Concise Chess: The Compact Guide for Beginners

by John Emms

Beginning with the very basics, this pocket-sized book is a step-by-step guide to learning chess. Assuming no prior knowledge, Grandmaster John Emms steers readers through all the crucial aspects of learning the the rules, the pieces, check and checkmate, chess notation, how to win material, attacking and defending, and the opening, middlegame, and endgame. From this book, chess players will acquire the confidence and knowledge they need to tackle an opponent over the board.
*A pocket-sized book ideal for beginners
*Written by a distinguished chess author
*All the main topics are covered

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

Reviews

[Pooria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was far by the best beginners chess book I've read. The first 6 chapters were pretty much basic; anyone who has played chess even once in his life should know them. The chess pieces and pretty much how the game works. They're like the rules of the game. But the next 6 chapters were great. The different checkmating patterns (e.g. Queen and King, 2 rooks and King...) all explained with great details were quite informative. And the attacking tactics and the counter-attacks in the next chapter were great. You know how to attack and now you must learn how to defend. The book teaches you that in an interesting way. What I really liked were the opening games explained, I was always curious about those and this was the best introduction to the openings that I've read till now. And the conclusion was the same as most chess books which they refer you to your local chess clubs and practice more to get better, that kind of stuff.
Overall, I recommend reading this for any beginner players