Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisThis inventive activity art book, now in paperback, combines fun and focus, entertainment, and mindfulness using collage and cutout techniques. It includes a brief history of collage and practical tips and ideas to cut and paste, draw and paint, and sew and stitch using paper and everyday objects. Each double page proposes to look at things afresh, with suggestion and jumping off points to create one’s own visual universe, unleash the capacity for creativity and, ultimately, widen the horizons for expression. It includes 25 pages of cutouts. A whole world to discover!

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Book SynopsisAfter the introduction into geometry, perspective and the representation of materials in vol 1, this volume constitutes a thorough and complete study on the fundamental aspects of graphically depicting a wide variety of jewellery. Having learned about geometry, perspective and representation of materials in the first volume, this second book in this two-part series delves deeper into the process of designing jewellery, from the first sketch to the final representation, with special emphasis on how to work on ideas, plan a collection, and design and depict a wide variety of pieces. The fundamentals of drawing different pieces, such as necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets, are carefully explained and illustrated in the book, which includes all the technical details to be taken into consideration when planning a jewellery piece, from the executive point of view. While the first volume focused on the tools needed to be able to accurately convey ideas, draw different materials, facets and effects, and master the use of colour, this publication tackles the process from the initial idea, based in natural or geometrical forms, to the final drawing of the completed piece, including illustration techniques and sources of inspiration, all aspects that will stir up the reader's creativity. It is the ultimate tool and resource for jewellery students and professionals, and even illustrators in search of professional guidelines in freehand drawing and painting techniques when representing jewellery. AUTHORS: Manuela Brambatti began her career in the fashion world in the late 1970s working for Style and other fashion magazines. She has collaborated with Giorgio Correggiari, Krizia and Gian Marco Venturi, but her most important and far-reaching experience was her work with Gianni Versace, where she played a crucial role in setting standards with regard to the presentation and illustration of the house's fashion and home collections. She currently freelances as an illustrator in the fashion, jewellery and design industries. She is the author of the best-selling title Fashion Illustration and Design and Fashion Illustration Design for Accessories, both from Promopress. Cosimo Vinci studied jewellery design in Florence and Vicenza, Italy. With a focus on artistic consulting, branding and project design for jewellery, watches, sunglasses and fashion accessories, his clients are international companies both small and large, from high-end to fashion jewellery. The styles he produces range from exclusive and contemporary to young and fun. He has designed pieces for famous fashion brands such as Versace, Versus, Balmain, Montana, Laura Biagiotti, Valentino and Etro. Since 1998, he has taught at the Arts and Crafts School in Vicenza and has conducted seminars in many parts of the world on the subject. In 2011, Vinci won the Bijoux d'Autore design competition awarded by the Associazione Gioiello Contemporaneo (Contemporary Jewelry Association, Italy). SELLING POINTS: . This book analyses the fundamental aspects of designing jewellery and collection ideas based on natural or geometrical forms . It includes all the technical details to be considered when planning a piece of jewellery, from an executive point of view . A complete, in-depth manual that explains everything one needs to know about designing an drawing jewellery . Readers will learn how to depict earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets as if they were real 400 illustrations

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a selection of contemporary graphic design studios, collage artists and artists from other disciplines in whose work design and collage intersect in the most diverse and witty ways. It features projects in which different languages and techniques mix, dialogue with each other, complement each other, sometimes dilute each other and question their respective limits. Through this showcase of design projects and art pieces, and through conversations with their authors, we learn about their unique approaches to the creative process, reflect on ways of understanding their work and investigate the special relationship that design and collage have today.

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Book SynopsisA very inspiring selection of what is happening in the world of auteur jewellery right now, particularly with regard to brooches. Edited by Nicolás Estrada, New Brooches, now in paperback, focuses on brooches within an exploration of current innovative trends in contemporary jewellery. With a selection of over 400 jewellery artists' creations from all over the world, this inspirational volume is the most comprehensive compilation on this subject and an important step in Nicolás Estrada's exploration of current trends in contemporary jewellery. A must-have for any professional or student of jewellery or fashion design, this work shows the versatile and dynamic nature of brooches and the many and varied materials and forms that they involve. Needing only a pin to secure it to the wearer's garment, this ornament is essentially a jewellery artist's blank canvas that invites endless creativity and offers more freedom of expression than any other form of jewellery. The brooch has continued to evolve and be reinterpreted over time, and it is playing a critical role in the development of new jewellery as a platform for artistic expression. Following the success of Estrada's New Rings, New Earrings, New Necklaces, New Brooches represents a valuable contribution to this series. SELLING POINTS: . The book is an inspirational compendium of the most innovative creations in today's jewellery design as it presents the most original works of 400+ jewellery artists and designers from all over the world . Includes Australian designers: Katie Stormonth (Brisbane), Anna Davern (Melbourne), Julia deVille (Melbourne), Robyn Wilson (Melbourne), Sim Luttin (Melbourne)

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Book SynopsisFall in love with copperplate calligraphy and other pointed pen scripts while expanding your creative repertoire with this practical easy-to-follow guide. All you need to get started are pen, ink and suitable paper, and with practice you will soon be able to design and print your own invitations, business cards and much more. Each chapter contains one or more tutorials filled with useful tips on how to get as much out of the content as possible while having fun. Everything is explained in detail, so no previous knowledge is required. On the other hand, if you have some experience with calligraphy, the book will serve as a great resource for building on those skills. The author, one of the few calligraphers in Germany who specializes in classic pointed pen calligraphy, shares her insight about essential tools and materials as well as important dos and don'ts that help you master the methods and techniques being taught quickly and effectively. The book includes downloadable exercise shee

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Book SynopsisCheckmate! has all the excitement a chess fan could want, from world champions, to history's most famous matches, to the role of chess in society. This volume begins by retracing the history of chess through 16 players who have been officially recognised as the greatest world champions-looking at their lives and contributions to the game. The following section describes the most iconic matches, either because of their intensity, the players' fierce rivalry, or the political conflict between countries, as in the famous match between Russian Boris Spassky and American Bobby Fischer during the Cold War. The final chapter looks at the modern-day chess scene and the rise of artificial intelligence in chess games.

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Book SynopsisMagical creatures from enchanted woods captivate all ages in popular books and films. This colouring book invites imaginative exploration of elves, fairies, and mysterious animals, offering hours of creative and pleasant entertainment.

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Book SynopsisWhen was the last time you won a perfect game? A game that was not tainted by inferior moves? Every chess player knows that smooth wins are the exception, that play is often chaotic and positions are frequently irrational. The road to victory is generally full of bumps and misadventures. Welcome to the world of imperfection! Chess books usually feature superbly played games. In this book you will see games where weird moves are rewarded. Cyrus Lakdawala knows that playing good chess is all very well, but that beating your opponent is better. He demonstrates the fine art of winning undeserved victories by: miraculously surviving chaos; throwing vile cheapos; refusing to resign in lost positions; getting lucky breaks; provoking unforced errors, and other ways to land on your feet after a roller-coaster ride. Lakdawala shows how you can make sure that it is your opponent, not you, who makes the last blunder. If youd rather win a bad game than lose a good one, then this your ideal guide. The next time the wrong player wins, you will be that player!

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Book SynopsisEvery chess player, from club level up, can improve their game by using engines. That is the message of Matthew Sadlers thought-provoking new book, based on many years of experience with the worlds best chess software. You may not be able to replicate their dazzling-deep calculations, but there is so much more your engine can do for you than just checking variations! Matthew Sadler, co-author of the ground-breaking bestseller Game Changer, presents some unique methods to improve by using your engine. He explains how in your opening preparation, instead of sifting through masses of computer analysis you should play training games against your engine. He also shows how to train your early middlegame play, the conversion of advantages, your positional play, and your defensive skills. And, of course: how to analyse your own games. These generic training methods Sadler supplements with concrete techniques. He explains how the top engines tackle crucial middlegame themes such as entrenched pieces, whole board play, attacking rhythm, exchanging pieces, the march of the Rooks pawn, queen versus pieces, and many others. He also opens your eyes to typical strategies that the engines found and fine-tuned in popular openings such as the Kings Indian, the Grünfeld, the Slav, the French and the Sicilian. Sadler illustrates his lessons with a collection of fantastic games, explained with his trademark enthusiasm. For the first time, the superhuman powers of the chess engine have been decoded to the benefit of all players, in a rich and highly instructive book.

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Book SynopsisAfter twenty years in his flower shop in Saint-Avertin, florist Jean-Francois Boucher left the family business to follow his heart and focus solely on his art, without having to put energy in the obligatory commercial flower work. And where better to do this than at the stunning Chateau de Chenonceau, one of those fairytale type castles in the French Loire Valley. Since 2015 Jean-Francois has been floral scenographer of the estate. Together with his small team he creates new floral compositions for the castle's rooms every week. These 'staged' flowers emphasise the history of the estate just like any other piece of art or furniture does. Their designs blend in perfectly with the interior and decoration and are in beautiful harmony with the room's colour code, its perfume and its function. Sometimes they even wink at poetry, art or the historical events that took place in these spaces. The Bouquets of Chenonceau is a magnificent coffee table book that will please both lovers of history and fans of floral design. Text in English and French.

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Book SynopsisInternational Floral Art 2021/2022 is an expertly curated collection of floral design showing the bounty of nature in many ingenious and magnificent ways. It is an anthology of floral inspiration, a love letter to nature itself and a testimony to the boundless nature of human creativity. Over 130 floral designers let their imagination run wild to push the boundaries of the craft and make us revel in the unexpected. Established floral artists as well as the up and coming generation of designers amaze and seduce with spectacular floral creations that reveal a strong artistic vision, great craftsmanship, an enormous degree of commitment and an extraordinary amount of effort. International Floral Art 2021/2022 is a stunning coffee table book with over 240 designs that will start conversation and spark the imagination.

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Book SynopsisOur world is built upon the fusion of opposites going back and forth until they harmonise. Like the poles of a magnet, these antithetical concepts define each other and cannot exist without each other. Contrasts, opposites and differences keep life interesting – even though keeping a balance between two opposing forces is often difficult, especially when we understand that one cannot be achieved without experiencing the other. Floral design, Ikebana in particular, is often a balancing act in itself. Ikebana pieces strive for harmony between straight and curved lines, a right balance between taking away and adding elements, between adhering to the rules and breaking them. Opposites Attract uses the idea of opposition and contrast as a starting point. Starting from an antonym pair, more than 150 international ikebanists created inspiring and powerful arrangements expressing two opposing feelings and concepts. The multifaceted ways in which these contrasts were given shape, attest to the creativity and ingenuity of our artists and the sheer versatility of Ikebana.

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Book SynopsisFor the past five years, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire has been organising Quand fleurir est un art (The Art of Flower Arranging), a captivating event where renowned flower artists and designers from around the world unleash their creativity in the majestic rooms of the castle, creating stunning arrangements ranging from the most daring to the most classic. The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire's previous (and last private) owners, the Prince and Princess de Broglie, were avid plant enthusiasts. They took pride in their impressive collections of orchids and exotic green plants, which earned them numerous awards in horticultural competitions during the Belle Époque. Today, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is committed to carrying on this rich legacy, inviting talented floral artists to showcase their artistry and expertise, creating a harmonious fusion of art and nature in the pursuit of beauty. This book offers a nice overview of some of the best creations that were on view during the event. Discover some of the amazing designs made by renowned floral designers such as Makoto Azuma (J), Clarisse Béraud (F), Timo Bolte (D), Rudy Casati (I), Tomas De Bruyne (B), Sébastien Dossin (B), Frédéric Dupré (F), Max Hurtaud (B), Pascal Mutel (F), Julian Paris (F), Gilles Pothier, Charline Pritscaloff (F) and the École nationale des Fleuristes de Paris (F). Text in English and French.

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Book SynopsisThis book is written for beginners who are interested in the game andwould like to learn more about its various aspects.It covers the technicalaspects of chess: the use of algebraic notation (Chapter 3), chess evaluation(Chapter 4), the opening phase (Chapter 5), the middle game (Chapter 6),the endgame (Chapter 7), and the chess rating system (Chapter 8). It introducesa number of chess problems, formulated with a chess board and chesspieces and presupposing a working knowledge of chess (Chapter 9).It offersan account of variants of chess such as Fischer random chess (Chapter 10). It also covers the cultural aspects of chess: its history (Chapter 2) and statusas an immortal game that might enable it to play a role in the search forextraterrestrial intelligence (Chapter 11). Wherever possible, chess diagramsare provided to help chess beginners make sense of certain points about chess. Algebraic notation will also guide them in understanding certain chess-basedlines of reasoning.Whenever you are ready, let us begin this odyssey ofchess!

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

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

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Book SynopsisTwelve beautiful, mindfully created in-depth portraits of Japanese makers in words and photos, from a bamboo weaver to a tatami mat maker, from a ceramicist to a cook who specialises in puddings. Includes information about different regions to visit in Japan.

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Book SynopsisThe Italian Game is the front-line of modern chess. After a hundred years of oblivion, in the 21st century, it edged out many other renowned openings, and is employed today by all the world’s top players. Its modern interpretation is full of new ideas, and its theory has grown thanks to the research of modern grandmasters. This book is an attempt to comprehend the current state of this opening. The book, however, is not just a collection of lines of this fashionable opening. Its main idea is to demonstrate the key ideas and typical techniques in various opening positions, with every key idea being highlighted in the text. The manual can thus be used as a strategy textbook in Italian-type positions; it even includes a special section called ‘The Italian Endgame’. A separate chapter is devoted to one the most important problems of modern chess, that is, getting similar positions of the Italian type from other openings. The book should be of interest to players of various strengths. Trade ReviewThis Guioco Piano for the 20th century is the subject of The Modernized Italian Game. Authored by grandmaster Alexander Kalinin and Correspondence grandmaster Nikolai Kalinchenko, this thick tome is part instructional manual and part theoretical work. Unlike The Modernized Ruy Lopez, the material here is organized around model games, 128 of them in all. Like Swiercz’s book, there is a fair amount of prose to instruct and orient the reader. The Modernized Italian Game ends with short chapters on the Guioco setup (Bc4, Nf3 and pawns on e4, d3 and c3) and examines how it can also crop up in the Two Knights Defense, Philidor Defense and Bishop’s Opening. Examples of the latter two are 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 (played by a young Gary Kasparov) and 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d3, which aims for the Guioco Piano while sidestepping the Petroff Defense. IM John Donaldson - April 2021.

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Book SynopsisIn his first book (we anticipate many more), the young Hungarian author makes a worthy attempt to walk his readers through a complete 1.d4 opening repertoire. Yet while he is taking you thru the opening he never forgets the other phases of the game. As a result, the subsequent middlegame and endgame elements are remarkably well organized benefiting both beginner and advanced players to acquire powerful skills with 1.d4! In what way is this book special? How can it make someone a better player? These are perfectly legitimate questions and whenever I buy a new chess book, I essentially ask the same ones. The short answer is that this book will give you a comprehensive understanding of the chosen openings. Unlike many other books with a similar profile, it goes beyond pure theory and in addition to giving a great deal of practical advice, it touches on issues such as sample games, typical tactical strikes and, in the last chapter, endgames. On top of all this, a homework section enables you to immerse yourself in a given topic and achieve an in-depth understanding of it in your own time. We follow this structure because as a coach, I know how important it is to receive as much guidance as possible on a new opening. Only this can lead to true mastery. Let me recommend this book to any player who wants to learn more about closed openings, adopt a new approach to chess and build up a thorough and sophisticated repertoire. I have tested these openings with my students with good results, so I believe this book is suitable for anyone with an Elo rating from 1600-2500. Trade Review "All beginnings are difficult" is an old saying, and this is true as well from my review of this book. I am reminded of the story where an elderly woman says to her surgeon, "Doctor, I am so afraid as this is my first operation." The doctor winks and says, "Don't worry it will be my first operation as well!" So you and I have this book in front of us as the surgery and the work of my young friend and former student IM Armin Juhász is the surgeon. I remember vividly the founding of Géza Maróczy Chess School in Budapest in 2006. The School was especially successful during its first years. Following the examples of such outstanding Hungarian players as László Szabó, Gedeon Barcza or Géza Maróczy himself, a number of excellent young players including Benjamin Gledura and Richard Rapport (currently ranked 13th in the world) have debuted their talents at the school. It was also at the Maróczy school where Ármin Juhász studied as well. Was it easy for these students? Was it easy for us coaches? I think the answer is a clear yes. We had the privilege to invite as guest lecturers such internationally known Hungarian chess greats as Pál Benkő, Lajos Portisch, Zoltán Ribli, Gyula Sax, István Csom, (members of the gold medalist team at the 1978 Chess Olympiad in Buenos Aires), and JuditPolgár, Zsuzsa Polgár, Zsuzsa Verőci and Mária Ivánka. Our young students had the opportunity to learn chess from no lesser names than these. And yes, IM ÁrminJuhász, who became the youngest FIDE Trainer in Europe in 2018, was among these students. In his first book (we anticipate many more), the young Hungarian author makes a worthy attempt to walk his readers through a complete 1.d4 opening repertoire. Yet while he is taking you thru the opening he never forgets the other phases of the game. As a result, the subsequent middlegame and endgame elements are remarkably well organized benefitting both beginner and advanced players to acquire powerful skills with 1.d4. In addition, Ármin pays adequate attention to those tactical motifs that are quite significant in the dynamic games of many contemporary players. Clearly he keeps in mind the German master Richard Teichmann's observation that “Chess is 99% tactics”. This complex book follows a clear structure with a large number of games and positions from outstanding players and various historical eras. Then he spices all this up in the analyses sections with tricks and insights mainly associated with the so-called Hungarian chess school tradition. I heartily recommend this book not only to those who are eager to boost their ELO rating (Did you know that Dr. Árpád Élő was an American professor of Hungarian birth?) but also to coaching colleagues (including my fellow GMs), because 1.d4! The Chess Bible is an excellent source of great examples and useful drills. I will certainly use it in my own coaching practice. Lastly, please be aware that the author comes from a dedicated chess family. His older brother, IM Kristóf Juhász is 27 and achieved his first GM norm in 2020, the year of the pandemic. His younger brother FM Ágoston Juhász (aged 15) was a U14 National Champion. See you at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest in 2024! József Horváth Grand Master and FIDE Senior Trainer Budapest, January 2021 In summary, if you play 1.d4 then this book will provide a unique insight into many typical structures and plans and if you play the King’s Indian, Grünfeld, Benoni, Slav or the black side of the Catalan then this book will be beneficial. In many ways this book has provided a fresh approach to teaching openings and, tells us a great deal about the author in the process. It is clear as daylight that IM Armin Juhasz is a talented trainer and author with a great passion for teaching. We are convinced that his time must be in high demand! John Upham, British Chess News, Cove, Hampshire, 27th April, 2021Juhasz has written his book with two ideas in mind. The first is to provide non-professionals with a repertoire against the majority of Black’s answers to 1.d4. The second is to explain the typical ideas and plans for both sides through the use of model games which may or may not be connected to the intended repertoire. One doesn’t normally see the Catalan recommended for non-professionals (the target audience for 1.d4! The Chess Bible is roughly 2000-2300), but like Christof Sielecki’s 1.d4 Keep it Simple where the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 is advocates, this book has some cleverly thought out ideas to sidestep massive amounts of theory. In this case the preferred move orders are 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Be3 and 4…Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Nbd2. Objectively the latter doesn’t promise a lot against reasonable play, but kudos to Juhasz for designing a Catalan repertoire which is so manageable. Playing the Catalan via this move order with 3.g3, instead of 3.Nf3, and advocating 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nf3 0-0 9.Bd3 against the Modern Benoni, means White will need an extra Benoni/English line after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 c5. Additionally, 1.d4! The Chess Bible is not one stop shopping for those desiring a complete repertoire playing 1.d4. The Dutch, Benko Gambit and Queen’s Gambit Accepted are among the Black defenses not covered. These caveats considered, 1.d4! The Chess Bible, is still a good introductory work for its intended audience. IM John Donaldson June 2021.

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Book SynopsisI was lucky enough to play against six world champions and several top players in my modest chess career, but the greatest player I feel privileged to have known, to have spent time with him, was Miguel Najdorf, “El Viejo”. This is a chess book, with 275 commented games, it covers all his chess career, but it has also many stories. Najdorf was the most important Argentinean chess player, and he was an exceptional person. Oscar Panno said that Najdorf reminded him of Don Quixote, in the part of the book where he tells Sancho Panza, “Wherever I am, that is where the head of the table is going to be”. He successfully overcame the most terrible setbacks, as few are capable of doing. Writing about Miguel Najdorf is one of my greatest pleasures as a chess journalist and writer! Zenon Franco Ocampos, April 2021.

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Book SynopsisIt has been 60 years since I took up chess as a serious pursuit. Considering that sufficient time has passed I think that now I should look back and discuss the results of this effort! In the course of writing, I sought to make the book biographical but that did not always work out and some of the events from my chess life were not included in this work. Perhaps there will be a future book in which these events, as well as events yet to happen, can be told. For the past 10 years my name has had a special mark on the final standings - Veteran. At first this was somewhat confusing, but I soon realized that in all the spheres of human activity the word "veteran" has a noble meaning. My friends often ask me, "Vladimir, are you not tired of playing chess"? I always answer emphatically, "No, I am not tired. Where else can I find such a huge space for self-expression?"? Steinitz once said, " Chess is not for the faint of heart.” I agree 100%! Chess players do not need pumped up muscles, they need a sound mind with which to resist the constant pressure exerted on every nerve that is experienced during combat. I do not always like this constant struggle and the stress that comes with it. It is even worse when one makes a mistake in a winning position. In this past decade another "problem" has been added - incredibly powerful computer engines that younger opponents skillfully use in preparation for the game. But when you win a beautiful game or use a theoretical novelty invented at home (albeit with the help of a computer), or defend a difficult hopeless position, how great it is! And at such moments you do not think about chess being a science or artistic effort or even sport. At times like these, they are just part of your life. Now it is time to let you turn the page and see just how incredibly interesting it is to be an active chess player, even as a veteran!

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Book SynopsisBefore you is the tournament book of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2021. The event that has been won in sensational fashion by the young Dutch grandmaster Jorden van Foreest. In a tiebreak in the third blitz game, he was just a bit faster of his compatriot Anish Giri. The barrage was necessary because both players very surprisingly ended with the wonderful score of 8½ out of 13 in joint first place. With this they had left behind, among others, World Champion Magnus Carlsen (7½) and the number two in the world, Fabiano Caruana (8). An unprecedented achievement, because the tournament in Wijk aan Zee is sometimes called the "Wimbledon of chess" of the elite tournaments. After the last round, in which Van Foreest in a formidable way had left the Swede Nils Grandelius chanceless, it was waiting for the game between the Spaniard David Antón Guijarra and Anish Giri. Our compatriot was in a bad position, lost perhaps, but he managed to free himself from the tangled position and gain an important half point. It was decided beforehand that a tiebreak would be held, consisting of at least two blitz games. Should these result in a 1-1 score, an Armageddon game would be played. This turned out to be a nervous and blood-curdling fight, with the pieces flying around. In the end the younger OF the two, Jorden van Foreest, emerged victorious and thus the young Groninger booked the greatest success of his still young career. Apart from the commotion in the Dutch seaside resort of Wijk aan Zee, where the tournament was held – under strict corona rules – the whole of the Netherlands rose to its feet when this great result became known. Hadn't we had to wait since 1985, when Jan Timman won the Hoogovens chess tournament, for a Dutch chess player to stand on the highest podium? And now it was even two players from this country who could dispute together who would take the highest honor

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Book SynopsisThe purpose of this series is to introduce the reader to advanced training concepts, using the same methods of presentation and instruction that were taught to great players by famous trainers that they have worked with. The series will commence with the The Passed Pawn and we will examine how to handle such pawns. Every chess player who wishes to improve his level in the difficult subject of chess is obliged to study methodically and understand the existing principles that govern the theory of the opening, middlegame and endgame. Most chess players focus more on the study of opening theory than other aspects of the game. The reasons are probably clear: opening theory is easier to learn and can provide immediate results, although this is based more on the opponent’s ignorance than our own abilities. Even for a chess trainer, it is easier to teach some variations from this or that opening or a set of simple tactical motifs than to engross himself in the exposition of middlegame and endgame theory. Yes, middlegame and endgame theory does exist. The great difficulty in approaching it lies in the fact that it does not follow absolute and clear-cut paths, but rather involves deep research in the ideas and logic by which specific types of positions are treated. Moreover, unlike opening theory, the theory of the middlegame and the endgame does not change rapidly based on modern developments; it remains almost intact through the years. In view of the above, any chess player who wishes to follow a chess career or simply become a better player must refrain from the commonplace and assume a different approach. He must develop a good understanding of middlegame and endgame theory, so as to be able in his games to proceed in a proper way after his chosen opening has reached its conclusion. The chess player can differentiate himself only in the opening; there, each one of us brings forth his own beliefs and convictions, and in general his own experiences and references. Objectively, no opening loses — but also no opening wins. The opening is just the beginning of the journey and serves to offer us a comfortable start. But to reach the end of this journey successfully we have to count on our knowledge and experience, as regards middlegame and endgame theory. Endgame theory teaches us two fundamental issues. First, how to extract the maximum from a basic theoretical position with little material, where the experts, from practice comprising thousands of games, have reached definite conclusions. Second, the way in which we can handle an endgame, depending on the material remaining on the board, and the ideas and plans we should employ. This second issue is significantly more difficult to master because, apart from making full use of the first one (we must be aware of the possible outcomes of the endgame in question) it is greatly influenced by our experience and understanding, which are basically derived from the images and impressions we have from related positions. A primary role is played here by the effort we have invested in studying. In middlegame theory, things are even tougher. We are obliged to study various types of positions with specific strategic and tactical attributes, so as to understand the underlying ideas and be able to employ them ourselves in similar situations. While many chess players have studied these topics and acquired knowledge, it is the application of this knowledge in practice that helps differentiate between them. Chess is not a simple activity, but it becomes so much more attractive when we acquire this knowledge.

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Book Synopsis In this long-awaited second Thinkers-book of International Master, Armin Juhasz, the reader is invited to take a seat in his classroom and follow his useful guidelines how to improve your practical play. The emphasis is on general principles that readers will be able to use in their own games, and detailed analysis is always given where it is necessary. Each game and fragment contain many lessons and practical tips, guiding the reader through the most important ideas in each phase of the game. This book illustrates an increasingly prevalent and successful style of play, a method that begins by slowly accumulating small but permanent advantages. The author does a very good job of explaining the key points of the game in such a way that the reader is given a true account of what is happening and not some watered down version. Translating the muddy world of modern master chess into something that is understandable to the layman, is a skill Armin mastered.

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Book Synopsis· Jan Boekelman has produced you with a playable repertoire out of a somewhat sideline Opening, which nobody dared to touch to make it into an entire repertoire.· Try to expand your knowledge in the 3.c3 variation and go beyond the book's content· Deepen your knowledge in 3.c4 variation and do not play it before you know it well · Finally, follow the very strong GM Vladislav Artemiev, who has had a relatively successful run with this opening in rapid online events.

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Book SynopsisIn ‘Supreme Chess Understanding: Statics & Dynamics’, GM Moranda meticulously explains rules governing the physics of the game, focusing in particular on the interplay between static and dynamic factors. In today’s dog-eat-dog chess world it is namely not enough to know the general principles, but rather to grasp when, how and why can these be bent... or even broken. Thanks to the knowledge gained by studying this work, navigating through the maze of positional transformations is going to become a piece of cake!

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Book SynopsisDo you like chess and want to become a better player without putting in hundreds of hours training? 365 Endgame Lessons for Novices has a practical approach with a focus on the endgame. This book helps to eliminate hours of game study and provides bite-sized lessons and tasks that you can implement each day to improve your chess game over the course of a year. We’ve collected an array of typical positions and situations that are frequently seen on the board so that you can better anticipate common mistakes, as well as teach you how you can exploit your opponent’s mistakes. If you make 5-10 minutes of chess study a daily habit, you will improve your chess game and your “chess brain” by opening your mind to planning and moves you wouldn’t otherwise see on the chess board.

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Book SynopsisFor almost two centuries the French Defense has been a universally popular opening. Many authorities have made their contribution to establishing the theory. Thanks to their efforts, players nowadays can easily make a choice between the many and various options, whether peaceful or sharp, whether statically or dynamically orientated. Just as importantly, if not more so, fans of the French worldwide can today find good options to play both for a win and a draw! All this makes the French Defense very popular. However, the authors think that many lines have not been well explained or should be revisited. Some other lines deserve a better reputation. Finally we have also suggested some new approaches. Simply speaking, the French Defense looks to be inexhaustible and there cannot be enough books dedicated to it. This book takes a step in the direction of revitalizing our favorite opening! The authors have decided to set the book in order from the less to the more popular and complex lines. In the case of the most popular moves 3. e5, 3. Nd2 and 3. Nc3, we decided to offer two options for Black – one aims to lead to calm play, taking care first with finding balance and equalizing; the other aims to lead to a direct game. Needless to say, we wish to arm the reader in all scenarios that can arise in a practical game of chess, depending on their intentions, wishes, preparation, motivation level, and standings etc.

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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.

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Book SynopsisThis toolbox full of tips and games accompanies the picture book, Someday I''ll Be a Queen, which incorporates all the rules of chess. Teachers, parents, grandparents, and chess coaches learn how to build it up step by step. The message is, have fun! Enjoy the book and the game together. Take your time. Don''t go through the book all at once but learn piece to piece after which you rehearse the chess piece. I work with small groups of 6 to 8 children for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time. With the four-year-olds, I explain about the king and after that, we play four different games. During the last game, before they learn to move the rook, I put a car on the chess board. Every toddler knows not to stand in the street when a car approaches. So they have to move their king to safety each time. Actually, they are already lifting check without realizing it.<

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Book SynopsisThis second and final volume of the Anti-Sicilian series covers our approach for all alternatives to 2…Nc6. The choice against 2…d6 was obvious. The Moscow variation is the only critical alternative to 3.d4 that has caused any concerns for Black – by developing with a tempo, we force Black to make an immediate decision on move 3 and wait for the right moment to open the position. Whilst in the Rossolimo book we have tried to achieve an objective advantage against every line, our choices in the Moscow were mainly selected by their ability to create practical difficulties for the opponent. Naturally, it is not possible to find an advantage in every variation but we have ensured to add many detailed explanations to guide plans and aid understanding in the various positions we’ll encounter

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Book Synopsis For almost two centuries the French Defense has been a universally popular opening. Many authorities have made their contribution to establishing the theory. Thanks to their efforts, players nowadays can easily make a choice between the many and various options, whether peaceful or sharp, whether statically or dynamically orientated. Just as importantly, if not more so, fans of the French worldwide can today find good options to play both for a win and a draw! All this makes the French Defense very popular. However, the authors think that many lines have not been well explained or should be revisited. Some other lines deserve a better reputation. Finally we have also suggested some new approaches. Simply speaking, the French Defense looks to be inexhaustible and there cannot be enough books dedicated to it. This book takes a step in the direction of revitalizing our favorite opening! The aut

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Book SynopsisFor many chess-players, opening study is pure hard work. It is difficult to know what is important and what is not, and when specific knowledge is vital, or when a more general understanding is sufficient. Tragically once the opening is over, a player is puzzled what plan to follow, or even understand why his pieces are on the squares on which they sit.Our author GM Dariusz Swiercz, continued in the second Volume of his series, and explains in a methodological way how to solve these issues when White proceeds with 3.Nf3 and g3.He picked some aggressive options with the Ragozin and brings the ever-popular Catalan to a stand still. Any chess player being Black would be much interested to find out how Dariusz decided on his final choices. We are convinced you won’t be disappointed with his second and final volume of this series.

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Book SynopsisThe Grunfeld Defence is one of the most dynamic openings for Black. The opening was developed by two famous World Champions, namely Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov. While theory is far from being exhausted and still developing, our author Grandmaster Milos Pavlovic made a strange case and found new alternatives to battle White''s setups. On top this book cuts through the dense theory that surrounds this opening and establishes a total new repertoire based around consistent strategies, concepts and novelties.This is a fully revised and seriously extended edition of the original book published in 2017.

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Book Synopsis

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