The Anand Files by Michiel Abeln (Paperback)

The Anand Files by Michiel Abeln is an English-language paperback chess book that takes readers behind the scenes of Viswanathan Anand’s world championship matches, with a close look at the preparation, planning and team work behind three winning campaigns.

What this book covers

Michiel Abeln spent several years gathering material for this publication and speaking with members of Team Anand, which gives the book a detailed view of the matches against Kramnik, Topalov and Gelfand. It goes beyond the games themselves to show the analytical work, opening ideas and pressure management that shaped events at the very highest level.

This is a strong choice for readers interested in world championship history, opening preparation and the work that happens away from the board. It reads both as a record of major matches and as a study of how elite chess teams prepare.

Why it stands out

The Anand Files combines careful research with an accessible narrative, making the material easy to follow without losing depth. The book also includes more than 100 colour photographs, which add context and help bring the period to life.

Michiel Abeln is a FIDE Master from the Netherlands, as well as an experienced chess coach and leadership coach in the business world. That background is reflected in the way he writes about collaboration, tension and decision-making under pressure.

Edition information

• Language: English
• Author: Michiel Abeln
• Format: paperback
• Pages: 512
• Length: over 500 pages
• Illustrations: more than 100 colour photographs
• ISBN of hardback edition: 978-1-78483-067-0
• First publication of hardback edition: 20 November 2019

Key details

• Product type: paperback chess book
• Author: Michiel Abeln
• Language: English
• Subject: Viswanathan Anand’s world championship match preparations
• Scope: three winning matches
• Matches covered: Kramnik, Topalov and Gelfand
• Illustrations: more than 100 colour photographs
• Pages: 512