This book investigates the strategic evolution and historical significance of the 1986 World Chess Championship match between Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov. The authors, David S. G. Goodman and Raymond Keene, utilize their expertise in chess journalism and analysis to document the intense rivalry that defined this era of the sport. By providing a game-by-game breakdown, they argue that this specific match represents a pivotal moment in the development of modern chess theory and psychological competition.

Chess enthusiasts and historians frequently cite this work as a valuable record of one of the most famous rivalries in the history of the game. Experts note that the technical analysis remains accessible to intermediate players while providing sufficient depth for serious students of chess strategy.