Chess Wizardry: The New ABC of Chess Problems

by John M. Rice

A new thoroughly updated edition of a classic work to introduce a fresh generation of chess readers to the wonders of the chess problem. There is nothing like a good chess problem to show just how beautiful chess can be, and this book will bring this home to the reader with many of the best chess problems ever composed. The book contains a clear intelligible definition of problem themes and the stories behind famous ideas. International Master of Chess Composition Rice will teach you all you need to know to become a wizard of chess composition, and explain why chess problems are both enjoyable and beneficial to your standard chess. It is no coincidence that good solvers are often strong players, witness the British solving team, which includes such luminaries as GMs Mestel and Nunn. American Batsford, 352 pages.

Genres: Chess

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 1996

About the author

Chess

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Tomi Pakei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take a lot of breaks, folks!
This is one vast book on chess problems. For a start, it will tell you about the differences among 'chess problems', 'over-the-board positions' and 'endgame studies'.

From then on, party time(!)--be it about 'types' (like mate, helpmate or selfmate) or 'themes' (from the simple ones--like pin/unpin or albino, the not-so-simple ones--like interference or battery, to the complexities of reflex mate or even Zagoruiko).

Party's over? Not really. After that, you can test yourself with no less than 150 problems to solve. And that's not all, for (if you are really into it) there is even a chapter about 'composing your own problems'--albeit introductory (not exactly a know-how).

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Notation: figurine
Level: advanced