What do you think?
Rate this book
Chess: From First Moves to Checkmate
This new edition of a classic title will seduce a huge range of readers, from novice to intermediate players. Computer-generated artwork recreates the chessboard, pieces and moves in a wholly original way. Readers will improve their game with graded puzzles, and can brush up on the fascinating history of chess, with features on great players and legendary matches.
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
3 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Daniel J. King
24 books5 followersDaniel King is a chess grandmaster. He has been a professional chess-player for over 25 years representing his country on numerous occasions. In addition, he is a games consultant, television presenter, live commentator, freelance journalist, and an award-winning author of 15 books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 3, 2017
My little brother's chess reign of terror ends here.
April 17, 2013
Chess: From First Moves to Checkmate by Daniel King (pun intended?) was an excellent book. At first I had misgivings, I'm embarrassed to admit, because of the size and shape of the book. Usually books that are thinner and larger in size are mostly made for good illustrations, which this most certainly had, but with less meaningful content. This wasn't so. For a beginner, like myself, it had great and very helpful content. It started with the basics but quickly moved to strategic moves and problem solving, with explanations for the puzzles that were wonderful because they explained the intent of each move.
Along with that, it gave the history of chess, a history of the chess championships, the world champion winners, and some of the best and worst moves by those champions. This is information I had never had in any other book, and it was great, because I didn't necessarily want a whole book about it, just a few chapters to get me up to speed.
It had little boxes in the margins that were labeled with "Did you know?" and contained interesting tidbits such as the fact that the bishop was sometimes called the elephant. One of the chapters was about "gamemanship" and talked about unsporting behavior such as intimidating stares and table shaking to throw a player off their game. There was information about computer chess, links to the best websites, and a competition between IBM's computer, Deep Blue, and Garry Kasparov, which practically made him have a nervous breakdown.
This shorter book had a load of information packed into it that was both informative and entertaining. I think it was a good book for one of the first few chess books I've read to get me interested and to get me started. If you're in the same position (pun intended), I highly recommend it!
ClassicsDefined.com
Along with that, it gave the history of chess, a history of the chess championships, the world champion winners, and some of the best and worst moves by those champions. This is information I had never had in any other book, and it was great, because I didn't necessarily want a whole book about it, just a few chapters to get me up to speed.
It had little boxes in the margins that were labeled with "Did you know?" and contained interesting tidbits such as the fact that the bishop was sometimes called the elephant. One of the chapters was about "gamemanship" and talked about unsporting behavior such as intimidating stares and table shaking to throw a player off their game. There was information about computer chess, links to the best websites, and a competition between IBM's computer, Deep Blue, and Garry Kasparov, which practically made him have a nervous breakdown.
This shorter book had a load of information packed into it that was both informative and entertaining. I think it was a good book for one of the first few chess books I've read to get me interested and to get me started. If you're in the same position (pun intended), I highly recommend it!
ClassicsDefined.com
February 21, 2011
This was a great mix of beginning chess instruction, some introductory puzzles, and a little on the history and drama of chess champions through the ages. My favorite part of the book was indeed the overview of chess champions, although I already understand all the rules so that might limit any enjoyment of learning the moves.
I was struck by the artistic presentation of the book overall. Excellent and colorful images throughout the book make it a visual treat for chess aficionados and beginners alike. My only gripe about the examples are the non-standard chess pieces used to illustrate some concepts. It can be confusing enough for beginners with normal pieces, so this "artistic" choice might not be the best for beginners.
If you want a good introductory book, or a quick reminder course then I think this book is a good choice: very colorful, good "on-the-same-level" examples & challenge questions and some interesting history about the game & the world champions. While not exhaustive, enjoyable introduction to the exciting world of chess.
I was struck by the artistic presentation of the book overall. Excellent and colorful images throughout the book make it a visual treat for chess aficionados and beginners alike. My only gripe about the examples are the non-standard chess pieces used to illustrate some concepts. It can be confusing enough for beginners with normal pieces, so this "artistic" choice might not be the best for beginners.
If you want a good introductory book, or a quick reminder course then I think this book is a good choice: very colorful, good "on-the-same-level" examples & challenge questions and some interesting history about the game & the world champions. While not exhaustive, enjoyable introduction to the exciting world of chess.
January 4, 2009
Chess:From first moves to checkmate is an excellent book to study for improving your chess skills or learning a little more about the game in general. The book discusses the origins of chess & it's evolution to the game we have today.
I learned some of the language of chess used especially in tournament play. I now better understand reasons behind certain moves. My previous mindset was more towards attack & conquer as I would do in a board game. Chess is different & takes more calculating thought to win.
I know this book can be helpful to anyone who has interest in chess. It will improve your game. Check it out today at your local library or purchase a copy for future reference!
I learned some of the language of chess used especially in tournament play. I now better understand reasons behind certain moves. My previous mindset was more towards attack & conquer as I would do in a board game. Chess is different & takes more calculating thought to win.
I know this book can be helpful to anyone who has interest in chess. It will improve your game. Check it out today at your local library or purchase a copy for future reference!
September 22, 2010
I think this book will make a great primer for anyone (of any age) who wants to learn to play chess. The graphics make the book visually enticing and the author does a very good job of covering topics such as -- chess basics, history, special moves, tactics and strategy. Training exercises and test positions are even offered; along with a handful of websites listing internet sources of chess for further perusal. In this updated edition, Daniel King introduces the game in an exciting fashion.
November 9, 2019
Genre: Non-Fiction/Informational
Grade: 2-6
Plot:
The game of Chess is one that is said to have gone as far back as India's ancient times. Learn about not only the origins of the game, but also how to play this game. Throughout this book, one can hope to learn the basic rules and in-depth strategies to a classic game that is played by many people around the world today.
Why you chose it:
I chose this book because looking at the title, it sounded like an interesting tutorial to get beginners to learn how to play this game. However, one thing I was not expecting was an elaborated history of the game; I felt that the sequencing of the book felt a bit odd. The first park of the book focused on the history and origins, the second part focused on the actual gameplay, and the third part focused on the modern history of chess. It would have made more sense to either put both history portions after the gameplay, or the gameplay after the history portions.
Use in a reading classroom:
While the gameplay part of the book wouldn't be too suitable for the reading classroom, the history portions could be useful to help teach students how to summarize information, or to introduce as an informational text. The book's structure can also help give students a basic overview of what informational texts are, and how they differ from fictional texts. In terms of summarizing, the sections are short enough where younger students can learn how to comprehend non-fictional texts.
Grade: 2-6
Plot:
The game of Chess is one that is said to have gone as far back as India's ancient times. Learn about not only the origins of the game, but also how to play this game. Throughout this book, one can hope to learn the basic rules and in-depth strategies to a classic game that is played by many people around the world today.
Why you chose it:
I chose this book because looking at the title, it sounded like an interesting tutorial to get beginners to learn how to play this game. However, one thing I was not expecting was an elaborated history of the game; I felt that the sequencing of the book felt a bit odd. The first park of the book focused on the history and origins, the second part focused on the actual gameplay, and the third part focused on the modern history of chess. It would have made more sense to either put both history portions after the gameplay, or the gameplay after the history portions.
Use in a reading classroom:
While the gameplay part of the book wouldn't be too suitable for the reading classroom, the history portions could be useful to help teach students how to summarize information, or to introduce as an informational text. The book's structure can also help give students a basic overview of what informational texts are, and how they differ from fictional texts. In terms of summarizing, the sections are short enough where younger students can learn how to comprehend non-fictional texts.
October 16, 2019
I liked that this book was a quick read I could make my way though it fast so I can get up and playing chess. I liked the pages about the chess pieces. Now I know there are Rooks, Knights, Bishops, King,
Queen, and pawns. I also liked the discussion of opening moves and I also liked the pages about wold chess champions. i knew the name Bobby Fischer, And Gary kaspurov that's all the chess names I know. I wonder what it would be like to be a chess champion.
While reading the book I wondered whether I would want to put in the time to become a chess champion. I don't think so. I do want to play chess. I don't care if I am great at playing chess. I have not played chess much. So I could change my mind after playing chess a little. Time will tell. Now its time to play chess.
Queen, and pawns. I also liked the discussion of opening moves and I also liked the pages about wold chess champions. i knew the name Bobby Fischer, And Gary kaspurov that's all the chess names I know. I wonder what it would be like to be a chess champion.
While reading the book I wondered whether I would want to put in the time to become a chess champion. I don't think so. I do want to play chess. I don't care if I am great at playing chess. I have not played chess much. So I could change my mind after playing chess a little. Time will tell. Now its time to play chess.
November 26, 2022
I’m just getting into the game of chess and this was a helpful book explaining some of the intricacies that you hear when people discuss great games and tactics. Very clear definitions and interesting history of the game.
The illustrations were a bit overwhelming in the book and were distracting, I wish they were reduced or more focused to specific segments of the lessons.
The illustrations were a bit overwhelming in the book and were distracting, I wish they were reduced or more focused to specific segments of the lessons.
September 25, 2023
Look, if you want to learn how to play chess, this book has it all. The problem I have is that with all the examples of letters, numbers and little pictures of chess boards with arrows on them, my mind totally wandered. The back half of the book is all about world-class players, irregular moves and situations, and various lingo that is a little bit much for me, a casual player.
December 25, 2023
There's nothing about the content that I can fault. The book is just too short and shallow. It could be a nice addition to a beginner's collection, though.
July 21, 2015
Crazy illustrations, but gets into a good overview of cool concepts like the fork and skewer (no other kitchen implements, alas). Short and glitzy but still full of some useful stuff.
November 12, 2018
This book was really enjoyable and easy to follow. The order of explanations made sense and built upon each other. I won't say that I'm now a chess pro, but I understand how the game works.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews