Chess Strategy for Beginners: Winning Maneuvers to Master the Game

by Jessica Era Martin

Learn how to think three moves ahead

Chess is a complex and challenging game—but that’s what makes it so much fun. And this chess book for beginners doesn’t just teach you the rules. From the Queen’s Gambit to the Scholar’s Mate, you’ll learn how to execute the most effective strategies and become a worthy chess opponent.

What sets this book apart from other chess strategy

A beginner’s guide—Jump right into the game even if you’ve never played before, with an overview of the board setup, the game mechanics, and the role of each piece.Winning techniques—Examine 30 gameplay tactics, complete with illustrations, that will help you plan your attack and play your way toward checkmate.Practice games—Try sample chess scenarios that challenge you to come up with the next move and sharpen your skills even further.e

Make your opening move with Chess Strategy for Beginners.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction, Reference

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2022

Reviews

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chess Strategy for Beginners by Jessica Era Martin is a concise, well-structured, and engaging guide that offers a perfect entry point into the complex and beautiful world of chess. As someone who is learning how to play and simultaneously fascinated by the symbolic depth of the game, I found this book both practical and creatively inspiring.

The book is broken down into three accessible sections: 10 opening strategies, 10 middle game tactics, and 10 endgame techniques—making the learning process feel both manageable and rewarding. My favorite among the openings was The Queen’s Gambit—a timeless classic that’s not only strategically rich but also metaphorically powerful. The way Martin breaks it down, even a beginner can feel confident enough to try it on the board.

The middle game strategies helped me start thinking several moves ahead, while the endgame section gave me tools to finish strong—both in the game and in how I mentally approach challenges. Martin’s tone is welcoming, never condescending, and she does a great job simplifying concepts without dumbing them down.

As an artist who often uses chess pieces as symbols in my work, I found the structure of the book mirrored the arc of a narrative: setup, conflict, and resolution. It deepened my understanding of chess not just as a game, but as a language of control, risk, and intention—exactly the kind of metaphorical fuel I love weaving into my visual art.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the game or an artist seeking symbolic insight, this book offers value on multiple levels. It’s a small but mighty tool to help you think more like a chess player—on and off the board.


Perfect for beginners and creative thinkers who want to blend strategy with self-expression.

[Beau · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone. The title is a big misnomer. It has numerous mistakes. The pedagogy is horrible (the order of topics is jumbled and confused). It's difficult to read because it attempts to avoid writing any analysis using chess notation, even though it teaches said notation and uses it occasionally. That said, if you already know how to play chess and have played several games but are still a beginner, you may get a little bit out of this book if you are persistent and very patient.

[Brooke Rousseau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not necessarily for beginner beginners lol a lot of terminology for someone who’s trying to get the jist. Came back to this book after I had a better understanding of the game and it was much more useful.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly for beginners and novices looking to get better. I don't play a lot so I could not finish the book.

[Jocelyn Martinez]

I still suck at chess but it was a good read

[Fatima TheGreat]

I am still confused. Sigh.