Coffeehouse Chess Tactics

by John Healy

In 1988, his autobiography ?The Grass Arena? catapulted John Healy to worldwide literary fame. That harrowing tale described how Healy by discovering chess, escaped alcoholism, violence and crime. Many fans have wondered how Healy did as a chess player. In this book Healy uses over a hundred of his own games to show how unusual tactics or defensive motifs can turn the tide in any position. Along with the games the author describes in eloquent but brutal language the beautiful, sometimes terrible world of chess. The prologue ?Blood Sport? is a fine piece of vintage Healy non-fiction. A must-buy book for chess lovers, tactics buffs and Healy fans.

Genres: Chess

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 2010

Reviews

[Mr_Toad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A set of interesting positions from Healy's own games for you to solve. Each position has an accompanying short piece of text eg how the game came to be played or, oftentimes, an interesting anecdote. The positions illustrate a wide variety of strategies.

If you are wondering about whether the book stands as a chess book in its own right, it probably depends whether you like the sort of chess book which provides a chess position to be solved on every page (along with a solution which can easily be covered up so you don't see the answer in advance).

Chess books are hard work anyway, methinks! This one is capable of rejuvenating your interest if you have got a little disheartened at your lack of enjoyment (not to mention lack of progress!) in the 'Royal Game'.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Healy's life is remarkable, as his incisive chess mind. The excellent introductions at the beginning of the book, and at the beginning of each chapter, give it a big lift above run-of-the-mill books of puzzles. Lively, short commentaries give context and personality to each illustrated game or puzzle. The exercises at the end of each chapter relate to the theme of the chapter (eg. "removing the guard", or the pin), progressively stretching the reader's analytical skills in entertaining steps.