Customer Reviews:
Great Endgame book for those trying to move from beginner to Club level.......2006-11-09
Pandolfini has won me over. He is a great chess teacher, and it shows in the way he has set this book up. Each page covers one endgame problem, beginning with a discussion written in an easy and interesting style explaining what the problem is intended to illustrate.
Studying the endgame is not necessarily fun... but the endgame is where the money is in Chess, similar to putting in golf. It is very important to study it if you want to improve. What Pandolfini does is makes it palatable by presenting a series of one page self-contained problems. I have found this an excellent addition to some of the Convekta software I am using to study chess, because he explains the ideas behind the endgame positions in more detail and with clarity.
An Excellent 2nd Book on Endgames.......2006-11-06
First, download the errata as mentioned in other reviews and get that much over with. There *are* more errors than there should have been (1/2 star taken right off the top).
That said, this should be your *second* endgame book. Why? Because the writing style is terse and laconic. The book is made up of a long series of endgame positions, one per page, with a paragraph of descriptive text and a nearly, if not completely, un-annotated list of moves below the paragraph. It's up to you to digest the text, and relate it to the moves as you play them out. I believe that to do this effectively, you need some basic endgame background, hence my statement that this should be your *second* endgame book.
The book is quite complete, providing at least one example of all important endgame situations. It is not an exhaustive text, such as Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual or some others, but it leaves out very little, even if what is covered is at times brief (a single example) or at a high level.... but that is not a bad thing. At this stage of learning, you want clear examples, not problem-like esoterica.
Four stars overall. (Another half off for the at times difficult presentation style of text/move list.)
(What would be the first endgame book? Briefly, I'd use Robertie's "Easy Endgame Strategies" or even better if you don't mind an older book in descriptive notation, Horowitz's "How to Win in the Chess Endings.")
An Excellent Instructional Manual to Improve your Endgame.......2006-08-07
Probably anyone no matter their skill level can benefit from this book, but I think is best suited for beginners to intermediate players. The author describes the techniques employed in the most important and typical endgame situations, presenting more than 239 positions that clearly describe how a good player will solve the problems encountered in each one of them. If you have read and liked the style of any other Pandolfini's chess instructional books chances are you will enjoy this one.
The book is divided in three parts. A complete part of the book is devoted to king and pawn endings, but also enough coverage is given to endgame positions where the knight, the bishop, the root, and the queen, and a combination of minor and heavy pieces play the important role of helping promote a pawn or act to accomplish a mating solution.
As the author states "the book is designed to improve the skills of the practical player who is interested in wining the ending clearly, simply and efficiently."
I bought this book as part of a used chess book collection on an auction, and I was not disappointed at all with this title. The book systematically showed me how to think and analyze typical positions that as a matter of fact I have encountered during accrual play. One the things I like the most is the Instructional format of this book, clear and easy to follow. For me is absolutely a must have, especially if you are a beginner.
The book uses algebraic notation, but I guess this is just a matter of preference and it actually doesn't affect the quality and usefulness of the information presented. Nevertheless you should take this into account in case you prefer descriptive notation.
A note on the typos...........2006-08-04
I agree with the many reviewers who think this is an excellent book but are troubled by the typos. For those of you considering using the book, there's a very helpful Houston Chessclub website with a collection of corrections to the book. If you do a Google search for "Pandolfini's Endgame Errata" you can locate it easily. Once you have that, there's no reason not to get this very worthwhile book.
A Great Endgame Strategy Book.......2005-08-11
Pandolfini writes in a way that is clear, logical, and just plain easy to understand. Any of his books are "must haves" for a solid chess library. His Endgame book covers an area that I belive is often overlooked in favor of the latest opening. This book is just what it says, a "course on endgame concepts" that would benefit any chess player.
Book Description
In 1956 Stella Chess and Alexander Thomas launched the pioneering New York Longitudinal Study, a systematic investigation into the concept of temperament that has been pursued to the present decade. The findings from this study - that temperamental profiles of infants, children, adolescents, and adults show specific individual behavioral characteristics - are accepted as basic to the psychological mechanism of behavioral functioning. Now, these two preeminent authorities and teaches in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry present an essential introduction to their internationally recognized work. This volume takes the reader from concept - including the definition of temperament and the studies that support and expand upon that definition - to specific explorations of temperament and its impact across various practice settings and special populations.
Book Description
Basic Chess Endings, written by International Grandmaster Reuben Fine, is the most authoritative reference on the endgame. Serious students of the game find the work unmatched in its depth and range. Now, Grandmaster Pal Benko has revised this classic with the latest innovations in the endgame and adapted the book to algebraic notation. The result is what chess aficionados have been eagerly waiting for--a thoroughly modern bible on basic chess endings.
A handy guide for the practical player, Basic Chess Endings focuses on the aspects of the ending that occur most frequently in the course of play. With clear language, it reinforces knowledge of the standard position and tried-and-tested rules. Hundreds of diagrams make examples easy to follow. An indispensable reference for every chess player.
Customer Reviews:
Basic Chess Endings.......2007-01-12
The recommended text for those who want to improve their end game skills. The table of contents is comprehensive but there is no alphabetical index to speed up its use for reference purposes; I will look for that in the next edition. Time will tell whether the binding of paperback version will hold it together long term. The original book I had with the old notation fell to bits after 6 years use and it was cheaper to buy a new one than get a bookbinder to fix up the old one. Maybe an electronic version on disk would be the way to overcome this problem. Andy Sag.
Fabulous Despite Age and Errors.......2006-11-20
I don't have the updated edition; I have the old one, have had it for many years, and love it today as much as I did when I first got it --- this despite the plethora of modern, computer-checked endgame manuals on the market.
Yes, it is in descriptive notation (and it will not kill you to take 10 minutes to learn it). Yes, it has errors (which most of us won't notice, and we can always use our own computers to check a position that we're not sure about in any case). Yes, it is written at a high level and is not always easy to follow (I challenge you to show me another comprehensive endgame manual that IS easy to follow!).
But it's all here. Despite criticisms that some "modern" endgame positions are omitted, Fine's book is incredibly complete and provides enough study material for years of high-level learning. That one man could have written such a book in a matter of months, with no computer in those days, is just amazing.
Now, you can get this book on the used market delivered to your door for something like five dollars. How can you go wrong? Used with care, it may be the only endgame manual you'll ever need.
Note: this is not suitable for learning the basics of endgames. It's at too high a level. If you're just starting out, get an introductory book first.
Bobby Fischer, the masters, and Basic Chess Endings..........2006-05-16
I don't have the citation on me, but legend has it that Bobby Fischer used this book as in effect his endgame bible--his copy was notoriously tattered, worn, and dog-eared.
The introduction by Yuri Averbakh is of note as Averbakh is the reigning Russian endgame god.
A book review at ChessCafe noted: "When it comes to the explanation of pure endgame theory, there may never have been a better book than Reuben Fine's Basic Chess Endings."
International master John Watson, describes Basic Chess Endings as "a tour de force and still highly relevant to endgame theory in its revised form by Pal Benko."
International master Anthony Saidy's review contains somewhat humorous stories from an older generation who deemed the book infallible, and were heartbroken by discovering occasional errors in the midst of master-level games. Nonetheless Saidy concludes: "To sum up, this is an improved BCE, at last mercifully corrected...Benko's work has improved the bible, but it is still basically the bible of 1941. BCE in its panorama of all endgames, remains in a class by itself. But a truly new BCE, incorporating the wealth of experience of the past six decades, including computer studies, it is not." So: "in a class by itself", but unlike a true bible, still not infallible.
The British Chess Magazine review runs: "Fine's monumental endgame manual scarcely needs an introduction as it will be on the bookshelves of most keen players. This is a recent revision by Grandmaster Pal Benko, with a foreword by Averbakh. The 2003 revision has been a matter of correcting mistakes, converting to algebraic notation and using more modern examples of endgames in a few cases where endgame theory has moved on. Fine's 15 rules for the endgame have been increased to 20 by Benko. Still a classic work, and now it has been enhanced with input from another very distinguished endgame expert. There are now other excellent works on the endgame but even after many decades this one still stands comparison with them."
A chess blogger writes that "Predrag, my chess coach on ICC has been successful in convincing me to study endgames and I am convinced that endgames are the most difficult part of the game. It also appears to hold the key to strong play - not only because of the chance to win games but because the chance to develop awesome calculative skills acquired are just too great to be ignored. I tried using some software packages, Bruce Pandolfini's endgame book and Larry Evans book, but they just don't seem to be the problem set I need to use - either too hard or they simply don't have illustrative sets I can practice. I ordered Basic Chess Endings by Rueben Fine and edited by Benko. It was recommended by Predrag." This is Predrag Trajkovic, an international master who gives lessons through ICC (the Internet Chess Club).
A few Tweaks needed but Still Amazing.......2005-11-09
Openings are the realm of the beginner understanding basic Chess theory.
Middle games are the realm of the intermediate player mastering strategy and tactics.
End Games are the realm of the Chess Master. It's not enough to have a theoretically won game. You have to actually be able to finish your opponent off and translate it into a victory.
Once you begin to understand the end game, your view of Chess in the openings and middle games will change because you will begin to see the small advantages that accrue from seemingly innocuous moves. Chess will begin to come alive and your enjoyment will increase.
Of course, to reach that point is not easy and for all but the few who are seemingly born chess prodigies, you have to learn.
Fine's book has been the standard work for Chess end-games ever since he wrote it in the 1960's. Since that time there is no question that there have been many innovations and corrections found. That is the reason for the 4 stars instead 5. But those issues are well documented in many sources and when you are ready for them you will be able to find them and supplement your knowledge.
This still remains an outstanding work to begin to work through the different types of endings. The book is encyclopedic, very well organized and the "errors" that are there are such that if you were to master the material in this book you would still be an extraordinary player and able to "fix" the issues that are there.
This is not a book for the lightweight chess player. If you are not at least an 1700 level player with the USCF or FIDE, there are more profitable ways to spend your time than with this book. As you begin to approach Class A and Expert level, however, you will need what this book has to offer. This is very much a major part of the pathway to Chess-Master.
Good book but some errors still remain.......2005-04-18
Overall it is a good book for studying endgames. It gives general rules extracted from concrete examples. In general, they are useful guidelines. Bear in mind, however, that these rules did not always apply.
I have analyzed in depth the endgame Steinitz-Gunsberg (9th match game for the world title, 1890), No. 723, pages 343-344. Despite the revision by Grandmaster Pal Benko the analysis has a serious error and omission. It is evaluated as a win for black, when it is, in fact, a draw. If 3.Kh6 g5 the text only mentions the losing 4.hxg5?. Instead 4. Ra3! draws. The correct analysis and evaluation of this endgame (attributed to I. Zaitsev)appeared on page 11 of the revised german edition of the Levenfish and Smyslov work on rook endgames (Schachverlag Rudi Schmaus, Heidelberg 1985). Besides, I have discovered that 4. Ra8! also draws. However this error and omission is forgivable because Ra3! or Ra8! are extremely unobvious moves and the (rare) german edition of Levenfish's and Smyslovs's work is probably the only one with updated analysis.
It would be of interest for the users of this book if the publisher and reviser would maintain a webpage with updated analysis like the previous one. In this case the book would deserve 5 stars.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent.......2006-02-15
This book is excellent choice for those who want to learn more about playing Chess. Though I have yet to read this book I highly recommend it due to the popularity of words in its title. The focus of this book seems to be opening moves, rest assured that this exciting topic will be at least mentioned.
Like BCO/MCO/NCO but for class D-A.......2005-06-29
This book and the first volume (Basic Chess Openings) (...) are an excellent opening book for players between class D and class A. They cover the basic ideas of the openings. In particular they look at all the alternatives that your normal opening book assumes you already know how to refute.
So for example: 1 e4,e5, 2Nf3 Nc6, 3 Bc4. This is a line that everyone knows (the italian) and everyone knows the "correct response" is Bc5. But why?
Kallia first goes through the very natural Nf6 and how the two knights defense makes life very tough for black. He covers in detail the major lines of the two knights
a) Violent central attack (4 d4)
b) Attack on the f7-pawn (4 g5)
and their sub-variations
Having shown why 3 ..Nf6 isn't so good he then looks at 3..Nd4 (and shows how it is refuted by 4Nxd4 (while telling white to avoid the trap of 4Nxe5). Then he looks 3..Be7 and how this ends up too passive. Thus 3..Bc5 seems to be the only move left. From here the 3 main lines of the Italian are discussed, etc... Detailed thorough discussion of the basics for people who are capable of understanding opening theory but just don't know it yet. This book lays the groundwork for you to read an MCO level book. I strongly recommend it for the player with a USCF rating over 1000 and under 2000.
Essential and unique.......2003-03-11
I heartily disagree with the other reviewer who questioned the necessity of having these books (that is, assuming it is necessary to have any chess books at all, which, for the sake of argument, I am assuming that it is). In this age of internet chess, where the VAST majority of games played by people are blitz games, it is more important than ever to get out of the opening in good shape. These two books by Kallai are the absolute best opening books that I have, because not only do they set out variations and plans for all major lines in ALL openings, but they also have odd but frequent second and third moves in all major lines as well. For instance, in the queen's gambit section, you can quickly and easily find the Albin and Chigorin lines dealt with. Far too often, books do not discuss these very common second moves by black. But this book has it all right there. Have you ever seen an opening book explain why white does not play the exchange variation of the queen's gambit immediately on move three? This one does. Kallai tells you succinctly that white wants to wait until black plays Nf6 so that the exchange can be followed up with Bg5. It is all there. I have read Sadler's book on the queen's gambit, and although he has that question-answer dialogue, he does not address many of the practical questions that come up, such as the one above. This Kallai book magically does that. It is the only book that addresses nearly every opening point you can think of. I only have one complaint about these books (I did not play nearly full price, so price is not an issue for me): that is, the bindings are total .... Some Cadogan books were fine, while others fall apart on repeated usage. On my copies, the pages are beginning to fall out. This is inexcusable in a $... book. But, nonetheless, these books are the best. I use them more than Nunn's Chess Openings, more than Fine's Ideas Behind the Chess Openings, and more than all other opening resources that I own.
Fills a niche, but not essential.......2001-01-27
I own this and Kallai's BCO, which is about moves beginning with 1-e4. The title makes them sound they're for beginners, but I think they fall midway between Seirawan's Openings and books like NCO and MCO, and may lean more towards the latter. MBCO is more thorough than Seirawan and just as recent, but has less text and theory. On the other hand, Kallai explains some moves and traps which would be obvious to the expert, and also gives tips on how to play the middlegame. There are no complete games given, just openings.
There's a good deal of information here for a short book. But a price is paid in terms of layout: there are no neat tables as in NCO. Also, I personally dislike the notation, which is figurine algebraic.
This book fills a niche as a pre-NCO/MCO openings reference guide, but is it a big enough niche to justify $40 (you'll need both volumes)? Maybe you're better off buying MCO if you need a thorough reference book (not everyone does), or going elsehwere if you really need to learn how to play openings. I like Kallai's two books, but am not convinced I should have bought them.
A solid book covering a variety of openings.......1999-05-19
Much like 'Basic Chess Openings' by the same author, this book covers many of the more common 1 d4 and other openings. Queens Gambit, Kings Indian, and a couple of others are covered in-depth with many of the variations discussed. Unlike some books, Grandmaster Kallai really tries to describe what you are trying to achieve with each opening/variation. For basic/intermediate level of play, I really recommend this book. The only reason it doesn't get five stars is because some openings are simply glanced at - almost as if it was a rush finish.
Customer Reviews:
Great way to get started.......2004-08-19
My only problem with the book is the title: it is only about e4 openings, mostly from white's perspective. The companion d4 book is probably necessary to learn how to respond when playing black against d4.
5 stars otherwise; I love the presentation. I started learning openings with Reinfeld's very basic primer, but I think it would be easy to start with this book. I especially value the discussion of middlegame plans after each main variation; this is lacking in many other opening books that focus on variations. A nice balance of details and strategy.
Excellent book that bridges basic openings books with MCO.......2002-11-14
I have a number of general opening books: NCO, Horowitz's Theory and Pratice, Fine"s Ideas Behind Chess Opening's. Kallai's book is far superior to Fine's. It reads easier and provides more details (variations). It also shows the basic traps for both sides. I am surprised that this series of books are not more popular... I turned in my Fine's book and have no regrets.
Beautiful, crucial!.......2002-03-13
The two books by Kallai are quite wonderful. They are a nice modern complement to 500 Master Games of Chess by Tartakower. They are worthy to be joined with that great book. Each opening section cotnains a valuable section about subsequent plans and ideas. If people knew how good these books were, they would quickly be snatched up.
Excellent content. Atrocious binding........1999-08-30
The content of this book is very helpful for beginners or intermediate players (like me) who want to learn the basics of king pawn openings. I would give it 4 or 5 starts for content, but as with many Cadogan published books, the pages will begin to fall out after using the book a few times. This defect is also true of my copy of More Basic Chess Openings by the same author. Poor binding is a common complaint with Cadogan books. E.g. read the Amazon customer reviews of The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal. Apparently Cadogan has been succeeded by, or renamed, Everyman Chess. (The British chess publishing industry appears in great turmoil these days.) Everyman uses a different printer. Binding quality of my one Everyman Chess book, Art of Attack, Vukovic is very good.
If you want to KNOW openings......this is the book for you........1999-06-27
I highly recomend this book. As an intermediate player (1700-1800), I found myself usually getting behind in the beggining against more advanced players. This will teach you just about every opening (along with "More Basic Chess Openings") and ensure your confidence at the start of a game. If you have never picked up a chess book, like myself, this is where you should start.
Book Description
Increase your skill and understanding of chess with the tactics that have produced unparalleled Russian grandmasters.
Russia's dominance in modern chess was founded on a uniquely successful program of chess instruction. Now this program has been streamlined and adapted for American readers in a pair of books that will help readers develop, step by step, from total novicehood to an enjoyable and competitive recreational level.
Volume 2 goes beyond the basics to cover advanced strategy, hard-hitting openings, and classic attack and defense tactics. Both books sharpen and test your chess skills with practical, educational "chessercizes" that make your movements more muscular.
Advance in the game—and have fun doing it—using the techniques that produced a long line of Soviet champions.
Customer Reviews:
Chess 2.......2006-11-10
This is a very good book on chess that goes beyond the basics of the game. It is a "must read" for chess enthusiasts.
Vol 1 and 2 -Both Excellent.......2005-07-28
I really like the way Lev Alburt and Larry Parr have written these Volumes of the " Secrets of the Russian Chess Masters". I think reading Volume 1 is a must for beginners if you want to get the most out of Volume 2. I had no problem going from Volume 1 to Volume 2. Volume 2 (about the first 100 pages) starts mainly with more detailed Tactics and many helpful Diagrams. There are up to 3 diagrams on one page with the answers & explanations on the opposite page or just below the diagrams, no searching for answers. The last half of the book is mainly about Openings. There about 20 openings he explains and many have an accompanying Master Games ( Reti, Fischer, Tal ) which are easy to follow. I also like that he gives some specific Opening recommendations. Thus, this book explains Advanced Tactics and will prepare you for a more advanced Opening Book. Lev also gives a list of all the Chess Champions starting 1745(A.Philidor) to 1997(G.Kasparov). The book is 231 pages including a nice Index.
One of Alburt's best ........2005-05-19
This book teaches you elements of tactics. There are a lot of puzzles to solve and they are quiet challenging. The book is not for beginners, so take a note of that. Seems that most of the examples in this book were used to create Alburt's "300 most important positions" published later.
Fantastic book. Teaches chess the right way........1999-09-23
It's probably the quickest way to learn chess, and the right way to do it. Very pleasing to read and full of "Chessercizes" that help you test your understanding of the presented material. This volume enhances your knowledge of the game not through boring opening memorization but through tactics and tactical devices that can be applied to any game at anytime. won't believe how it will improve your game and playing style as well as your appreciation for the fine art of chess.
Book Description
It's not surprising that Go is one of the oldest games still being played today—it's also one of the most challenging, stimulating, and fascinating games around. Go Basics provides a simple but thorough introduction that's perfect for beginners. With its easy to follow instructions—and over 600 diagrams showing examples of how to play—you'll be ready to enjoy this classic game right away.
It starts by focusing on smaller 9 x 9 games—making it easier to understand basic Go tactics and strategies—and introduces fundamental strategies such as invading, sacrificing, using ko, and thinking territorially—in this accessible format. It also explains Go's unique handicapping system, making every game—even those between beginners and experts—exciting. Go Basics also includes a CD-ROM developed by the American Go Association that will help you build your skills before testing them against other players.
Customer Reviews:
"GO Basics" Delivers!.......2006-09-01
"GO Basics" is the sophomore effort from the prolific Go writer Peter Shotwell. Following his comprehensive first book, "Go! More Than a Game", could not have been easy, but "GO Basics" delivers on its subtitle premise of "Concepts & Strategies for New Players". Of course, there are many Go primers available, but this book stands out due to the unique approach it takes to teaching the fundamentals of Go.
Most fundamentals-oriented books teach by using isolated 19x19 board examples. Such an approach may adequately demonstrate a concept but it often fails to provide the new player with an appreciation of the relationship of the concept to the entire game. "GO Basics" uses a total of 7 professional 9x9 games to teach the reader everything found in a complete game of Go.
The first game is half the book. It covers the opening game, including captures, ladders, nets, and tesuji; and the middle game with life & death, eyes, territorial play, running fights, sente, gote, ko, and seki. The end game is taught with another unique approach. First the beginner's play is reviewed by showing the reader what not to do. This is followed by a review of the professional's play in the endgame, which of course, is the right way to play. The last six games cover advanced concepts such as sacrifice, big kos, cross-cuts, hunting big groups, invasions and thinking territorially.
Finally, the makings of a 9x9 go set and the American Go Association CD-ROM's treasure trove of materials with its interactive playing program cements "GO Basics" position as a complete primer for beginners, young and old alike.
Average customer rating:
- Sometimes an introduction is all you want
- This little book had enough material to help me get started
- Typos Galore or Typos-R-Us would have been a better title
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The Basics Of Winning Chess, 3rd Edition (Basics of Winning)
Jacob Cantrell
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Customer Reviews:
Sometimes an introduction is all you want.......2005-03-13
An exhaustive study this book is not. But if you, like me, want to know how to play chess beyond merely knowing the rules of movement and aren't ready for a proper study of the topic, then you are not going to do much better than this book. Of it's 55 pages of actual text, none are wasted. Clearly written, concise, and brief. Clearly nobody is going to become a master after reading this, but I now feel I understand a game that mystified me.
This little book had enough material to help me get started.......1999-04-12
I picked this book out of about 6 or 7 others on the same topic because the writer gave enough, not too much, information all at once but rather takes the reader step by step in the very basics of chess. The author points out that chess is a lifelong learning experience and gives some good advice on starting out giving pointers on some errors most often made by beginners. The book has been helpful to me I have not yet gotten out of the novice status but I intend to! The book points out the names of the pawns and the arrangement of them on the board in a very helpful manner. The author does not patronize the reader but rather shows an interest in getting the reader ready to move forward.
Typos Galore or Typos-R-Us would have been a better title.......1998-10-04
Throughout the reading it was annoying, but then came the games. At this time I have only went through the first game listed, but there were two typos in it. These are harder to figure out since it's not obvious which way to move your piece. I can only assume, based on the rest of the book, that the other games will also contain typos. The Editor of this book should seek another profession.
Book Description
In Discovering Chess Openings John Emms argues that studying openings doesn't have to be hard work - it can be both enjoyable and enlightening. The key to successful opening play is not simply learning lines off by heart; instead it's the understanding of the basic principles, and here the reader is guided through the vital themes: swift development, central control and king safety.
Customer Reviews:
Good idea, reasonable execution.......2007-03-16
I liked the idea behind this book, and I learned from it, but often the sample developments were too contrived. (One side continued to make questionable moves.) I would certainly recommend checking it out from a library. I would only recommend purchasing it if you plan to buy several books on openings.
clearly explained.......2007-01-27
Sometimes for me the problems with chess books are they will throw out the main line and launch into deep analysis and variation upon variation, so that all too soon I am lost. Or the opposite in some opening books where it is so basic and generic nothing of practical use is realized. I have found this book to be a nice compromise. The writer begins with basic opening traps, then quickly moves to sound guidelines and builds with well explained lines.
I am approx 1400 player (pretty low) and really never studied any opening theory until recently. This book is great for a beginner. If you want deep analysis into specific openings then you probably wouldn't use this book.
Highly recommended for chess enthusiasts regardless of their personal stylistic leanings........2006-12-09
British Grandmaster and opening chess move expert John Emms presents Discovering Chess Openings: Building Opening Skills from Basic Principles, a solid guide written especially for intermediate to advanced chess players seeking to hone their skills and familiarize themselves with the basic principles underscoring the hundreds of different opening options. Chapters cover everything from the simple checkmate-in-four-moves trap to dealing with a blocked center in the board due to pawn play to the advantage of applying gambits to keep one's opponent off-guard and much more. Numerous diagrams and sample games clarify the points and principles in this rock-solid guide sure to enhance the overall strength of the studious reader's game. Highly recommended for chess enthusiasts regardless of their personal stylistic leanings.
Good book for beginners; subtitle is wrong........2006-09-16
The subtitle of this book is not "Building a Repertoire..." as listed by Amazon, but "Building Opening Skills from Basic Principles". It is a book about basic opening principles for beginners. So don't buy it if you are a more advanced player looking for advice on building an opening repertoire. I give it two stars, and it may be worth 5 stars to a beginner or near-beginner.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Bite-Sized Book.......2003-11-27
I really enjoy chess and over the past year took the first steps to improve my play. This book played an integral part and taught very important "component" skills that I use on a regular basis -- things like how to promote pawns, use the king as a fighting piece, and use the minor pieces effectively in the endgame.
The book took a few days of study with Chessmaster to complete. For someone with a day job and many other interests, this book strikes a perfect balance between content and complexity, highlighting key concepts with useful annotation (as opposed to providing an unguided encyclopedic approach that I have seen in other books.)
Cardoza/Robertie combined this book with "Basic Endgame Strategy: Rooks and Queens" in their new 2003 release called "Easy Endgame Strategies". I just bought this new book even though I already have half of the content in "Kings Pawns and Minor Pieces".
The book is not imposing and was quite enjoyable.
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- Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master
- Survival of the Fittest (Alex Delaware)
- Teach Yourself Catalan Complete Course Package (Book + 2CDs) (Teach Yourself Language Courses)
- The Complete Book of Birdhouse Construction for Woodworkers
- The Complete Book Of Hold 'Em Poker: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing and Winning
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Bankruptcy And Debtor/creditor: Examples And Explanations
- The Going-To-Bed Book
- Selling Seattle: Representing Contemporary Urban America
- Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books
- The Dynamics of Persuasion: Communication and Attitudes in the 21st Century
- The Simple Truth
- The Book of Bamboo: A Comprehensive Guide to This Remarkable Plant, Its Uses, and Its History
- Vault Career Guide to Sales & Trading
- Semiparametric Regression for the Applied Econometrician
- The Fabulous Riverboat
Chess Openings: Traps And Zaps (Fireside Chess Library)
Weapons of Chess: An Omnibus of Chess Strategies (Fireside Chess Library)
Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games
Attacking Chess: Aggressive Strategies and Inside Moves from the U.S. Junior Chess Champion (Fireside Chess Library)
Winning Chess Tactics, revised (Winning Chess - Everyman Chess)
