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Chess in a Nutshell

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Chess in a Fred Chess in a A Perma FIRST First Edition Thus, 2nd Printing (September 1960). Not price-clipped. Published by C, 1999. 12mo. Paperback. Code of M4157 on cover and spine. Book is very good. Covers have some light shelf wear. 100% positive feedback. 30 day money back guarantee. NEXT DAY SHIPPING! Excellent customer service. Please email with any questions. All books packed carefully and ship with free delivery confirmation/tracking. All books come with free bookmarks. Ships from Sag Harbor, New York.Seller 356743 Pulp Paperbacks We Buy Books! Collections - Libraries - Estates - Individual Titles. Message us if you have books to sell!

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

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About the author

Fred Reinfeld

408 books19 followers

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5 stars
12 (25%)
4 stars
12 (25%)
3 stars
19 (40%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
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2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Steven Peterson.
Author 19 books323 followers
March 27, 2010
4 stars for a beginner, not so many if you are more advanced. However, I read this when I was in college as I became more interested in chess and it served a useful purpose for me.

First, it simply notes the "basic rules of chess," such as the pieces and the board, rules of moving, captures, and so on. For a starter book, this serves well. Chapter 2 is how one records chess moves. I used to chart some chess matches, since it might get later at night and we would complete the game the next day; having a record of moved was most helpful!. The third chapter focuses on "winning methods," basic checkmates, relative value of pieces, etc.

For me, Chapter 4 was critical--openings. Pawn to King 4 (or, as noted, P-K4) was my norm, whether Black or White. Other rules here: develop pieces quickly; don't waste time; avoid self-limiting moves; don't neglect safety of the King (page 75). One way of accomplishing these goals is to understand basic openings. Some that I used when I was White--Evans Gambit, Giuoco Piano, and Ruy Lopez. When Black? I often used the safe and cautious Caro-Kann (as Reinfeld says, "safe, stodgy, and respectable. Play it against formidable opponents."). Sometimes, I would use the Sicilian. Very occasionally, the Nimzoindian. . . .

There are also chapters on middle game play and the endgame.

All in all, this was a fine resource for me as I first started trying my hand at chess. . . .
138 reviews
August 20, 2024
This would be a good for beginners.

Razor says cats play excellent chess - either push the pieces over the side or lay down on the board.
Profile Image for Fredrick Danysh.
6,844 reviews194 followers
December 17, 2013
Chess is a challenging and thought provoking game that teaches tactics and strategy. Reinfeld helps grasp the basics of the game.
5 reviews
April 4, 2021
A masterwork in chess and pedagogy. The best book a beginner can use to learn the fundamentals of chess, and worth a refresher for intermediate level players too.
Profile Image for Chris.
782 reviews10 followers
December 11, 2024
I read this book in elementary school and it taught me to play chess.

I have been playing chess since and it is a great way to learn the game.
98 reviews
March 16, 2025
Great intro for a chess beginner. Quickly got into YouTube videos and chess apps after but this was a nice start to learning the basic fundamentals of chess.
Profile Image for Alex.
121 reviews
April 10, 2017
This is really good if you're just starting out. A lot of good advice for beginners or for those that need a refresher.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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