Toys, Puzzles & Games Books

Book SynopsisHow a New York Times bestselling author and New Yorker contributor parlayed a strong grasp of the science of human decision-making and a woeful ignorance of cards into a life-changing run as a professional poker player, under the wing of a legend of the gameMaria Konnikova had never actually played poker before and didn't even know the rules when she approached Erik Seidel Poker Hall of Fame inductee, winner of tens of millions of dollars in earnings and asked him to be her mentor. She had faced a stretch of personal bad luck, and her reflections on the role of chance in her life had pointed her to poker as the ultimate master class in learning to distinguish what can be controlled and what can't. Seidel was in, and soon Konnikova was down the rabbit hole with him, a journey that would lead her to the following year's World Series of Poker.Then something extraordinary happened. Under Seidel's guidance, Konnikova began to have many epiphanies about life that derived from her new pursuit, including how to better read not just her opponents but far more importantly herself. She found her way to making better decisions and to a place where she could accept luck for what it is, and what it isn't. But she also began to win. She even learned to like Las Vegas.In the end, Konnikova is a student of human behaviour, and ultimately the point of her incredible adventure was to render it into a container for its invaluable lessons. The biggest bluff of all, she learned is that skill is enough. This is a book that will focus your mind and strengthen your hand.Trade Review‘Beguiling … One part quest to one part behavioural science book, The Biggest Bluff is accessible even to non-poker-players … Konnikova is a good writer and hellishly bright’ The Times ‘Maria Konnikova asked if diligence, intelligence and training could conquer chance, bluff and mind games — and the answer was a triumphant yes. A welcome story for a generation questioning the ‘work hard and prosper’ promise of the American dream’ Spectator ‘As someone who has read almost every piece of literature on poker, I can say that The Biggest Bluff is the best depiction yet of the game I love, and the invaluable thinking skills it teaches. This is not a book that will teach you how to play your Ace–Queen out of position against a laggy villain (although it will teach you what that means). But it will show you how to play the game of life more effectively. Konnikova’s is an uplifting zero-to-hero journey that will raise a smile in these trying times’ Nature.com 'A brilliant book mostly because Konnikova is a brilliant writer, but also because she is a brilliant observer of the weird world she has immersed herself into … She is also an excellent chronicler of the gender dynamics around a poker table…enthralling…’ Telegraph ‘The narrative is so gripping that you might get halfway through before you even notice that you’re getting a master class in learning, focus, and decision-making. I tore through it in two sittings, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.’ David Epstein, author of Range ‘A page-turning adventure . . . What makes The Biggest Bluff so unique is its honesty and humility. It understands the importance of luck and uncertainty – and how different they look when we’re suddenly facing high-stakes, life-altering decisions.’Nate Silver, founder an editor-in-chief, FiveThirtyEight

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Book SynopsisA dynamic two-player card game of competitive area control, careful planning, and very hungry bears.Every summer, dozens of ravenous brown bears descend upon the majestic Brooks River in the Katmai region of Alaska. Here they gorge themselves on its summer bounty of salmon that swim up the beautiful, glacial-fed rivers of the Alaskan wilderness.In Katmai, you will be playing bears to advantageous fishing spots along Brooks River in order to gain dominance, satisfy challenges and catch delicious salmon. As the fishing spots fill up, you will need to choose your bears carefully, triggering unique abilities that will allow you to take advantage of situations and outwit your hungry opponent. Katmai weaves together simple mechanics with rich decision making to create an experience that is contemplative, competitive, and tense. Winter approaches and the wilderness is yours. It''s time to feast!Players: 2Ages: 14+Playing

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Book SynopsisWhy is it that the human brain so often refuses to consider winning chess tactics? Every chess fan marvels at the wonderful combinations with which famous masters win their games. How do they find those fantastic moves? Do they have special vision? And why do computers outwit us tactically? Forcing Chess Moves proposes a revolutionary method for finding winning moves. Charles Hertan has made an astonishing discovery: the failure to consider key moves is often due to human bias. Your brain tends to disregard many winning moves because they are counter-intuitive or look unnatural. Its a fact of life: computers outdo us humans when it comes to tactical vision and brute force calculation. So why not learn from them? Charles Hertans radically different approach is: use COMPUTER EYES and always look for the most forcing move first. By studying forcing sequences according to Hertans method you will: Develop analytical precision; Improve your tactical vision; Overcome human bias and staleness; Enjoy the calculation of difficult positions; Win more games by recognizing moves that matter. This New and Extended Fourth Edition of Hertans award-winning modern classic includes 50 extra pages with new and instructive combinations. There is a foreword by three-time US chess champion Joel Benjamin, and a special foreword to this new edition by Swedish Grandmaster Pontus Carlsson. Charles Hertan is a FIDE master from Massachusetts with several decades of experience as a chess coach. He is the author of the bestselling Power Chess for Kids series.

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Book SynopsisThe Know the Game series is firmly established as the leading introduction to a huge range of sports and games.For 50 years they have been the first step into a new sport or game for many people, children and adults alike. The series has now been relaunched in a new format with a modern design - making the best even better. The aim has been to make the books more accessible, and they are now packed with colour photos and illustrations, top tips and interesting facts.Each book contains everything you need to know about the sport or game, including equipment, rules, techniques and training tips. There''s even information on how to find a club and meet new people to play the sport or game with.And having been written and endorsed by the game''s professional body, you can be sure that you are getting the best information available.Table of ContentsFOREWORD Introduction, Collecting tiles, BMJA rules THE HISTORY OF MAH-JONG Origins, Arrival in the West Mah-Jong today, National differences THE MAH-JONG SET The tiles, The suits The Winds, The Dragons, The Flowers and Seasons Plain tiles and jokers, Dice, Tallies Wind discs Racks, Materials and engravings Mah-Jong cards PRELIMINARIES Choosing the winds and seating positions, Starting play Building the wall, Breaking the wall The deal, The kong box THE GAME A pung, A kong, A chow Play – the first move, Play continues Declaring a kong, Calling or fishing, Precedence Robbing the kong, The goulash The prevailing wind, Minor, major and honour tiles Bouquets, Original call GOING MAH-JONG Conditions for declaring Mah-Jong SCORING Basic scoring units, Bonus points, Going Mah-Jong bonus points Doubling, Score limits Settling up, Example of a completed hand Completed hand: example 2 SPECIAL HANDS Recognised combinations PENALTIES Incorrect hands, False naming of discards, False declaration of Mah-Jong, Incorrect call Letting off a cannon TACTICS AND ETIQUETTE Luck or skill?, Adaptability, Changes through a game Rack arrangement, Defensive play, Offensive play, General tactics, Etiquette BRITISH TOURNAMENT AND OTHER RULES Tournament rules, The BMJA and other rules National differences MAH-JONG TODAY International competitions, Manga comics, Movies Collecting antique sets MAH-JONG ONLINE Merchandise, Epilepsy Doubling Table Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Alex's Adventures in Numberland and Can You Solve My Problems? comes a fascinating, hugely entertaining collection of puzzles for crossword addicts and language-lovers of all stripes. 'The only puzzle book I've seen that manages to befuddle both sides of the brain at the same time.'DARA Ó BRIAIN'Such fun, full of unexpected ideas and charmingly written.'TIM HARFORDThe Language Lover's Puzzle Book is a book of more than 100 surprising and entertaining puzzles that celebrate the amazing diversity of the world of words and language.Featuring a huge variety of ancient, modern and even invented languages, this collection of problems will introduce you to unusual alphabets and scripts, curious vocabularies and phonologies, and global variations in simple behaviours like counting, telling the time, and naming children.Whether you are a crossword solver, a code-breaker or a Scrabble addict, these puzzles are guaranteed to twist your tongue and sharpen your mind.'Alex Bellos is a dazzling polymath whose cleverness and ingenuity are on full display in this utterly brilliant and original collection of linguistic puzzles. This book is destined to be a classic for puzzle lovers.'JOSHUA FOER, co-founder of Atlas Obscura and author Moonwalking with Einstein'An irresistible linguistic workout - challenging and deeply satisfying.'GASTON DORREN, author of Lingo and Babel'For all the language and puzzle fans in your life!' GRETCHEN McCULLOCH'A cornucopia of ingenious and insightful challenges.' DAVID CRYSTAL'This compendium of puzzles is a great idea.' MICHAEL ROSEN'You'll love what Alex Bellos has done here.' GYLES BRANDRETH'Tantalisting.' THE ECONOMIST'The perfect way to pass the time.' BBC SCIENCE FOCUS

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Book SynopsisA massive 300 codeword puzzles packaged in a stylish paperback - this is the perfect codeword gift book for adults of any age. With a mix of 100 easy, 100 medium and 100 hard puzzles, the 13 x 13 grids are each arranged on their own page and solutions are easily found in the back of the book. Printed in a highly portable format, the book can be taken on your travels or sit neatly on your bedside table.

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Book SynopsisThis single-sided 1000 piece puzzle features a stunning seaside aerial photograph from Gray''s best-selling collection, À la Plage. Gray Malin puzzles are the perfect gift for puzzle and fine art photography enthusiasts alike.• Puzzle dimensions: 27 x 20, 505 x 686mm• Box dimensions: 8.25 x 11.25 x 2, 210 x 286 x 51mm• Includes Puzzle Image Insert• Minimal Puzzle Dust• Ribbon cut

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Book SynopsisThe Assassin's Creed Escape Room Puzzle Book is an exciting journey through history in which you must solve a series of puzzles and mysteries to save humanity. You are Joey, a museum worker who comes across a mysterious blade that sets in motion a chain of events that completely upends your life. Drawn into the world of the Assassins, you must tour through time and space – from 5th century BCE Greece to the catacombs of medieval Venice – in order to foil a malevolent Isu plot.Featuring characters and locations familiar to fans of the Assassin's Creed franchise and written by an experienced real-life escape-room creator, this immersive escape-room experience is both visually exciting and a difficult puzzle quest.Can you solve the conundrums and reveal the Isu plan in time to save the world?

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Book SynopsisPlunge head-first into this humorous adult activity book - full of jokes, puzzles and trivia - which celebrates life''s most up-standing appendage: cockGet ready for the ride of your life - figuratively speaking, of course!Whether you prefer the term love rocket or disco stick, tent pole or pork sword, in this spunky little book, everyone''s favourite member is the star of the show.With the games and activities in these pages, you can now have more fun with cock than ever before. You will: - Bone up on your cock trivia- Tickle your fancy with a raft of dick-tacular jokes- Test your head with counting conundrums and penis puzzles. - Complete the colouring pages to find your creative release. - Reveal more dirty terms for a boner than you ever dreamed was possible.So, what are you waiting for? Come and see if you can pull it off! Cock has surely never been so much fun.

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Book Synopsis*70 BRAIN-TEASING FAMILY PUZZLES*''Brilliant'' G.T. Karber, author of MURDLE''A lot of fun especially if shared'' ***** Amazon reader review''We had great fun as a family trying to puzzle these out'' ***** Amazon reader reviewEveryone else gets these seemingly simple puzzles wrong.Will you and your friends beat Alex Bellos, creator of the Guardian''s Monday Puzzle, at his own game?I'm a sucker for Alex Bellos's books they're just such fun' Tim HarfordAlex Bellos knows better than anyone that the puzzles we find irresistible are the ones that deceive us. Those that seem blindingly, obviously simple and yet we can't help but get wrong.These 70 confounding puzzles which Alex has scoured from across psychology, mathematics, statistics, physics, geography, the science of perception and more are guaranteed to catch you and your friends off guard. But why are you getting them wrong? And how can you get them right?Alex delights in tripping us up before righting through explanations for how these puzzles work, the biases holding us back: and how to train your brain to avoid being hoodwinked again.THINK TWICE is an exhilarating family game to play for adults and kids alike. So, pit yourself against Alex''s puzzles or play quiz master to friends and family - either way, you''re in for a mind-boggling treat!Think once and you will stumble.Think twice and you are in with a chance.Now that you've been warned, can you prove Alex wrong?

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Book Synopsis'A collection of favourite half-remembered lines and phrases from school days' – The Times____________________You may remember the famous opening lines, 'Tyger tyger, burning bright'? and 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' but would you be able to name the poems or the poets? The English language is jam-packed with wonderful verses that we've all heard at some point, but probably forgotten. I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud helps us remember all those long-forgotten poems that we were taught at school, together with short biographies of the poets and introductions to the poems themselves. This well-rounded poetry anthology features such greats as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Shelley, Coleridge, Kipling, Heaney and Yeats, the poems you may have once learned and others that have informed our everyday speech. Complete with a masterly index that allows readers to search not just by first lines, but by well-known phrases, I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud is a perfect addition to any poetry lover's collection.Trade ReviewA collection of favourite half-remembered lines and phrases from school days * The Times *Featuring poets from Chaucer to Shakespeare, Auden to Plath, the book includes all the 'greatest hits' * Guardian.co.uk *Once you dip in and start you won't be able to stop...a wonderful anthology * Tribune *Sampson's enlightening collection offers a wide variety of poems, each enhanced by background material that lends useful context. From Shakespeare to Shelley, Blake to Brooke, anyone who loves poetry or appreciates the inherent richness of the English language will find much to relish * The Good Book Guide *This is an excellent collection of all those poems that you perhaps only half remember. Not only are there some of the most important poems in the language, but also potted biographies and an index of famous lines for those post-prandial 'guess the poem' quizzes. The perfect stocking filler * Choice Magazine *Complete with an inspired and invaluable index which allows readers to search not just by first lines, but by well-known phrases, this superb book is the perfect addition to any poetry lover's collection * Lancashire Evening Post *If you have a favourite poem you'll probably find it in I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, which contains some of the nation's best-loved offerings. The book also contains lots of interesting facts about poets and there's an index to help you search by a poem's most famous line * Co-Operative Magazine *Poetry fans will love I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud... dip into this treasure-trove of the nation's best loved poems and read about the writers behind them * Bon Marche *A great collection for any poetry lover... highly recommended for readers of all ages * Book a Poet *

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Book SynopsisPiece together the iconic cover art from Dungeons & Dragons'' Fifth Edition of the Dungeon Master’s Guide with this stunning puzzle featuring the powerful lich Acererak.This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle memorializes The Lich Lord for dungeon masters and players alike. A towering skeletal figure of darkness, Acererak looms over the multiverse, ready to devour mortal souls on his everlasting search for power. With a finished size of 20 x 27 inches, The Lich Lord Puzzle promises hours of fun for D&D players, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world.

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Book SynopsisThe American Civil War has intrigued millions of readers for 150 years. But how much do we know about the real lives of Americans on the battlefields and in trenches and winter quarters when the sodiers has a respite from combat? Civil War Trivia looks inside the conflict to examine the many fascinating and heartrending stories about this great war.

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Book SynopsisThe Birds of the World 1000 Piece Puzzle from Galison features the colorful botanical paper sculptures of Colombian paper artist and sculptor, Diana Beltrán Herrera. 15 intricate bird paper scrulptures their country are shown on postage stamps. Galison puzzles are packaged in matte-finish sturdy boxes, perfect for gifting, reuse, and storage.• Puzzle Size: 27 x 20, 505 x 686mm• Box: 8.25 x 11.25 x 2, 210 x 286 x 51mm• Includes Puzzle Image Insert• Minimal Puzzle Dust• Ribbon Cut Pieces

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Book SynopsisSeven years after his acclaimed and bestselling The Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White, Grandmaster Larry Kaufman is back with his new repertoire book, covering the entire scope of chess openings for both White and Black, in one volume. Two important developments made this new book necessary. Larry Kaufman, who himself routinely plays the lines he advocates to others, discovered that after 1.d4 (the recommendation in his previous book) it became nearly impossible to show a consistent advantage for White, especially against the Grünfeld and Nimzo/Ragozin defenses. The other factor was that chess engines have become so much stronger. Larry Kaufman presents a completely new White repertoire with 1.e4 aiming for an objective advantage in the simplest practical manner. You are presented with two options, while you dont have to play the sharpest lines. The Black repertoire has been thoroughly revised and updated, and three new chapters have been added. Kaufmans New Repertoire for Black and White is the first opening book that is primarily based on Monte Carlo search. The highly original analysis has resulted in loads of improvements on existing theory. This is a lucidly explained, ready-to-go and easy-to-digest repertoire with sound, practical lines that do not outdate rapidly and are suitable for masters while perfectly accessible for amateurs.Trade ReviewKaufman isn't fobbing the public off with Mickey Mouse sidelines. He keeps things simple, but lucid. The book serves a purpose and does this very well. I have been hunting for something like this for a while. Thanks, Mr. Kaufman, my search is over! Grandmaster Glenn Flear, on The Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White by Larry Kaufman

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Book SynopsisBe inspired by nature and play the card game suited for all.Team up the component parts of a tree - from the leaf, flower and fruit plus the tree itself to form a tree family!Discover eleven of the most beautiful flowering, fruiting trees with Ryuto Miyake's stunning, detailed illustrations and text about each tree written by the Head of the Arboretum at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.See which of your friends knows the most about nature! Take the time to learn the different components and see if you can identify the trees next time you're outside!Based on Happy Families, this game will inspire you take in nature's surroundings and understand all the elements that make up the worlds beautiful trees.UNIQUE: A beautifully boxed card game for 2-5 players based on Happy FamiliesBEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED: Collect all four components of tree families across 44 beautifully illustrated cards. Keep this safe within the wonderfully illustrated box measuring 115 x 90 x 35mmFUN & COLOURFUL: Each card has been illustrated by Ryuto Miyake, illustrator of Animal Mah-jongHIGHEST QUALITY: These educational cards have been carefully considered and written by the Head of Arborteum at the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew.GIFT: If you're looking for the perfect family gift, Tree Families is the ultimate for learning and having fun!Other similar Laurence King Publishing titles include: Fashion Families, Flower Families, Super Happy Families and Wonder Women

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Book SynopsisGo down the rabbit hole and create your own adventures in Wonderland with this curiouser and curiouser 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. From the Mad Hatter''s tea party to the Jabberwocky poem, the Cheshire Cat and Tweedledum and Tweedledee, rediscover all the best characters, memorable scenes and cultural references from the Alice stories with this beautifully surreal and surprising jigsaw. Alice fans young and old will delight in the fun facts and interesting insights behind the stories with the accompanying fold-out poster.

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Book SynopsisThis is the perfect book for fans of Journal 29, and those who want to re-create an exciting escape-room experience in their own home! Escape Room Puzzles is perfect for reading with your family and friends, and it contains ten intricate escape rooms to solve in your living room. Become Adam Parkinson, a young investigative journalist, and join his conspiracy-theorist friend Henry Fielding as they take on the diabolical Wexell Corporation. You must guide Adam through ten precarious rooms, solving the puzzles he finds in each one, discovering what Wexell are up to, and then escaping to the next location. Written by an expert escape room creator, Escape Room Puzzles can be enjoyed either on your own or played as a group. The story takes you from Adam's apartment in London to an ancient ruin buried under a Spanish city... and beyond. There are a wide variety of puzzle types, including traditional puzzles on the page and more interactive puzzles that involve paper-crafting. Table of ContentsTen rooms, each containing a number of puzzles, interactive elements and artworks. Hints in three different difficulty levels and solutions are included.

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Book SynopsisAn update of the best selling Book of Questions, this revised book poses over 300 questions that invite people to explore the most fascinating of subjects: themselves. It's a book that can be used as an avenue for personal growth, a tool for deepening relationships, a way to get to know someone quickly, or simply as a fun way to pass the time.

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Book SynopsisThe perfect stocking filler for lovers of Bridge.When you open this little book, the state secrets of the game of bridge lie in your hands. They cover everything you need to know to go from being a bridge beginner to an international mastermind!The book is split into short, concise and easy-to-follow tips that will help to improve all aspects of your game and strategy. They reveal how to play a good defensive hand, how to devise a bidding system, what you can read from an opponent's play, plus lots more.The beautifully decorated pages and luxury pocket style make this book something a little bit special. With it by your side you'll always come up trumps!

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Book SynopsisIn Discovering Chess Openings John Emms argues that studying openings doesn't have to be hard work - it can be both enjoyable and enlightening. The key to successful opening play is not simply learning lines off by heart; instead it's the understanding of the basic principles, and here the reader is guided through the vital themes: swift development, central control and king safety.

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Book SynopsisIn The 1000 Dot-to-Dot Book: Cityscapes, Thomas Pavitte takes his incredible 1000 Dot-to-Dot series to the urban jungle.Tackle the iconic skylines and landmarks of Paris, New York, London, Venice and many more besides, and experience the cities of the world in a whole new way as each one comes to life beneath your pen.

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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. Bird's Opening, 1 f4, is an ideal choice for freethinking chess players who prefer to rely on their general chess knowledge and intuition rather than having to memorize and keep up to date with mainline opening theory. Bird's Opening is essentially the Dutch Defense with an extra move, and White can choose between a number of different set-ups, including the reversed Leningrad, Classical and Stonewall variations, depending on mood and opponents' responses. In this book, International Master Cyrus Lakdawala examines all the important variations of Bird's Opening, including the sharp From's Gambit. Using illustrative games, 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 successfully playing 1 f4. *Essential guidance and training with 1 f4*Provides a repertoire options for White*Utilizes an ideal approach to chess study

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Book SynopsisViktor Moskalenkos bestselling books The Flexible French (2008) and The Even More Flexible French (2015) were hailed by reviewers from all over the world as eye-opening, full of new ideas, easy to read, sparkling, and inspirational. Time has not stood still, and the popular French Defence has seen a lot of new developments, not in the last place thanks to Moskalenkos books. The Ukrainian grandmaster himself has kept playing and researching his beloved chess opening and decided to write a new book with countless improvements, alternatives, new ideas and fresh weapons that will delight and surprise the reader. As always, Moskalenkos analysis is high-level, yet his touch is light and fresh. In his own inimitable style, he whets the readers appetite and shares his love for the French with gusto. The wealth of original and dynamic options in every main line proves that the French continues to be a highly intriguing defence that is very much alive. The Fully-Fledged French is a typical Moskalenko book: practical, accessible, original, entertaining and inspiring.Trade Review"All French players wishing to refresh their repertoire should examine this work, both for new ideas in the main lines and some tricky surprise weapons." - CHESS Monthly"Accessible and inspirational, this is a book every 1 ..e6 player should have at the top of their shopping list." - Marsh Towers Chess Reviews"The book simply sparkles with original ideas and has convinced me to start playing the French again." - John Anderson, Correspondence Chess Magazine

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Book Synopsis200 brand new compelling and addictive word and number puzzles from The Times. Appearing daily in the newspaper, Codeword is the cracking alternative to Su Doku and Crosswords.The concept is simple: each number represents a letter, so, starting with the solved letters, use your logic and vocabulary to reveal more letters, form words, and then crack the code! The most difficult puzzles for top solvers contain no solved letters so you need to employ all your logical strategies to crack those.The Codeword series is so popular because you don't need any prior knowledge, unlike a crossword. You can just pick up a pen and get puzzling. It steadily increases your vocabulary, as the difficulty slowly grows as you progress through the book, and even though you'll be working your brain, it's the perfect way to unwind.

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Book SynopsisEVERYTHING TO PLAY FOR A NEW BOOK BY QI ELVES JAMES HARKIN AND ANNA PTASZYNSKI IS AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER NOW''I love these books ... the best books ever. Brilliant'' Chris Evans1,399 QI Facts To Make Your Jaw Drop by John Lloyd, John Mitchinson and James Harkin is packed with even more fascinating facts.Whilst you''re bending over to grab your socks following the succes of 1,227 QI Facts to Blow Your Socks Off, don''t forget pick up your jaw as the QI team returns with a fresh stack of facts to astonish and enlighten.Did you know that:Pigs suffer from anorexia.It is impossible to whistle in a spacesuit.The first computer mouse was made of wood.Rugby School''s first official rugby kit in 1871 included a bow tie.Lord Kitchener had four spaniels called Shot, Bang, Miss and Damn.J. K Rowling has no middle name.If there are

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Book SynopsisQuiz your family at home with crosswords, puzzles and games.The Times2 Jumbo Crossword is a super-sized challenge for crossword lovers, selected by the Times2 Crossword Editor John Grimshaw.The Times2 Jumbo Crossword appears weekly in the Saturday edition of The Times. The puzzles offer the same challenge as The Times2 daily crossword but the larger grid packs an extra punch!The clues are also a little more testing than the daily times2 crossword, to stretch the crossword enthusiast just a bit further, and provide hours of entertainment.

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Book SynopsisChallenge yourself at home with word and number puzzlesThis supremely challenging cryptic collection contains 50 jumbo-sized puzzles, conceived to really challenge your word skills.Selected by The Times'' Crossword Editor, Richard Browne, this original collection will challenge even the most experienced crossword buff.The ultimate and only jumbo cryptic crosswords available, these puzzles will allow you to give the grey matter a real workout. With unique grids of 23 x 23 squares (in comparison to the standard 15 x 15 grid), they require serious word power and cryptic puzzling skill.Put your linguistic prowess to the test with these quality puzzles from the Times' crossword writers.

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Book SynopsisLooking for the perfect way to while away an evening? Simply crack open your favourite bottle of vino and dive into The Wine Puzzle Book. Filled to the brim with wine-themed puzzles and trivia, this delightful activity book provides hours of entertainment for both connoisseurs and humble enthusiasts alike.

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Book SynopsisOver 90 large print puzzles, quizzes and activities to enjoy - this is the perfect mixed puzzle book for adults of any age.

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Book Synopsis1000 PIECE PUZZLE – Merry Market 1000 Piece Foil Puzzle by Galison illustrates the spirit of the holiday season with this wintry outdoor market scene, sparkling with gold foil accents. This puzzle is just the right level of challenge for the whole family to join in on for hours of puzzling fun! The box includes an insert with the full puzzle image for reference. BRIGHT AND BOLD ARTWORK – This puzzle features a charming Christmas market decorated with gifts and baked goods for the holidays. Puzzle lovers will appreciate all the delightful details as they piece together the puzzle, creating a beautiful display that will add a touch of charm and holiday elegance to any room. PERFECT FOR GIFTING – Whether you're looking for a fun activity for a rainy day or a unique gift for a loved one, this puzzle is sure to impress! With its intricate details and challenging design, this puzzle is perfect for anyone who loves the holiday season or Christmas markets. The puzzle's high quality artwork of a merry market makes it a beautiful and eye-catching addition to any home or office. EASY HANDLING – The 1000 ribbon cut puzzle pieces are thick and sturdy. The completed puzzle measures 27” x 20”. Puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper. Packaging contains 70% recycled paper and is made responsibly from FSC-certified material. Printed with nontoxic inks. GALISON – Since 1979, our vision at Galison has been to inspire people by bringing art into daily life with home office supplies, home décor, stationery, puzzles, and games.

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Book SynopsisBeing given yet another pointless ''man manual'' that told him fifty ways to tie a bow tie in under 30 seconds made James May, co-presenter of The Grand Tour, certain there was a need for another kind of book. This book, in fact. He reckons there are nine vital things that a chap should be able to do. Not stuff you can download from the internet, but really important things. You never know when you might need to land an A330 Airbus, or deliver twins. And there may well be a moment when being able to play a bit of classical music on the piano is absolutely crucial to your success with women. So read, learn and be prepared - you''ll wonder how you ever lived without it.Trade ReviewHis tongue-in-cheek technical explanations here will have you howling with laughter. * The Daily Telegraph *I'd give my 15-year-old son James May's How to Land an A330 Airbus... It's a really funny book. * Anthony Worral Thompson, Sunday Express S Magazine *Mandatory lavatory reading for a nation of men * Independent on CAR FEVER *'James May is the best thing ever to come out of Top Gear' * Radio Times *'Smart, sharply written' * Guardian on JAMES MAY'S MAGNIFICENT MACHINES *'The most loveable of the Top Gear presenting trio... there's a sharp and interesting mind under the corduroy. Fascinating.' * Nottingham Evening Post on JAMES MAY'S MAGNIFICENT MACHINES *

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Book SynopsisPerceptive coverage of all 210 games from the legendary tournament, which featured Smyslov, Keres, Reshevsky, Petrosian, and 11 others, including the author. Suitable for players at all levels. Algebraic notation. 352 diagrams.

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Book SynopsisThe idea of this book is to help build confidence with maths via a series of tests and puzzles. After a gentle ''warm-up'' section, the puzzles and tests get progressively more challenging over the course of the book. There is a hints section for readers who get stuck, as well as a complete set of answers for every test at the back of the book. After the ''warm-up'' section, there are puzzles and tests on ''lateral thinking'', ''fun with numbers'', ''logic puzzles'', ''geometrical puzzles'' and ''difficult puzzles''. Readers will soon become familiar and comfortable with a range of tricks and tests, from magic number squares to Fibonacci numbers.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Section 1: Puzzles, tricks and tests. Chapter 1: The work out. Chapter 2: Think laterally. Chapter 3: Test your numerical IQ. Chapter 4: Funumeration. Chapter 5: Think logically. Chapter 6: The logic of gambling and probability. Chapter 7: Geometrical puzzles. Chapter 8: Complexities and curiosities. Section 2: Hints, answers and explanations. Hints. Answers and explanations. Section 3: Glossary and data. Glossary. Data. Section 4: Appendices. Appendix 1: Fibonacci and nature's use of space. Appendix 2: Pi. Appendix 3: Topology and the Mobius strip.

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Book SynopsisGéza Ottlik had a remarkable talent for discovering and analysing strange and fascinating aspects of card play in bridge. This brilliant book is the result of his collaboration with Hugh Kelsey whose skill at high-level analysis of bridge problems was equalled only by his ability as a writer able to express complex ideas in simple prose.ADVENTURES IN CARD PLAY is regarded universally as one of the all-time great classics of bridge.

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Book SynopsisIf you ever sit by the elbow of a famous player, you will be surprised by many of the plays. What is going on in the great player''s mind? In this exciting new book by Britain''s top bridge writer, David Bird, and the world-renowned professional player, Martin Hoffman, you will find out!Twelve important areas of cardplay have been chosen, involving both declarer play and defence. For those not in the know, the various plays appear to be inspired. They are in fact the result of cold hard logic. Learn the correct thought processes yourself and - whatever you aspirations may be - your cardplay will improve significantly.

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Book SynopsisChallenge yourself at home with word and number puzzles The world’s most famous crossword – the first compilation in a brand-new series of The Times Crossword Book, with 80 puzzles to solve

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Book Synopsis The London Chess System is a solid and popular opening system for White that typically arises after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Bf4. - It''s characterized by the development of the bishop to f4, aiming to control the center and maintain a solid pawn structure.  The London System is known for its simplicity and flexibility, making it suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to grandmasters. - It often leads to strategic positions with plans revolving around controlling the center, developing the pieces harmoniously, and launching attacks on the opponent''s weaknesses.   White usually follows up with moves like e3, Nbd2, c3, and eventually aims for a kingside pawn storm or a queenside minority attack, depending on the opponent''s setup. The London System can be used as a surprise weapon or as a mainstay of one''s repertoire due to its versatility and ability to transpose into various pawn structures. - Despite its reputation for being solid and positional, the London System can lead to dynamic and aggressive play, especially in the hands of experienced players who know how to seize tactical opportunities. -  Black has several responses to the London System, including setups with ...c5, ...e6, ...Nbd7, ...b6, and ...Bg4, each posing different challenges and opportunities for both sides. -  Mastery of the London System requires understanding typical plans, pawn structures, and strategic ideas, as well as familiarity with common tactical motifs and nuances specific to this opening system.

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