too. And most importantly, I wish that one enjoys the sacrifices and the beautiful ideas behind them!

Sandipan Chanda
Kolkata, August 2019