The Everything Chess Basics Book

by U.S. Chess Federation

If you're looking to learn about the game of chess--and win--The Everything Chess Basics Book provides you with the perfect introduction. Endorsed by the United States Chess Federation, The Everything Chess Basics Book is an authoritative guide that appeals to chess players of all ages and skill. From understanding the chess pieces to learning the basic moves to forming a winning strategy, The Everything Chess Basics Book teaches readers all they need to know to sharpen their skills and pick up a few advanced techniques and tricks along the way. The Everything Chess Basics Book also features information on: special moves; threats; types of chess; chess ethics and sportsmanship; notation, scoring, and timing; and more! Packed with hundreds of clear diagrams, The Everything Chess Book will have you declaring "Checkmate!" in no time.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[awwsalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

well. it was amazing book, it teaches u all the basics u need to play chess and even many important tricks and strategy and tactics.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book on chess, but not at all like a Harry Potter book (of course).

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

This thing’s just odd and off-putting from beginning to end. It appears to be an introduction to playing chess, yet author Peter Kurzdorfer (who shares byline with the U.S. Chess Federation) leads off with a history of the game with extra emphasis on 20th century masters. I’m willing to applaud just about anyone who’s willing to buck trends, but I’m guessing most novices would prefer to get right into how the game itself is played. Even when we get there, it’s a strange journey. We start with a long consideration of the board itself with no pieces on it. Again, I like the unique approach but question its usefulness. And from there things are just scattershot. Some parts are helpful – or at least entertaining – while others are far too esoteric for someone new to chess. If nothing else, the book could have used the loving attention of a good editor. Overall this isn’t the worst chess basics book I’ve ever read, but it’s a fair distance from the best as well.

[Adam C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book five years ago and finally got around to reading it after being spurned on by Netflix's The Queens Gambit. It contains a great overview of the fundamentals of chess and provides a great introduction or review for the beginner.

The version I read was published in 2005. This book could seriously use an updated version (it might exist I haven't checked) because computers and online chess have drastically changed since then.

[Taylor Moss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for basics but confusing when trying to explain complex strategies.

[Killer of Dreams · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a really great book for players that have just begun to play Chess or don't know how to. It provides a smooth sophisticated teaching guide to Chess. It's all very logical and easy to follow. I'd critique the book on it's method in teaching the tactics involved in the latter chapters as this can only be truly learned with experience and playing.

Rating Update 3/13/2019 - 4 to 2 stars. Because I found it boring, it doesn't mean I liked it (3 or 4 stars). I just remember being bored out of my mind while I read this book. It took me nearly 4 months to read it. I leave the rating at 2 stars because the book fulfilled its role.

Rating Update 4/6/19- 2 stars to 1 star. Being anything but a beginner at chess, this book did not provide me with any learning. Instead, I was bored out of my mind and took 4 months to finish reading.

Update 9 June 2019
With the adoption of my new rating system, a one star rating is befitting. This rating is based heavily on the rating update from April 6, 2019. I already knew the majority of the contents of the book so reading the book was pointless.

January 20, 2020
Rating Update
One star to two stars. I have raised the rating because I cannot recall my initial feelings after having read the book. The original review is not helpful in divulging any information on my reaction, and trusting in the update from March 13, 2019, that "I just remember being bored out of my mind while I read this book", this is some kind of emotion of neither liking or disliking, though not explained. A two star-rating is a safe rating, instead of a no star-rating.

January 31, 2020
Update
I have changed the rating type from 2B to 1.5A. This book's current evaluation reminds me of The Rules of Chess, a book with the same rating type and same difficulties.

June 5, 2020
Update
I have decided to change the rating type from 1.5A to 1.5AB, a new rating type that I have created for this book. I would infer (though the rating still remains colored grey with a grey outline since I lack original memories and the original review provides little information) that this book is still considered a decent reference book for the subject of Chess, but I found it extremely boring to read.The original review supports the 1.5AB rating type. Here are segments from the original review: "This book is a really great book for players that have just begun to play Chess or don't know how to. It provides a smooth sophisticated teaching guide to Chess. It's all very logical and easy to follow".

Here is the description of the 1.5AB rating type: "Similar to the 1.5A rating type: “Book that was boring to read, I hated [might be a bit too over the top] reading about it, but it’s a good [decent] reference book to look to, even if the subject is not something I consult often. The subject I would consult is something that pertains to me, not some book on types of cockroach species. Typically non-fiction books. Non-entertainment books”".

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that if your planning on becoming a better chess player you need to read this book. This was a well written book that exceeded my expectations.

[Jason Galloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to teach kids