Genius in the Background explores the achievements of twelve chess figures whose contributions have received less recognition than those of the game's most celebrated champions. Tibor Karolyi and Nick Aplin profile exceptional players, chess-study composers, problemists and influential trainers, illustrating their achievements with games, studies and puzzles. Among the subjects are composers such as Aleksandr Pervakov and Yochanan Afek, whose intricate chess studies demonstrate remarkable ingenuity, as well as coaches who helped shape world champions such as Garry Kasparov and Veselin Topalov. The book ranges across opening theory, middlegame strategy, endgame technique, composition and chess training, celebrating the creativity and analytical brilliance of figures whose influence extends beyond their public reputation. (AI-generated content description)