Learning Chess - Workbook Step 1

The Steps Method Learning Chess Workbooks #1

by Rob Brunia, Cor van Wijgerden

Steps Method workbook 1 is the first book in the series of 6 steps. Suitable for age 6+ (younger children should try the stepping stones books first). In the first step all the rules of chess are introduced with much attention to the development of the basic skills, necessary to play chess. Comparing with other books for beginners the step-by-step method introduces an unique sequence of teaching material. 12 diagrams per page

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction

56 pages, Board Book

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Beau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the instructor's manual, the basic workbook, and the workbook plus for step 1 of this famous Dutch chess training program.

These books/workbooks were not written for self-study. They are meant to be supplemented by a chess instructor and chess classes that include individual attention, hands-on activities, and playing lots of chess games. However, if you're an adult improver like me, you can still get a lot out of these books. If you are self-learning, you may need to get the manuals as they provide some instructional material and detailed directions for the workbook exercises. The workbook answers are also in the manual, but you can find them online too.

I found the materials to be a little sloppy and incomplete in presentation, but the abundance of exercises and ideas will certainly improve your skills. It seems to me that the Workbook Plus is essential to complete your understanding of Step 1. It's not just a repeat of the basic workbook. Also, I think the Step 1 workbooks are a bit too hard for newcomers to the game. There should be a lot more basic practice. However, this can be addressed by a chess instructor and classes. Also, keep in mind that the authors recommend that students (children) study and practice Step 1 for at least a whole year before moving on.

Looking ahead at the content of the further steps (there are 6 steps in this training program), it seems to be quite comprehensive. The program claims to be able to get you to a rating of 2100 FIDE. I did research that the Netherlands has a lot of grandmasters per capita, and most of them were taught chess through this particular training program. So, I'm eager to complete all six steps. As a more advanced player, I don't mind starting from the beginning. I have already learned a few new ways of thinking from step 1. It only took me about 10 days to read the manual and complete all exercises in both of the step 1 workbooks I've mentioned. I did get a few problems wrong here and there.

[Luca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leuk en verhelderend met oefeningen. 2 a 3 oefeningen leken niet te kloppen

[Pablo Javier · Rating 5 out of 5]

El mejor metodo