Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #183996 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Synopsis
Written by a young Grand Master, this introduction to chess strategy is aimed primarily at players for whom a game plan is utterly enigmatic. By isolating the basic elements and illustrating them through a selection of Master and Grand Master games, Simple Chess breaks down the mystique of s

Customer Reviews

Simply the best introduction to positional play and strategy
The worst thing about this book is its title, which gives the impression it is for beginners and an experienced player can learn nothing from it. On the contrary, I had been playing for about 15 years when I read it and it gave a big and permanent boost to my game. It explained and clearly made sense of various strategic concepts that I'd seen in different books but hadn't understood as a coherent whole. The chapter titles say it all; outposts (strong squares), weak pawns, open files, half-open files and minority attacks, dark and light squares, and space. Numerous well-annotated games demonstrate how the ideas work in practice. The book majors more on structural aspects and chess as a science than on dynamic aspects and chess as an art or a fight, somewhat reflecting its author's playing style; but there are plenty of books on these other aspects. Short and to the point, it makes difficult concepts seem simple. Full marks to the publishers for reissuing it; opening theory may come and go, but this never goes out of date.

Great intro to chess strategy
Although written using descriptive notation I strongly recommend this book to any chess player beginning to switch from tactical play to understanding strategy. The points are made directly and clearly using excellent example games. After reading and playing through this book you should have a better understanding of what is being fought for in master games. Not a lot of pages but they are full of dynamite information. Reading his comments on the Ruy Lopez had the same effect as the cartoon lightbulb - I SEE!

This new edition is in algebraic
I'd just like to add to the previous review by pointing out that this new edition of the book is in algebraic notation, so is ideal for juniors (and adults!) from around 100 ECF / 1400 Elo upwards.