Board games: Chess Books
Gambit Publications Ltd FCO - Fundamental Chess Openings
Book Synopsis
£18.99
John Murray Press Deep Thinking
Book SynopsisIn May 1997, the world watched as Garry Kasparov, the greatest chess player in the world, was defeated for the first time by the IBM supercomputer Deep Blue. It was a watershed moment in the history of technology: machine intelligence had arrived at the point where it could best human intellect. It wasn't a coincidence that Kasparov became the symbol of man's fight against the machines. Chess has long been the fulcrum in development of machine intelligence; the hoax automaton 'The Turk' in the 18th century and Alan Turing's first chess program in 1952 were two early examples of the quest for machines to think like humans -- a talent we measured by their ability to beat their creators at chess. As the pre-eminent chessmaster of the 80s and 90s, it was Kasparov's blessing and his curse to play against each generation's strongest computer champions, contributing to their development and advancing the field. Like all passionate competitors, Kasparov has taken his defeat and learned from Trade ReviewExcellent... No scientist or tech entrepreneur could make the positive case for the digital revolution with the passionate conviction that Kasparov brings. Not many tragic heroes live to tell the tale. This one did * THE TIMES *A gripping account of an intellectual battle like no other.. For fans, it will be like reading Nelson's postmatch analysis of Trafalgar . . . Deep Thinking is both a lesson in not panicking prematurely and a warning about knowing who your real opponent is * DAILY TELEGRAPH *Fascinating . . . an impressively researched history of AI and the field's ongoing obsession with chess . . . with enough detail to satisfy chess enthusiasts, while providing a thrilling narrative for the casual reader. Deep Thinking delivers a rare balance of analysis and narrative, weaving commentary about technological progress with an inside look at one of the most important chess matches ever played -- DEMIS HASSABIS * NATURE *The raw emotion of that encounter in New York bursts out of the pages of Kasparov's gripping story. What is striking, and reassuring, is that far from raging against the machine, Kasparov marvels at the capabilities of computers and is excited by the possibilities for future collaboration.This reads at times like a fast-paced psychological thriller. Chess fans will be engrossed by Kasparov's tale but the book deserves a far broader readership -- John Thornhill * FINANCIAL TIMES *An absorbing, page-turning thriller that weaves a personal account of intellectual combat with the wider picture of what it's like to come up against a powerful corporation that is determined to do whatever it takes to crush opposition. Not just a tale of human vs machine, this is also a story about one man vs The Man. * OBSERVER *As Kasparov recounts in arresting detail what it felt like to compete cognitively with a machine, he extrapolates his experience into an optimistic perspective on how computerized intelligence can enhance rather than overwhelm human brainpower, and instead of eliminating jobs and opportunities, can actually generate them. * BOOKLIST *Garry Kasparov's perspectives on artificial intelligence are borne of personal experience - and despite that, are optimistic, wise and compelling. It's one thing for the giants of Silicon Valley to tell us our future is bright; it is another thing to hear it from the man who squared off with the world's most powerful computer, with the whole world watching, and his very identity at stake. -- CHARLES DUHIGG, author of 'Smarter Faster Better'Intelligent, absorbing...thoughtful reading for anyone interested in human and machine cognition and a must for chess fans * KIRKUS (starred review) *DEEP THINKING is an absorbing, often brilliant book which no chess-lover should miss -- Edward Winter * CHESSHISTORY.COM *The great Garry Kasparov takes on the key economic issue of our time: how we can thrive as humans in a world of thinking machines. This important and optimistic book explains what we as humans are uniquely qualified to do. Instead or wringing our hands about robots, we should all read this book and embrace the future. -- WALTER ISAACSON, author of 'The Innovators'From the man at the epi-center of one of the ten defining moments of the 20th century, a fascinating and insightful overview of how computers came to surpass humans at chess, and what it means for mankind. Deeply researched and clearly exposited, it is also a revealing portrait of what it is like to be a real-life John Henry pitted against the steam hammer. -- KEN ROGOFF, author of 'This Time is Different'A highly human exploration of artificial intelligence, its exciting possibilities and inherent limits. -- MAX LEVCHIN, cofounder of PayPal and CEO of AffirmA book dripping with evangelical zeal * Sunday Business Post *At a time when fears about computer intelligence have become "existential", Kasparov has revisited the experience in a timely, thoughtful memoir. Part page-turning thriller, part meditation on the idea of thinking machines, Deep Thinking is both gripping and measured * Book of the Week, THE WEEK *This book is prompted by the accident of history that meant Garry Kasparov was the finest chess player in the world at the point at which computers exceeded the ability of humans. It is about chess and programming - but also about the wider implications of artificial intelligence * THE TIMES, Science Books of the Year *An entertainingly pugnacious mix of memoir and more general arguments about how we should learn to live with our thinking machines * DAILY TELEGRAPH, Science Books of the Year *
£10.44
Amber Books Ltd Chess
£9.49
The Conrad Press A Chessplayers PotPourri
Book SynopsisA book about chess
£10.44
Quality Chess UK LLP Grandmaster Repertoire 9 - The Grunfeld Defence
Book Synopsis
£17.99
Continental Sales The Iron English
Book Synopsis
£24.67
Gambit Publications Ltd Chess Tactics for Kids
Book Synopsis
£13.29
Continental Sales Opening Repertoire The London System
Book Synopsis
£20.85
Dover Publications Inc. CapablancaS Best Chess Endings
Book SynopsisThese 60 complete games, annotated throughout, emphasize the Cuban master''s elegant, classic, accurate, lethal endgame play against Alekhine, Lasker, Marshall, Nimzowitsch, Réti, the best. Here are real games from match and tournament play, with endings that seem like long-contemplated works of art.
£14.24
Little, Brown Book Group The Right Way to Play Chess
Book SynopsisSince its first publication in 1950, The Right Way to Play Chess has taught chess to generations of beginners, taking them to the standard expected of good club players.It gives full details of exactly how to play the game, explains basic theory and includes many examples of play.There are separate chapters on the openings, middle and end games, plus a chapter of master games which illustrate how styles of play have changed over the years.Fully revised and updated by chess expert Richard James, a new chapter shows how to encourage and teach children to play the game.
£9.99
Everyman Chess Garry Kasparov on Garry Kasparov, Part 3
Book SynopsisGarry Kasparov on Garry Kasparov: Part III is the final volume in a major three-volume series made unique by the fact that it records the greatest chess battles played by the greatest chessplayer of all-time. Kasparov''s series of historical volumes have received great critical and public acclaim for their rigorous analysis and comprehensive detail regarding the developments in chess that occurred both on and off the board. The first two volumes in this series saw Kasparov emerging as a huge talent, toppling his great rival Anatoly Karpov and then defending the World Championship title on three occasions. This third volume focuses on the final 12 years of Kasparov''s career up until his retirement from full-time chess in 2005. This period witnessed three further World Championship matches: wins against Short (London 1993) and Anand (New York 1995) before the loss against Kramnik (London 2000) which finally ended Kasparov''s 15-year tenure as world champion. This period also saw Kasparov achieve a colossal 2851 rating (1999), a record which stood until 2013. Despite loss of the World Championship, Kasparov continued to be ranked as the world number one and dominated the elite tournament circuit. He won the Linares super-tournament for four consecutive years (1999-2002) with the fourth of these victories in 2002 concluding an unprecedented run of ten straight wins in the world''s elite events (Linares 4, Wijk aan Zee 3, Sarajevo 2 and Astana 1). The games in this volume feature many masterpieces of controlled aggression played against the world''s absolute best.
£21.24
Everyman Chess A Guide to Chess Improvement: The Best of Novice
Book SynopsisA Guide to Chess Improvement features the very best of Dan Heisman's multi-award winning chess column Novice Nook, which has run for the past ten years at the popular website ChessCafe.com. This book is full of valuable instruction, insight and practical advice on a wide range of key subjects: general improvement, thought processes, planning and strategy, tactics, endgame play, technique, time management and much more besides. Heisman has thoroughly revised, expanded and updated his work to produce an easy-to-navigate guide. He has also included brand new and exclusive columns. Any player from beginner to expert who is serious about improving their chess should read this book! *An essential guide to chess improvement *Covers in depth all the key areas of chess *Written by a distinguished chess instructor
£16.99
Penguin Random House Group How to Win at Chess Next Level
£18.70
Siles Press,U.S. How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery Through
Book Synopsis
£27.89
Continental Sales Opening Repertoire Accelerated Dragon
Book Synopsis
£20.85
Gambit Publications Ltd Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy: Advances Since
Book Synopsis
£17.99
Gambit Publications Ltd Chess Openings for Kids
Book Synopsis
£13.29
Quality Chess UK LLP The Pirc Defence
Book Synopsis
£18.89
Quality Chess UK LLP The Queen's Indian Defence
Book Synopsis
£20.25
Batsford Reveal Your Chess Style
Book SynopsisUse this unique book to identify your own individual chess-playing style, then discover a wealth of tips and tricks to avoid pitfalls, improve strengths and become the best player you can be.
£17.09
Batsford Ltd What It Takes to Become a Chess Master: chess
Book SynopsisSo you're a fairly decent chess player. You compete in tournaments, you play on the Internet. But you would love to make that leap to become a chess master. What do you need to know, how much do you have to practise, and how much of the success of the masters is simply a matter of innate talent, superior brainpower or just good luck? This useful book, aimed at all chess players who aspire to become chess masters, shows you what the masters know and you don't. Written by one of our biggest-selling and best-loved chess authors, in his trademark chatty, accessible but always informative style, this book is filled with practical exercises and test games that will reveal the secrets of how to join chess's elite ranks.
£15.29
Batsford Ltd 300 Most Important Tactical Chess Positions
Book SynopsisAn International Master's instructive guide to essential tactical strategies and positions in chess. A comprehensive book from the Swedish International Master Thomas Engqvist for understanding the most important tactical chess positions in the opening of a game, the middle game and the endgame. It cuts to the chase on the most useful tactical positions at each stage of the game. Knowing the positions is one thing but this experienced coach shows you how to create them, even out of nothing, in the spirit of Tal and Alekhine. It covers other important facets of tactical play, including calculation (how to calculate with the help of stepping stones), attacking play such as defence and counter attack, and even psychological tactics. Each numbered position can be seen as a test-yourself quiz (with answers given below the diagrams) to help cement tactical understanding. Since it's advisable to revise the positions from time to time, this book can be your life-long companion, enabling you to dramatically increase your tactical chess understanding. The perfect guide for players who want to reach a higher level but don't have time to spend hours every week on less productive study.Trade Review‘An excellent read for any player serious about getting better at chess’ -- American Chess Magazine
£16.19
Everyman Chess The Caro-Kann: Move by Move
Book SynopsisThis new series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general chess skills and knowledge. In this book, Cyrus Lakdawala examines the Caro-Kann, which enjoys a richly deserved reputation as one of Black's most reliable defences. It provides an ideal blend of soundness and dynamism, which allows Black to create counterplay from a solid platform. Lakdawala shares his experience and knowledge of the Caro-Kann, presents a repertoire for Black and provides answers to all the key questions. *Essential guidance and training in the Caro-Kann *Includes a Caro-Kann repertoire for Black *Utilizes an ideal approach to chess studyTrade ReviewMy favorite Caro-Kann book ever Jeremy Silman
£16.99
Quality Chess UK LLP Boost Your Chess 1: The Fundamentals
Book Synopsis
£17.55
Quality Chess UK LLP Attack & Defence
Book Synopsis
£18.99
Continental Sales The Greatest
Book Synopsis
£24.67
Continental Sales The Iron English
Book Synopsis
£20.85
Gambit Publications Ltd The Seven Deadly Chess Sins
Book Synopsis
£16.14
New in Chess 100 Endgames You Must Know: Vital Lessons for
Book Synopsis
£25.46
New In Chess Better Thinking, Better Chess: How a Grandmaster
Book SynopsisFinding strong moves doesn't simply depend on how much a chess player knows about chess. In fact, greater conceptual knowledge makes choosing a move more complex as it increases the number of directions the mind can take. More important is optimizing the thought process. Grandmaster Joel Benjamin knows that pointing out the moves his students missed is just half the job. They need to understand that they were looking in the wrong direction. This book will improve the structure and effectiveness of the chess players decision making process.
£21.21
New in Chess The Perfect Pirc-Modern
Book Synopsis
£21.56
Dover Publications Inc. Pawn Power in Chess
Book SynopsisOne of the few bookswhich, at a glance, one can recognize as an immortal. Chess. Profoundly original discussion of pawn play isolates its elements and elaborates on various aspects. Basic relationships of one or two pawns constitute winning strategy. Multitude of examples demonstrate paramount significance of elements of pawn manipulation. 182 diagrams. Index of games.
£12.14
Everyman Chess Catalan: Move by Move
Book SynopsisThis series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general chess skills and knowledge. ----- The Catalan is a solid opening system in which White combines the Queen's Gambit with a kingside fianchetto. In recent years it has become an increasingly popular choice at all levels of chess, and elite grandmasters such as Vladimir Kramnik have developed major new ideas for both White and Black. The Catalan can lead to a wide variety of positions, open or closed, tactical or strategic, that will suit players of all styles. In this book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald invites you to join him in studying the Catalan and its many variations. McDonald shares his experience and knowledge of the Catalan, examines the main plans for both sides and provides answers to the key questions. ----- * Essential guidance and training with the Catalan --- * Important ideas absorbed by continued practice --- * Utilizes an ideal approach to chess study
£16.19
Everyman Chess Garry Kasparov on My Great Predecessors, Part Two
Book SynopsisPart two features the play of champions Max Euwe (1935-1937) Mikhail Botvinnik (1946-1957, 1958-1961 and 1961-1963), Vassily Smyslov (1957-1958) and Mikhail Tal (1960-1961). These books are more than just a compilation of the games of these champions. Kasparov''s biographies place them in a fascinating historical, political and cultural context. Kasparov explains how each champion brought his own distinctive style to the chessboard and enriched the theory of the game with new ideas. All these games have been thoroughly reassessed with the aid of modern software technology and the new light this sheds on these classic masterpieces is fascinating.
£21.24
Everyman Chess Opening Repertoire: The Modern Benoni
Book SynopsisThe Modern Benoni is just about the most aggressive method that Black can choose to counter White's 1 d4. In the main line variations Black allows White to have a preponderance of central pawns which, traditionally, grants the first player the advantage. However, in return, Black gains the opportunity for tremendously dynamic counterplay. This places White and under immediate pressure as any inaccurate moves can prove to be disastrous. ----- In this book, FIDE Master John Doknjas examines all aspects of this highly complex opening and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. With thorough variations and explanations on pawn structures and piece placement, this book provides insight for both strong masters and less experienced players alike. The format is ideal for the chessplayer keen to improve their game. While reading you are continually challenged to answer probing questions - a method that greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of chess knowledge. ----- * A complete repertoire for Black in the Modern Benoni. --- * A question and answer approach provides an excellent study method.Trade ReviewDoknjas provides the most original and comprehensive Benoni repertoire of recent works. It shows how to fight against not only the positional variations with Nf3, but also the sharpest attacking lines White can throw at his opponent. An excellent resource for the practical player - John Watson, Chess Life. ---- I have to say that I regard this as an excellent opening book.Doknjas provides excellent explanations, both wordy and in concrete lines, and his Q&A and Exercises are always relevant to the material. When he feels appropriate, he is not afraid to recommend lesser-played lines and he backs up his choices with solid analysis and reasoning. His recommendations appear sound and those lines I have tested with an engine do not fall foul of computer analysis... I recommend this book to anyone who is already playing the Modern Benoni or who is looking to take it up. Even players who face the Benoni from the White side will get benefit from this book, at least an idea of the current state of theory of this opening, but obviously bear in mind that it is a repertoire book from Black's viewpoint. - Colin Purdon, British Chess News
£16.99
Everyman Chess Opening Repertoire: The English Defence
Book SynopsisThe English Defence (1 d4 e6 2 c4 b6) is a dynamic, counter-attacking line, initially investigated by English grandmasters. Black aims to set White difficult problems to solve at the very earliest stage of the game. Black’s play is provocative – aiming to lure White into establishing a big pawn centre. This is a risky strategy as White falls behind in development and Black switfly becomes very active. However, if White’s response is more circumspect then Black can often manoeuvre into favourable structures reminiscent of positions arising from the Nimzo-Indian Defence, the Queen’s Indian Defence or even the Dutch. José González provides an excellent analysis of this complex opening and carves out a powerful repertoire for Black covering all lines after 1 d4. It is possible for White to avoid the "English battle" by playing either 2 Nf3 or even 2 e4 (a rare move for 1 d4 players but seen occasionally). Gonzalez champions an aggressive variant of the Dutch against 2 Nf3 and outlines a simple but effective French Defence repertoire to counter 2 e4. * A complete repertoire for Black to counter 1 d4. * The question and answer approach provides an excellent study method.
£16.99
Batsford Ltd Winning Chess: How to perfect your attacking play
Book SynopsisWinning Chess is a truly classic chess book, beloved of chess-mad teenagers since it was first published in 1970, updated and repackaged in algebraic format. Written in lively, conversational style by two prolific and popular chess authors, it is aimed at players who have gone past the beginner stage and want to take their game to a whole new level. Its imaginative themes and instructional method are timeless, and the whole book is shot through with fun and humour.
£15.29
Batsford Ltd Bobby Fischer Rediscovered: Revised and Updated
Book SynopsisAn updated, expanded edition of the 2003 classic, with all 100 games reanalyzed, along with six additional games This book covers the entire career of an American chess grandmaster and eleventh World Chess Champion, going well beyond his My 60 Memorable Games, and includes rarely seen"lost"Fischer games With new insights into what made the enigmatic Fischer play – and act – the way he did. “Bobby Fischer...The precision and energy that he played with is unmatched in the history of chess.” Magnus Carlsen, World Chess Champion Nearly 30 years since his last chess game, Bobby Fischer’s fame continues to grow. Appearing in Hollywood movies, documentaries and best-selling books, his life and career are as fascinating as they ever were and his games continue to generate discussion. Indeed, with each new generation of computer, stunning discoveries are made about moves that have been debated by grandmasters for decades. International Grandmaster Andrew Soltis played Fischer and also reported, as a journalist, on the American’s legendary career. He is the author of many books, including Pawn Structure Chess, 365 Chess Master Lessons and What it Takes to Become a Chess Master.
£15.29
Thinkers Publishing Someday Ill Be a Queen
Book SynopsisHow is this book different from other chess books for young children?It starts as a fairy tale about a king, a dragon, and a young girl with a dream. A young girl is the main character to encourage girls and make it clear that chess is also for them. The history of the game of chess is incorporated as you get acquainted with the characters.The picture book is very inviting, with plenty of funny and beautiful drawings. There is a lot to discover! For the youngest preschoolers, it is best to tell the story in your own words, but the older preschoolers fully enjoy the rhyming story.Every chess rule can be found in an attractive drawing. This was an important didactic choice made by the author, like the choice to tell the story in rhyme. Preschoolers love repetition and this is a handy tool when memorizing the chess rules.
£17.09
Everyman Chess Art of Attack in Chess
Book SynopsisOne of the finest chess books ever written Vukovic expounds both the basic principles and the most complex forms of attack on the king. A study of this masterpiece will add new power and brilliance to any player's game.
£999.99
Quality Chess UK LLP Calculation!: Grandmaster Training Camp 1
Book Synopsis
£21.24
Gambit Publications Ltd Understanding Chess Move by Move
Book Synopsis
£17.99
Gambit Publications Ltd Geheimnisse Moderner Schacheroeffnungen Band 1
Book Synopsis
£17.61
Gambit Publications Ltd Chess Strategy for Kids
Book Synopsis
£13.29
Gambit Publications Ltd Understanding Chess Middlegames
Book Synopsis
£17.99
New in Chess Associative Thinking
Book Synopsis
£23.96
Quality Chess UK LLP Playing the Sveshnikov: An Active Repertoire
Book Synopsis
£21.24
Continental Sales Opening Repertoire The London System
Book Synopsis
£24.67
