The Right Way to Play Chess

by David Pritchard

Since its first publication in 1950, this chess guide has taught the game to generations of beginners, taking them to the standard expected of good club players. It gives full details of exactly how to play the game, explains basic theory and includes many examples of play.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction, Reference, Games

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

Reviews

[Mohamed Al Sayyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب جيد جداً للمبتدئين في لعبة الشطرنج

[Tom Ransohoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I learned the rules of chess at an early age, I never really knew how to play chess. So playing chess was usually a blind exercise in frustration. Reading this book really helped me better understand the game in a way that far surpassed anything else I'd done. Now I am able to play at a marginally competitive level and am enjoying learning more and more about the game as I meet with better and more experienced players. The edition I read also contains some helpful updates by Richard James. Although some of the material at the end is a bit dated, the core sections seem very sound and relatively timeless.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book did help my understanding of Chess, in terms of the importance, role, and value of the pieces. Beyond that, it didn't do much for me. I felt the 'beginner' title of the book was a misnomer. It is written originally by an expert in the field and beginners like me don't always learn most easily by studying diagrams and memorising moves. As a result, I felt I didn't get as much out of the book as I wanted to. Maybe I'll return to it when I've improved more.

[Fernando Muñoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un buen libro para abordar los aspectos fundamentales del juego y algunas cuestiones tácticas.

Personalmente me ayudó a comprender algunos aspectos y tener una pequeña mejoría en mi juego. Sin embargo, su redacción (posiblemente a razón de la traducción) en ocasiones resulta confusa. A pesar de ello lo recomendaría para los principiantes del juedo.

[Ben Lovegrove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Updated version of the classic chess manual first published in 1950.

[Maksim Golov · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could be good for a beginner in 1950s, but today it feels quite dated and cannot really compete with resources available online.

[Meghal Sivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for absolute beginners.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In their own words, taken uncharitably out of context, “the text is a waste of time”.
A frequently overwhelming book that left me with a newfound appreciation for the modern age when instructional videos and online tutorials are able to walk one through the rationales for each move, instead of just key moments, and explore alternatives in real-time rather than with paragraph long notations that, if you’re not adept at mentally keeping track of the board, will lead to a lot of painful retracing of steps.
It’s a brief book, which means it moves at breakneck speed through the basics of the history, pieces, rules, and phases of play (opening, middle, endgame) before finishing with some historic example games to replicate.
The author’s passion for the game shines through in some of the commentary, so as a historic artefact of a different time it’s an entertaining read - but only if you’re so inclined.
If I didn’t know of the existence of the internet I’d be able to recommend it more highly.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I ever read on chess.
Assumes no prior knowledge, guides the new player to a reasonable level.
Not the only book you'd need, but provides a good basis from which to work up.
Diagrams are a little disjointed from the text, which can be frustrating at times.
Would be interesting to see how long this book will stay in print ( originally written in 1950).

[Katherine Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent guide for learning the real rules and not the ad hoc ones of my childhood. Going though this book plus playing has really improved my game. I can see myself coming back to this book to help it further.