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How To Play Chess For Beginners: Tips & Strategies To Win At Chess
Are you interested in learning to play chess? Learn everything you wanted to know about chess including: The basic rules How to setup the board Chess terminology An overview of the 3 stages of chess Basic checkmates Simple strategies to win at chess And much more.
118 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2014
77 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 10, 2020
I rated this book two stars because I did pick up a few tips and tricks that will be helpful, but overall, it’s not a good book for true beginners.
I grew up playing chess, so I knew how the pieces moved, but when it comes to strategy, I knew next to nothing. I picked up this book hoping to get a refresher/confirmation on how the pieces move (which I got) and then learn some basic strategies. After reading this book, I know just a smidge more, but for the most part, it wasn’t that helpful.
For one, I struggled to follow the diagrams. This book is printed in black and white yet the description of the diagrams mentions things being color-coded. I was able to figure it out for the most part, but it would have been much easier if it was printed in color. The text also moves very quickly into using jargon and doesn’t spend enough time explaining the thinking behind the moves. I could follow what was being done, but I need to have the thought processes explained fully. This book will not give you that.
I feel like I could revisit this book and get much more out of it once I’m more used to the jargon and can follow the thought processes, but then, I won’t truly be a beginner. The main issue I have with the book is the title; it’s not truly “for beginners.”
I grew up playing chess, so I knew how the pieces moved, but when it comes to strategy, I knew next to nothing. I picked up this book hoping to get a refresher/confirmation on how the pieces move (which I got) and then learn some basic strategies. After reading this book, I know just a smidge more, but for the most part, it wasn’t that helpful.
For one, I struggled to follow the diagrams. This book is printed in black and white yet the description of the diagrams mentions things being color-coded. I was able to figure it out for the most part, but it would have been much easier if it was printed in color. The text also moves very quickly into using jargon and doesn’t spend enough time explaining the thinking behind the moves. I could follow what was being done, but I need to have the thought processes explained fully. This book will not give you that.
I feel like I could revisit this book and get much more out of it once I’m more used to the jargon and can follow the thought processes, but then, I won’t truly be a beginner. The main issue I have with the book is the title; it’s not truly “for beginners.”
March 30, 2025
Not recommended - haphazardly put together without much pedagogical thought.
Rules of the game + a *list* of openings and endgames with minimum of commentary or explanation plus a few vague notes on tactics and midgame.
Very light on tips... rather than focusing on principles it shows examples without much of a pedagogical plan.
Rules of the game + a *list* of openings and endgames with minimum of commentary or explanation plus a few vague notes on tactics and midgame.
Very light on tips... rather than focusing on principles it shows examples without much of a pedagogical plan.
December 9, 2018
Great book to start with
April 17, 2020
I am a student in chess. But, I want to teach my friends. So, I would like to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2014
This book is a huge resource for anyone learning how to play, and win at chess. The book first teaches the basic setup and rules of the game but does so in great detail. You then learn some good strategies to improve and win at the game. My favorite chapter however was the one on chess terminology, it really catches you up on so much if you are a beginner to the game. From this book I was also able to find this blog www.chessblog.info which has amazing information on the game, strategies, and tips to get better. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to learn about chess, get better, or learn some strategies to win more often.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews