How to Play and Win at Chess: History, Rules, Skills And Tactics

by John Saunders

The history, greatest games, famous players, and how to play: terminology, rules of the game, skills, opening strategies and endgames, game plans and tips for success, with over 700 illustrations This expertly presented book tells you everything you need to know about chess. All the pieces and modern rules and terminology of chess are explained in an accessible and structured way, together with an evocative history of the game and its greatest players. The different strategies are explained along with how to manage the game as it progresses from opening through the middle game to the end game. Analysis and teaching commences at the most basic level, before moving on to intermediate and more advanced levels. Some of the historic chess masterpiece games are also explored in detail as inspiration for tactical play. Then the book offers ideas about where to play chess and who to play against. Options are outlined such as rapid play or blitz chess, which have timed finishes, and slow methods, such as correspondence chess, which involves long distance play. Understand the rules of the game, pieces and the chess board; includes the basics: how to practise, strategies for attack and defence and how to win the game; teaches chess opening strategies, middle games and good end game techniques at different levels of skill and experience; includes different ways of playing chess such as online chess, fast (rapid play and blitz) and slow games (correspondence chess); offers advice for becoming a more advanced player and playing in competition and even at a Chess Congress.

Genres: Nonfiction, Chess

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Georgia Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Games can be taught but the love of chess comes from experience. This book, with its photographs of grand masters as well as school children at their boards made me yearn to get the set out and play.

It's been a while and I'd forgotten the feel of the pieces. Pawns are small and compact as plump kittens. Their felt base is smooth as paws. Bishops resemble the pawn's older sister or brother. They are taller and broader than the pawn and loom with power. Rooks aren't as big and seem friendlier though it takes a lot to get the better of them. Knights look like horses rearing up. They're ready to jump if given half a chance. The king is taller than the queen though that may just be because his crown is bigger. She is the most powerful piece of all. Other pieces will gladly give up their lives for hers. All but the king. His duty won't permit it. He's not allowed to fall on his sword. Even if he's left on his own with no one else on his side, he has to carry on fighting to the end.

Chess is a game for life and about life. It has less to do with winning than not giving up. A good message for any time.

This book is a pleasant reminder.

[Robert Kean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unusually good book for all levels of chess lovers. It has brief but informative history, interesting details, astute explanations in conservative prose about a technical game that could be difficult for most. This is a well illustrated, beautifully printed on glossy paper, well organized, and most importantly the author has selected specific games by masters that underline the power and exalt the mystery of chess. The book I got was in a package at a book store with a nice small chess board and set. The price in 2016 was around $8.00 on Amazon; very reasonable. I have purchased and sent this book to others as a present.

[Christopher Lutz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I love strategy games, you’d think I’d love chess. Reality is I can’t stand playing it. This book is my latest attempt to gain an interest in it but I just get angry when I play. Give me a war game like Axis and Allies or even Battleship over chess any day

[Belle Meade School]

794.12

[Marco · Rating 3 out of 5]

The italian version of this book published by RL gruppo editoriale srl printed entirely in China ... is awful. fool of errors and even texts that finish with ghr page interrupted! What an insult.

[Belle Meade School]

794.12