Can I Take It?: An Introduction to the Counting Tactic in Chess

by Laura Smith, Dan Heisman

You've learned the rules of chess and how the pieces move. Now what? You take your opponent's pieces, that's what! But as you may have experienced in your games, taking the wrong pieces - or taking with the wrong piece - can backfire horribly. That's where this course comes in. Can I take it? A Beginner's Guide to Capturing in Chess teaches you the most basic skills of chess tactics and strategy. You won't just learn if you can take an opponent's piece. You'll also learn how to take that piece - which can make the difference between winning and losing a game! In particular, you'll learn how to easily evaluate every piece trade you make. You'll also learn how to count attackers and defenders - and when it doesn't matter! This book will greatly improve your chances of winning - by starting to capture your opponent's pieces! Laura Smith is an accomplished chess player and teacher. Once the top-rated 13-year-old in the United States, she became a regular participant in several U.S. Women's Championships. She is now a teacher and runs a chess club in Brooklyn in the United States.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025