Board games: Chess Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThough the Ruy Lopez is one of the oldest openings in chess, it offers a host of exciting new variations just discovered in recent years; and though a favourite of champions such as Kasparov and Anand, it has a tactical clarity that makes it ideal for beginners.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis engaging workbook introduces kids to the wonderful world of chess—from an explanation of every piece on the board to the fundamentals of the game and strategies to capture pieces and win—all told through fun visuals, mock games, and exciting exercises. Chess for Kids includes: A comprehensive introduction to the king, queen, knights, bishops, rooks, and pawns and how each piece moves, attacks, and defends. Detailed explanations of the basic rules of chess, tactics, strategies, mating patterns, and piece strategies. Write-in, workbook activities to help kids ‘learn by doing,’ unlike other chess books which are text heavy and not interactive.  The best offensive and defensive strategies including how to find weak spots in your opponent's defense and how to close games when most of the board’s pieces are gone. Learn the pieces, stud

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisChess Developments is a series which provides state-of-the-art openings coverage. Chess Developments focuses on the current trendsconcentrating on critical lines, theoretical novelties and powerful new ideas. It offers players of all levels the opportunity to keep up-to-date with current opening theory whilst also expanding and improving their repertoires. The Sicilian Najdorf is undoubtedly one of the most popular chess openings. It was played with great success by world champions Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov and today it remains a favourite defense at all levels from grandmaster to beginner. 6 Bg5 is widely acknowledged as a critical test of the Sicilian Najdorf. It leads to razor-sharp positions and hotly debated lines such as the fascinating Poisoned Pawn, where one small slip by either side can be fatal. In this book, International Master Kevin Goh Wei Ming examines the most theoretically important and instructive games in recent years, highlighting the main developments and novelties for both sides. Whether playing White or Black, this book provides you with essential knowledge of an important opening. *Essential coverage of the Sicilian Najdorf 6 Bg5.* Packed with key new ideas and critical analysis*User-friendly design to help readers absorb informationTrade ReviewWhere the book really excels is looking at the 6 Bg5 Najdorf from White's viewpoint. The main Black alternatives are given detailed treatment, and the lines given to bust the poisoned pawn with 10 e5 dxe5 11 fxe5 Nfd7 are especially good. -- Victor Rumsey British Chess Magazine

Read more less

Book SynopsisVolker Schleputz and Grandmaster John Emms offer a unique framework to study chess tactics. The reader assumes the role of a tactics detective, checking for mistakes and missed opportunities in games. This training method resembles the real board situation far more realistically than traditional chess puzzles.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn December 2012 Magnus Carlsen won the prestigious London Chess Classic and in doing so he became the highest-rated chess player in the history of the game, beating Garry Kasparov's 13-year-old record. Carlsen followed up this performance with another phenomenal tournament win at Wijk aan Zee, pushing his peak rating to an astronomical 2872. He didn't lose a single game in either tournament. What is Carlsen's secret? How did an already world-class player succeed in reaching this unprecedented level where he was regularly beating the world's strongest grandmasters? In this book, International Master Colin Crouch provides answers to these questions. Crouch studies Carlsen's progress in recent years and demonstrates how he learned lessons from previous setbacks, turned weaknesses into strengths, losses into draws, and draws into wins. By doing so Carlsen was able to elevate his play to a stratospheric level, but any aspiring chess player can use similar methods to improve their game. *The story of Carlsen's record-breaking performances *In-depth analysis of Carlsen's games *Learn from the World's number one playerTrade Review"Crouch is one of my favorite modern-day writers. He is diligent, comprehensive, and on point. He provides plenty of background with regard to the circumstances in which a game was played, the tournament situation, and any psychological factors that may have played a part. Crouch draws the reader, as much as any outside observer probably can, into what is going on in the minds of the players, and provides a clear explanation of what is happening over-the-board." - Michael McGuerty, ChessCafe.com "It's typical of Colin Crouch to produce such an original work. Most authors would head for the safe shores of the feel-good factor in the run-up to a title match and overemphasise the positive, but Crouch presents a fascinating study of a remarkable player, warts and all." - Sean Marsh, CHESS

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE ideal chess book for the beginner THE ideal chess book for the improving player THE ideal chess book for the teacher. Absolute beginners can learn everything they need to know in order to play chess competitively. More experienced players will encounter deeper concepts and be able to approach chess from a new perspective, enabling them to take their play to the next level. Award-winning chess coach Erik Czerwin's unique training method begins by studying the simplest chess positions with very few pieces - and then moves on, step by step, adding more pieces to the board. Complex ideas are always built up from simpler situations, ensuring that the learning curve stays flat. With helpful exercises throughout, Fundamental Chess is the perfect book for every chess enthusiast.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGrandmaster and renowned chess coach Zenon Franco provides a training course designed to help all aspiring players to improve their chess. During each lesson, you are invited to play a 'game' in which you try to find the best moves at all the important moments. Points are awarded for selecting the best moves - and are deducted for selecting blunders! At the end of each lesson there is a points scale to indicate how well you have 'played'. This means you are able to accurately measure your progress as you work through the book. Readers are tested in all aspects of chess: attack, defence, counterattack, tactics, structures, strategy, endgames and so on. Following this interactive course of lessons is an ideal way to improve your game. *A structured course of chess training *Includes 40 deeply annotated exercise games *Ideal for both chess students and trainers

Read more less

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. In this book, International Master Cyrus Lakdawala examines the Trompowsky Attack. Originally a favourite among club players, in recent years the Trompowsky has been transformed into a powerful weapon even at grandmaster level. It particularly appeals to bold, ambitious players and leads to positions which are rich in possibilities for both sides. Using illustrative games and drawing on his own experience with the opening, Lakdawala provides a repertoire for White, covers the main positional and tactical ideas for both sides, provides answers to all the key questions and tells you everything you need to know about successfully playing the Trompowsky Attack. *Essential guidance and training in the Trompowsky Attack *Also covers the Pseudo-Trompowsky 1 d4 d5 2 Bg5 *Utilizes an ideal approach to chess studyTrade Review"Lakdawala writes in a charming and highly instructive manner." Award-winning author Jeremy Silman

Read more less

Book SynopsisBent Larsen was one of the most influential chess players of the 20th century. He was a four-time Candidate for the World Championship and the first westerner to seriously challenge the Soviet Union's post-war dominance of the game. Larsen was admired by fans for his creative and combative style. He was a risk-taker who always sought complex positions. He felt completely at home in defense and was an opportunistic attacker. While other grandmasters would shy away from offbeat openings, Larsen would embrace and develop them. In this book, former American Open Champion Cyrus Lakdawala studies his favourite Larsen games and examines Larsen's skills in the key areas of attack and defense, initiative, exploiting imbalances, accumulating advantages and endgame play. He demonstrates clearly how we can all improve by learning from Larsen's play. Move by Move provides an ideal platform to study chess. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practicing of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of 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 improve your chess skills and knowledge. *Learn from the games of a chess legend*Important ideas absorbed by continued practice*Utilizes an ideal approach to chess study

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

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 practicing 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 Veresov Opening is characterized by the moves 1 d4, 2 Nc3 and 3 Bg5. It's a perfect weapon for those who wish to steer the game into relatively uncharted territory and to set their opponents problems from the outset. The Veresov is a flexible opening and White may choose lines that are either positional or tactical in nature. International Master Jimmy Liew has played the Veresov successfully for many years, and in this book he invites you to join him in a study of his favorite opening. He explains the main positional and tactical ideas for both sides, provides answers to all the key questions and tells you everything you need to know about playing the Veresov. *Essential guidance and training with the Veresov*Written by a renowned Veresov expert *Utilizes an ideal approach to chess study

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMikhail Tal is a true legend of chess. He was the World Champion and also holds the world record for the longest unbeaten run in competitive chess. Tal is widely regarded to be the greatest attacking player of all time. Nicknamed ''the magician from Riga'', Tal was a creative genius who made it look as though absolutely anything was possible over the chessboard. He excelled in confusing his opponents in chaotic positions, and even the best defenders of his time were unable to withstand his blistering attacks. Tal''s many brilliant games have inspired generations of chess players who admire his play without ever being able to convincingly reproduce it. In this book, former American Open Champion Cyrus Lakdawala selects and examines his favourite Tal games, from the beginning to the end of his exceptional career. Lakdawala shows how we can all improve our chess by learning from Tal''s masterpieces. Cyrus Lakdawala examines his favourite games of the chess legend Mikhail Tal, a World Cham

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis instructive book for competitive players, based on Edmar Mednis' classic Practical Endgame Lessons, provides the reader with a wealth of useful instruction in endgame play, reinforced by a a series of tests presented as simulations of tournament play. Explains the fundamental principles of endgame play . Deals with all standard types of endgame: pawn endings, bishop endings, rook endings, etc . Contains more that twenty test endings to help develop your skills . Uses many examples by the world's leading endgame exponents: Smyslov, Karpov, Korchnoi, etc. Grandmaster Edmar Mednis is one of the world's leading endgame exerts.He is a regular contributor to Chess Life magazine and is author of How to be a complete Tournament Player, From Opening to the Endgame and From the Middlegame into the Endgame. International Master Colin Crouch is one of England's most highly regarded analysts and writers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhich opening does better in practice: the wild, unsound and refuted Latvian Gambit (1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 f5) or the solid Philidor Defence (1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 d6)? As James Schuyler points out, referring to the definitive Megabase, the Latvian Gambit scores higher. How can such a discredited opening (and the same story is repeated with other unsound openings) do so well? The point is that playing like this throws the opponent off balance, makes them anxious and induces mistakes. Even the very best players recognise the value of discomforting the opponent. Historically, Emanuel Lasker was the master of this approach and his modern day equivalent is world champion Magnus Carlsen. Carlsen frequently employs offbeat openings and his opponents invariably fail to counter them correctly. This is the key theme of this book. Schuyler covers all phases of the game and discusses other vital subjects such as harassment, material imbalance, time management, surprise moves, unusual ideas, provocative play, man

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Queen's Gambit is one of the great classical openings. All the world champions and elite players have played this opening - most of them for both sides. In this book the highly experienced coach international master Andrew Martin explains the basic ideas behind all the different variations you can encounter after 1 d4 d5 2 c4. This includes the classical defences (such as the Orthodox, the Lasker and the Slav) as well as the weird and wonderful (such as the Albin Counter-Gambit, the Hennig-Schara Gambit and Marshall's Defence). First Steps is a new opening series and is ideal for improving players who want simple and straightforward explanations. First Steps emphasizes: *the basic principles*the basic strategies*the key tricks and traps First Steps books are based around carefully selected instructive games which demonstrate exactly what both sides are trying to achieve. There is enough theory to enable the improving player to get to grips with the opening without feeling overwhelmed. If you want to take up a new opening, First Steps is the ideal place to start.Table of ContentsAbout the Author 3 Bibliography 5 Introduction 7 1 Piece Deployment for White 8 2 Piece Deployment for Black 18 3 Exchange Systems 29 4 The Queen's Gambit Accepted 70 5 The Queen's Gambit Declined 98 6 The Slav 126 7 The Semi-Slav and Meran 145 8 The Tarrasch Defence 163 9 The Semi-Tarrasch Defence 174 10 Less Common Ideas for Black 186 Index of Variations 216 Index of Complete Games 223

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Modern Defence is an important opening that can be played by Black against absolutely any White opening system. It is an ambitious, counterattacking weapon, favoured by dynamic players. White is initially allowed to occupy the centre but Black plans to undermine this structure in the middlegame with well-timed blows from the pieces and pawns. If Black gets it right then the white centre can be dramatically swept away. However, when it goes wrong, Black can be overrun. ----- First Steps is a new opening series and is ideal for improving players who want simple and straightforward explanations. First Steps emphasizes: ---- * the basic principles --- * the basic strategies --- * the key tricks and traps ----- First Steps books are based around carefully selected instructive games which demonstrate exactly what both sides are trying to achieve. There is enough theory to enable the improving player to get to grips with the opening without feeling overwhelmed. If you want to take up a new opening, First Steps is the ideal place to start.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrought together for the first time in one volume, How to play against 1 d4 and 1 e4 Finding a suitable defence to 1 d4 isn''t an easy task, especially if you don''t have endless time available to study all the latest theoretical developments. If you choose fashionable openings, it''s imperative to keep pace with modern theory if you want to succeed with Black. It''s not easy finding a good opening to play against 1 e4, especially if - like the majority of chess players - you don''t have endless time available to study the latest theoretical developments. If you choose fashionable openings, it''s often a necessity to keep pace with modern theory if you want to succeed with Black.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrought together for the first time in one book Meeting 1d4 and 1e4 International Master Jacob Aagaard and Esben Lund provide an all-in-one solution to the popular opening move 1 d4 and other White systems that do not involve 1 e4. In Meeting 1e4 The reader is provided with a complete repertoire for Black against 1 e4, based on the ever-reliable Sicilian Defence.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany players, of all levels, use their chess study time to concentrate almost exclusively on the openings. Very few players spend much time at all studying endgames and this is almost certainly a mistake. Making a poor move in the opening might leave you with a slightly uncomfortable position. Making a poor move in the endgame can easily transform a win into a draw or even a loss. ----- If you want to make any sort of serious progress at chess it is vital to understand fundamental endgame play. Having an instinctive understanding of which positions are winning, drawing and losing is essential as it enables you to plan your endgame strategies with great confidence, knowing that you are heading for positions that are favourable to you. ----- In this book, Cyrus Lakdawala analyses all the fundamental endgame positions and carefully explains the methods needed to win the favourable ones and draw the unfavourable ones. ----- First Steps is a new series and is ideal for improving players who want simple and straightforward explanations. First Steps emphasizes: -----* the basic principles --- * the basic strategies --- * the key tricks and trapsTrade Review... a very friendly introduction to the whole of endgame theory --- John Hartmann, Chess Life ----- ...a good place for serious young or recently started players to start their journey into endgame understanding and then mastery. --- Carsten Hansen, American Chess Magazine

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Scandinavian (also known as the Centre Counter Defence) occurs when Black meets White's 1 e4 with 1 ... d5, immediately countering in the centre. White invariably continues with 2 exd5 when Black can choose between two systems, both of which are covered in this book. Firstly 2 ... Qxd5, which regains the pawn immediately but exposes the black queen early on - a feature that complicates the play for both players. Secondly 2 ... Nf6, which invites White to risk attempting to hold onto the d5-pawn. If White goes down this path then a complex tactical struggle can easily develop. ----- First Steps is a new opening series and is ideal for improving players who want simple and straightforward explanations. First Steps emphasizes: ----- the basic principles --- the basic strategies --- the key tricks and traps ----- First Steps books are based around carefully selected instructive games which demonstrate exactly what both sides are trying to achieve. There is enough theory to enable the improving player to get to grips with the opening without feeling overwhelmed. If you want to take up a new opening, First Steps is the ideal place to start.Trade Reviewa first rate introduction to an opening whose reputation has been on the upswing the past decade. --- John Donaldson, JeremySilman.com

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo winning books in one volume. 10 Great Ways get better at Chess by Nigel Davies How can you improve at chess? This is the eternal question asked by players of all levels. Which part of the game should you focus on? How often should you play? Should you change your opening repertoire? What's the best way to learn from your defeats? So many questions ... and yet direct answers are hard to find. In this book Grandmaster Nigel Davies provides that direction. He examines the methods used by a number of players who were looking to improve their game, and how they went about achieving their goal. He has drawn heavily on the games and thoughts of players who have been his students over the years and experienced a clear improvement in their play. Break the Rules!: A Modern Look at Chess Strategy by Neil McDonald In this instructive book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald studies in depth the key components of successful rule-breaking in chess. As we progress as chess players we quickly learn a set of guidelines which help us to formulate plans, develop typical strategies and recognize key tactics. However, chess is not an easy game, with fixed 'rules' that can be applied to every single position. In fact, blindly following such rules proves to be counterproductive and prevents a player from moving on to the next level, whereas knowing when to 'break' these rules is precisely the skill which separates the best from the rest.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrought together in one volume as part of Everyman Chess's series of compilation books: Play the Najdorf: Scheveningen Style by John Emms and Play the King's Indian: A complete Repertoire for Black in this most dynamic of openings by Joe GallagherThe Najdorf Sicilian is one of the most sharp, dynamic and popular openings that Black can play and is a firm favourite amongst the world's elite players, including world number one Garry Kasparov. From very early on, Black unbalances the game to a reach a position in which one can play for the win without exceptional risk.The soundness of the Najdorf has never been questioned, but some players can be put off by the ever-spiralling amount of theory amassed on this great opening. In Play the Najdorf, however, Grandmaster and openings expert John Emms condenses this mountain to produce a workable black repertoire against all of White's possible options.The King's Indian has always been one of the sharpest, most complex and popular openings that Black can play; it still provides the setting for many encounters at the elite level of Grandmaster chess. Straight from the start, Black fights for the initiative and in many variations, while White pursues material gains, it is Black who has the psychological advantage of trying to checkmate the opponent's king.Despite its many advantages, some prospective Kings Indian players are put off by the seemingly endless amount of theory one is supposed to learn. In Play the Kings Indian, however, Grandmaster and life-long Kings Indian devotee Joe Gallagher has produced a comprehensive and yet workable black repertoire against all of Whites most dangerous possibilities.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo compelling titles now brought together in one volume! ----- Beating Unusual Chess Defences: 1 e4: Dealing with the Scandinavian, Pirc, Modern, Alekhine and other tricky lines by Andrew Greet. ----- Anyone who plays 1 e4 as White must be prepared not only for Black's main defences but also an assortment of less popular lines. These, when taken together, represent a significant percentage of the replies you can expect to meet when opening 1 e4. Dealing with these slightly offbeat variations is often a daunting task, especially since your opponents are likely to be specialists in these lines and therefore know them inside out. ----- Beating Unusual Chess Defences provides the perfect solution. International Master Andrew Greet gets to grips with each of these tricky openings. He identifies how to exploit their weaknesses whilst avoiding their strengths, thus constructing a practical and dependable repertoire for White. This book covers everything a 1 e4 player needs to know about facing these defences. ----- Beating Unusual Chess Openings: Dealing with the English, Reti, King's Indian Attack and other annoying systems by Richard Palliser ----- Beating Unusual Chess Openings is a godsend to those chess players fed up with struggling against all opening moves other than White's main two: 1 e4 and 1 d4. From the respectable (English Opening, Réti and King's Indian Attack) through to theoffbeat (Nimzo-Larsen Attack, Bird's Opening) and the totally bizarre (Orang-utan, Grob); everything Black needs to know about facing unusual openings is covered within these pages. Richard Palliser gets to grips with all of White's possibilities, examining their strengths and weaknesses and in turn organizing a reliable and practical repertoire for Black.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTired of playing the same old openings? Bored with stuffy opening theory? A Ferocious Opening Repertoire provides a welcome antidote! Former American Open Champion Cyrus Lakdawala presents a range of vicious weapons for White in a repertoire which is perfect for those who have little time for study, but enjoy taking opponents out of their comfort zones and causing them problems from the very beginning. The repertoire's backbone is provided by the aggressive Veresov Opening (1 d4, 2 Nc3 and 3 Bg5) and this weapon is accompanied by equally hostile options against other Black tries such as the French, Caro-Kann, Dutch, Benoni, Pirc and Philidor. These weapons are ideal choices for those who revel in forcing opponents into chaotic, uncomfortable positions. Are you constantly struggling with the black pieces? Can't make up your mind which openings to play? Are you looking for something new: an all-in-one solution to your problems? Look no further! In Play 1..Nc6, a complete chess opening repertoire for Black, Christof Scheerer, who is renowned for his innovative and adventurous opening ideas, provides the reader with an ambitious and all-encompassing repertoire for Black against every main line opening that White can play, based on the initial move 1...Nc6. The principal components of this black repertoire are the uncompromising Chigorin Defence, a long-time favourite of the brilliant Russian Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich, and the equally tricky Nimzowitsch Defence, advocated by Britain's first ever Grandmaster, Tony Miles. Drawing upon his wealth of practical experience in this opening, which has produced a remarkable success rate and some notable Grandmaster scalps, Scheerer uncovers the secrets behind 1...Nc6 and divulges his findings to the reader.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe French is one of Black's soundest defences to 1 e4 and is very popular at all levels of chess. Club players enjoy its super-solid structure, while at the top it's played by famous grandmasters such as Vishy Anand and the young Russian star Alexander Morozevich. With his first two moves Black obtains a substantial foothold in the centre, and a structure that is incredibly difficult to break down. In this user-friendly book, International Master Byron Jacobs revisits the basic principles behind the French Defence and all of its variations. Throughout the reader is helped along by a wealth of notes, tips, warnings and exercises. This book is ideal for the improving player. The Caro-Kann Defence has a well-deserved and established reputation as an incredibly solid and, at the same time, dynamic defence to 1 e4. The Caro-Kann appeals to all types of players, but is especially useful to black players who prefer a sound platform on which to build and who are resourceful in both defence and counter-attack. Star players who enjoy using the Caro-Kann include Vishy Anand, Michael Adams and the legendary Anatoly Karpov. In this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster Joe Gallagher goes back to the basics of the Caro-Kann, studying the key principles of its many variations. Throughout the book there is an abundance of notes, tips, warnings and exercises to help the improving player, while important strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Italian Game (sometimes referred to as the Giuoco Piano) is one of the oldest openings around, and also one of the first lines a player learns when he or she is introduced to chess. It leads to play that is easy to understand: both sides develop their pieces logically and begin attacks on the opposing kings. The Italian Game gives both White and Black the opportunity to play either aggressively and in gambit fashion, or in a restrained and positional manner. One of White's most exciting and attacking options is the legendary Evans Gambit, which has been brought back into the limelight in this modern era by such uncompromising players as World number one Garry Kasparov, Alexander Morozevich and England's Nigel Short. In this book, openings expert Jan Pinski investigates the different strategies and tactics in the Italian Game and Evans Gambit. Using model games for both White and Black, Pinski provides crucial coverage of both the main lines and offbeat variations. This book arms the reader with enough knowledge to play the Italian Game and Evans Gambit with confidence. Pinski delves into the secrets of the Four Knights for the first time in this other book, studying the strategic ideas for both white and black players. He covers both the fashionable main lines and the tricky sidelines, bringing the reader up to date with the expanding theory.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo great books from the Everyman Chess Library, The New Old Indian by Alexander Cherniaev and Eduard Prokuronov and The New Sicilian Dragon by Simon Williams, brought together in one volume. The Old Indian Defence is considered to be a sound way for Black to meet 1 d4. Some might argue that it is steady rather than spectacular, but is this reputation totally deserved? Grandmaster Alexander Cherniaev strongly disagrees, and in this book he introduces ambitious and aggressive ways for Black to play in the main lines. He constructs an improved version of a repertoire he has himself utilized with great success against grandmaster opposition. Using illustrative games, he studies the fundamental tactical and positional ideas for both sides, and also covers what to do if White avoids the Old Indian. This book tells you everything you need to know about playing the New Old Indian. Grandmaster and well-known Sicilian Dragon expert Simon Williams takes a totally fresh look at this famous opening. Concentrating on his favourite Dragadorf Variation, Williams constructs a cutting-edge repertoire for Black, one which is perfect for the modern Dragon player who wishes to cause his opponents maximum problems in the opening. Drawing upon his considerable experience and using illustrative games, Williams covers the key tactical and positional ideas for both players, and highlights crucial modern day themes such as the importance of move orders. The Sicilian Dragon is a highly popular opening, ideal for players of all levels. It enjoys such a great appeal because it leads to fascinating and fun-to-play positions in which both players regularly attack each other''s kings with a complete lack of inhibition.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe computer has changed the way top players think about chess. The silicon mind has no psychological barriers. It is "willing" to check moves that most humans, including top players, consider absurd and reject instantly. Thus this brave, new computer era inevitably leads to a reassessment of old axioms, principles and evaluations. In Play Unconventional Chess, the reader will discover the incredible power unconventional moves can have. These moves contradict the most fundamental principles of the "old chess", and yet most of them played by leading grandmasters. At first sight these moves look so strange that the reader can not avoid asking, "Was this grandmaster was inspired or drunk?" The answer will definitely surprise you. As we progress as chess players we quickly learn a set of guidelines which help us to formulate plans, develop typical strategies and recognize key tactics. However, chess is not an easy game, with fixed 'rules' that can be applied to every single position. In fact, blindly following such rules proves to be counterproductive and prevents a player from moving on to the next level, whereas knowing when to 'break' these rules is precisely the skill which separates the best from the rest. In Break the Rules!, Grandmaster Neil McDonald studies in depth the key components of successful rule-breaking in chess. Drawing upon his own experience and using illuminating examples from modern grandmaster chess, McDonald examines how to avoid stereotypical thinking, how to exploit typical thinking patterns, and how to confuse and beat opponents with surprising ideas.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany players are serious about their chess but become stuck at a certain playing strength. It's rarely a lack of talent or practice or opening knowledge that holds them back. Usually they get left behind because they don't know how to make best use of the time they have available to study chess. ----- This book addresses this problem and is your self-improvement plan. It shows you how to work on your own games to root out mistakes. It will sharpen your calculation of variations. You will be challenged to find the best middlegame strategy. Endgame technique is also covered in detail. All topics are discussed with numerous examples and puzzles from the games of modern players such as Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana and Viswanathan Anand. If you want your chess to leap forward it's time to Coach Yourself! ----- * A complete self-improvement programme. --- *All aspects of the game included. ---* Utilizes a structured approach, making the most of your study time.Trade ReviewI enjoyed this book. It has quite a relaxed chatty pace to it, a little like having an informal session with an experienced player about certain important subjects which doesn't cost you too much effort as a reader, although it get's harder if you try to solve all the exercises McDonald sets you! -- Matthew Sadler, New in Chess Magazine

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat exactly makes the greatest players of all time, such as Magnus Carlsen, Bobby Fischer, and Garry Kasparov stand out from the rest? The basic aspects of chess (calculation, study of opening theory, and technical endgame ability) are of course of great importance. However, the more mysterious part of chess ability lies within the thought process. In particular: * How does one evaluate certain moves to be better than others? * How does one improve their feel of the game? This book will tackle this woefully underexplored aspect of chess: the logic behind the game. It will explain how chess works at a fundamental level. Topics include: * What to think about when evaluating a position. * How to formulate and execute plans. * How to generate and make use of the initiative. The reader also has plenty of opportunities to test their decision-making by attempting 270 practical exercises. These are mostly designed to develop understanding, as the justification of the moves is more important than the actual correct answer.Trade ReviewThere’s a lot to admire about this book. There are very few books of this nature on the market providing interactive strategic instruction for club level players. As a 1900-2000 player myself I thought it was pitched at the right level for me, and would be accessible, if challenging, for ambitious and hard-working players from, say, 1500 upwards. The positions have been expertly chosen and the solutions are well explained giving just the right level of detail. The authors write engagingly and annotate well: I look forward to reading more from them in the future., Richard James, British Chess News

Read more less

Book SynopsisChallenge a worthy opponent and let the games begin! Often referred to as The Game of Kings', chess was the chosen game of the nobility for centuries. Now, with this portable wooden set, it's your turn to master the board. A true test of patience, logic, and strategy, the ultimate aim is to outwit your opponent while defending your king. When you've called Checkmate, simply pack the 32 wooden pieces and instructions inside the folding board until you're ready to play again.

Read more less

Book SynopsisStrategies and examples for beating a superior opponent in chess. Chess history is littered with David vs Goliath chess struggles where the weaker player has prevailed. Chess masters, even international grandmasters, can be defeated by young, improving players who use the right techniques and proper attitude. In David vs Goliath Chess, renowned chess writer Andrew Soltis takes you through 50 annotated games that show how weaker players have scored stunning upsets by overcoming a superior opponent’s greater knowledge and experience. He gives tips on everything from the best psychological mindset to take on a strong player, to studying your opponents past games, identifying weaknesses and identifying chess strategies he or she won't expect. A great chess improver book that will benefit any regular chess player, including club players, giving the reader confidence to take on anyone at chess.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA chess handbook which contains over 450 test positions and a course on how to develop combinational skills, based on the recognition of key themes.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a comprehensive coverage of this important chess opening in which White aims to stifle Black's normal piece play. This strategy has been used both by Kasparov and Karpov.

Read more less