Learning & Improvement - Beyond the Basics

1001 CHESS EXERCISES FOR BEGINNERS

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Franco Masetti & Roberto Messa
1001 Chess Exercises for Beginners is a great first tactics book. It helps you in identifying weak spots in the position of your opponent, in recognizing patterns of combinations, and in visualizing tricks.
Each chapter introduces and explain a new tactical idea (pin, skewer,fork, discovered attack etc.) with a few examples and then presents the reader with a series of test positions for solving.
By solving the numerous examples the reader becomes familiar with the basic tactics used in winning chess games.
Chess masters Franco Masetti and Roberto Messa have produced an excellent first book on chess tactics. It can be used as a course text book as well as for personal improvement.
Published 2012, softback, 144 pages.
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BETTER CHESS

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Tony Gillam
Contains 376 positions in which the beginner can play a decisive move to pin, fork or trap a piece, win material or checkmate the opponent. Each position has the solution below. The examples are graded according to difficulty but are aimed at players who know the moves but little more.
Published 1993, softback, 96 pages.

CHECKMATE FOR CHILDREN

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Kevin Stark
This training book aims to provide a systematic knowledge of checkmating patterns to beginners who know only the rules and how to move the pieces. Each checkmating example is illustrated with a diagram and an explanation of basic concepts and how the pieces work together. There are quizzes throughout the book, finishing with the "great test" - 60 diagrammed checkmating puzzles for the reader to solve.
Checkmate for Children is both an instructive and a fun way to learn how to checkmate your opponent. It is packed with helpful explanations and practical advice.
Kevin Stark is an experienced chess coach.
Published 2010, softback, 143 pages.

CHECKMATE TACTICS

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Garry Kasparov
This attractive, colourful book provides a good introduction to tactical themes and pattern recognition for younger players. It is packed with examples of pins, forks, skewers and some checkmating patterns, as well as 58 puzzle positions for the reader to solve. An ideal introduction to some key chess weapons written by the world's greatest player yet.
Gary Kasparov was World Chess Champion from 1985 to 2000 and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Published 2010, hardback, 96 pages.

CHESS FOR KIDS AND PARENTS

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Heinz Brunthaler
It is widely accepted that learning chess has a very positive effect on children. Many parents want to help their children to study chess, but don’t know how to do it. This book offers a solution. It is a practical handbook that teaches the mysteries of chess with a light touch. All rules and aspects of the game are covered but the authors assume that the reader already knows the basic rules of the game (i.e. how the pieces move and capture and the concept of checkmate and check). This book will help children progress from beginner level to playing in tournaments. It contains a simple but effective training programme that includes topics such as openings, tactics, simple checkmates, endgames and many more. Many tests are included, with clearly explained solutions, to ensure the reader has understood the lesson.
Published 2006, softback, 210 pages.

CHESS FOR THE GIFTED & BUSY

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Lev Alburt & Al Lawrence
Studies tout the many benefits of chess for all ages. Want to learn chess or teach it to your child but are busy with lots of other activities as well? This innovative book is designed for you. You choose the level you want to achieve. Want to go from absolute beginner to neighborhood champ?
Complete Level I in an afternoon, play some practice games and you'll quickly be saying "checkmate"! When you're ready to become a tough tournament competitor, Level II cuts through the mysteries of strategy and tactics to show you just what you need to know. And if you decide that you won't settle for anything less than being an expert, near the top levels of tournament chess, Level III delivers all the essential knowledge!
Lev Alburt is a Russian Grandmaster (now living in the USA) and 3 times U.S. Champion.
Published 2012, softback, 304 pages.

CHESS PUZZLES IN ONE MOVE FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

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Tim Onions & David Regis
This book contains 120 one-move puzzles featuring tactics such as forks, pins, skewers etc. and also one-move checkmates. Each puzzle has a diagram with solutions provided at the end of each chapter. A handy training booklet for beginners of all ages which can be followed without the use of a set and board. Tim Onions is an experienced junior chess teacher and organiser based in Devon. Dave Regis is a junior coach in Exeter Chess Club.
Published 2009, softback, 64 pages, stapled binding.

CHESS RULES OF THUMB

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Lev Alburt & Al Lawrence
Rules of Thumb are ones which are correct most of the time and can save you a lot of time calculating when it isn't necessary. They represent common sense in chess and every chess teacher should make sure his or her pupils are familiar with the most important of them. For this book the authors have collected 332 short sayings, often from leading Grandmasters, which represent insights into chess garnered from years of practical experience. They include technical advice such as "Put your pawns on e4 and d4" and "Rooks belong behind passed pawns" and more pragmatic offerings such as "Give your opponent chances to go wrong". This book would be a useful addition to any club or school library. GM Lev Alburt is a three time U.S. Champion and a leading coach and author.
Published 2003, softback, 185 pages.

CHESS SCHOOL 3

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Slobodan Mirkovic
The books from "Chess School" series were compiled gradually over a period of twenty years. They resulted from many years of working with students, among them are GM Nikola Sedlak, GM Bojan Vuckovic, and GM Milos Perunovic. The first book was printed in April 2005 and in September that year it was published in English and became the official book of European youth championship in Herceg Novi. The second book appeared in April 2006 and it was also the official championship book of the European youth championship in September.
The content of "Chess school 3" consists of lectures which resulted from work with most successful students. The book is divided into three parts:
1. Rook endings
2. Miraculous world of combinations
3. Strategic motives I and II
Published 2008, softback, 180 pages.
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COMPREHENSIVE CHESS COURSE VOL. 2

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Roman Pelts & Lev Alburt
Part 2 of the chess course looks at tactics such as pins, forks and skewers and shows how to checkmate with different pieces alone or in combination. Some opening traps and basic pawn endgames are also covered together with a first try at forming a plan in a few sample positions. As with volume 1 this is a teacher's book with tests and homework problems throughout. The final chapter of is a series of tests on the whole of the book. Lev Alburt is a Russian Grandmaster and 3 times U.S. Champion. Roman Pelts is a famous Ukrainian chess teacher who taught Lev Alburt and presents his teaching course in this series.
"GM Lev Alburt, a highly successful chess coach, here offers for the first time the once-secret Russian method of chess training." - Garry Kasparov, former World Chess Champion.
Published 2001, softback, 310 pages.

GUIDE TO CHESS IMPROVEMENT: THE BEST OF NOVICE NOOK

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Dan Heisman
A Guide to Chess Improvement features the very best of Dan Heisman’s multi-award winning chess column Novice Nook, which has run for the past nine years at ChessCafe.com. It is full of valuable instruction, insight and practical advice on a wide range of important subjects: general improvement, thought processes, planning and strategy, tactics, endgame play, technique, time management and much more besides. Heisman has revised, expanded and updated his work to produce an easy-to-navigate guide, and he has also included some brand new, exclusive columns. Any player from beginner to expert who is serious about improving their chess should read this book!
*An essential guide to chess improvement
*Covers in depth all the key areas of chess
*Written by a distinguished chess instructor
Dan Heisman is a National Master, a full-time chess teacher and the author of many chess books. He is a multi award-winning columnist for ChessCafe.com, and hosts a regular question and answer show on the Internet Chess Club’s Chess.FM radio station.
Published 2010, softback, 381 pages.
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LOGICAL CHESS MOVE BY MOVE

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Irving Chernev
A classic of chess teaching in which Chernev annotates 33 complete, grandmaster games in detail; explaining to the reader the reason behind every single move. Along the way virtually every positional and dynamic concept is encountered and explained in great detail. Chernev elucidates the ideas, methods and thoughts of the masters and relates them in clear, straight-forward language. Learn how to master positional play, seize vital squares and weaken your opponent’s position. A "must have" book!
pub. 1998, softback, 256 pages.

MIDDLEGAME ESSENTIALS 4 NOW

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David Levens
This book explains some of the basic positional and tactical features to look out for in your middlegame positions, and how to exploit them to your advantage. These include - the centre, development, attacks on the castled and uncastled king, outposts, weak squares, pawn majorities and open files. By using example games and adding his own commentary, the author illustrates the key ideas which you need to understand in order to play the middlegame with confidence. The book has a user-friendly layout with tips, diagrams and illustrations throughout!
David Levens is a strong club player who was once ranked in the top 50 players in England and who has competed in the British Championships three times. These days he earns a living as a professional coach to junior players, including Nottinghamshire's under 11 team and pupils at Nottingham Boys Junior High School.
Published 2009, softback, stapled booklet, 41 pages.

MODERN CHESS SELF TUTOR

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David Bronstein
Grandmaster and former Soviet Champion David Bronstein offers some sound, practical advice on how to approach the game from an amateur's point of view. He considers the strength and deployment of the pieces and pawns, attack, defence and coordination with an emphasis on understanding and enjoying the game rather than memorising lots of theory. Aimed at readers who have mastered the basics and are looking for some creative inspiration.
Published 1996, softback, 148 pages.

MODERN IDEAS IN CHESS

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Richard Reti
This is a reprint, in algebraic notation, of Reti's 1923 classic which traces the development of chess style from the days of Anderssen and Morphy, through Steinitz' teachings, to the tournament pragmatism of Lasker and Capablanca and, finally, the new dynamism of Alekhine and the "Hypermodern School" of Reti's own days.
The choice of some of the best games of each period, Reti's fine chess mind and the powerful use of language in describing the great masters and their games combine to bring this book to life and turn it into a classic of chess literature.
Richard Reti (1889-1929) was one of the strongest players of his day who inflicted a first defeat in eight years on World Champion Capablanca at New York in 1924.
Published 2009, softback, 132 pages.

MOST VALUABLE SKILLS IN CHESS

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Maurice Ashley
Counting on the reader having a knowledge of only the basic rules of chess, Maurice Ashley introduces the reader to the fundamentals of chess tactics. He brings the pieces to life by examining their innate characteristics and shows how their powers can be put to use to win opponents' pieces or give checkmate. In part one of the book Ashley teaches the seven basic tactical skills which you need to master, using diagrammed examples throughout together with exercises at the end of each chapter. Part two, "The Fabulous Five", is a walkthrough of five of the most celebrated tactical games in chess history which show the basic tactical skills in action.
The book is written in chess teacher Maurice Ashley's inspirational style. He explains: "the approach is unique because it is basically me: the way I teach, the way I talk about chess, the way I think. You'll find my love for the martial art aikido in these pages, as well as my ridiculous love for sports, story-telling and teaching." But his approach is not just entertaining: teams under Ashley's guidance have won nine national junior championships. His charismatic teaching methods are the stuff of legend - and are to be the subject of a movie. This book makes his ideas and material available to all: teachers and students alike.
He has been called the Tiger Woods of chess. In 1999, Maurice Ashley became the first African-American to qualify for the elite Grandmaster title, an achievement that was widely reported in the international media, including Time magazine, USA Today, New York Times, Sports Illustrated and The Times (London). Ashley is one of the highest-profile figures in American chess, and has commentated on the game for ESPN and Channel Four Television (UK). He sees chess as playing a role in helping at-risk youth, and has coached a number of junior teams to victory in national championships, most famously the Raging Rooks of Harlem, whose achievement is to be the subject of an HBO movie. In 2003 he was named Grandmaster of the Year by the US Chess Federation.
Published 2009, softback, 159 pages.

POWER CHESS FOR KIDS

Ref: n1330

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Charles Hertan
A power move, explains experienced chess teacher Charles Hertan, is a winning master tactic that requires thinking ahead. To become one of the best chess players in your school you need to be able to think just 1.5 moves ahead, and this book teaches the four basic tricks do so. You will learn how to weed out silly moves and just consider a few important ones.
Charles Hertan introduces the four main characters who will help you to learn these basic skills: Zort (a teenaged computer from the planet Zugszwang), the Dinosaurs, Power Chess Kids and the Chess Professor. The most complete and fun kids book ever on learning how to win games!
Charles Hertan is a FIDE Master from Massachusetts, USA with decades of experience as a chess coach.
Published 2011, softback, 159 pages.
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SECRETS OF THE RUSSIAN CHESS MASTERS: VOL. 2 - BEYOND THE BASICS

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Lev Alburt & Larry Parr
Volume 2 explains more advanced tactical ideas and looks at how these ideas are used in game situations. It also contains a guide to the main king pawn and queen pawn openings as well as typical endgame themes and practical tournament tips. There are test positions throughout in this excellent tutorial.
pub. 1997, softback, 229 pages.

64 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IN CHESS

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John Walker
This book is intended for those who know the moves and rules of chess but want to have some knowledge of checkmates, tactical ideas, endgame play, opening principles, pawn structure and other positional concepts. Each lesson is illustrated with easy-to-follow examples which explain the basic ideas which all competitive players need to be aware of. There are "Try for Yourself" tests throughout to make sure the reader has assimilated the material in each section. Illustrated with copious diagrams.
Published 2002, softback, 144 pages.

TEN WAYS TO SUCCEED IN THE OPENING

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Tim Onions & Dave Regis
A first openings book for juniors who know the moves but wonder what to do next! This book helps you play the opening moves better by explaining the key principles and introducing a couple of openings for the reader to try out in his/her own games. Written in clear English with lots of tips, diagrams and cartoons to break up the text. Tim Onions is an experienced junior chess teacher and organiser based in Devon. Dave Regis is a coach in Exeter Chess Club.
Published 2001, softback, 82 pages.

TEN WAYS TO SUCCEED IN THE MIDDLEGAME

Ref: o1002

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Tim Onions & Dave Regis
A first middlegame book designed with young players in mind. Learn about tactics and combinations, planning, how to think about your move and how to make the most of your pieces. Written in an easy-to-follow style with lots of tips, diagrams and cartoons to break up the text. Tim Onions is an experienced junior chess teacher and organiser based in Devon. Dave Regis is a junior coach in Exeter Chess Club.
Published 2004, softback, 74 pages, stapled binding.

TEN WAYS TO SUCCEED IN THE ENDGAME

Ref: o1001

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Tim Onions & Dave Regis
A first endgame book for juniors which offers some general advice on endgame play including tips on king activity, pawn promotion and structure, how to use your pieces and thinking about what to swap off. Written in clear English with lots of tips, diagrams and cartoons to break up the text. Tim Onions is an experienced junior chess teacher and organiser based in Devon. Dave Regis is a coach in Exeter Chess Club.
Published 2001, softback, 53 pages.

TIPS FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

Ref: p4231

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Matthew Sadler
An excellently conceived and presented book aimed at players who have learnt the moves and rules of the game but want to play chess with a purpose! It is absolutely packed with advice and examples on every area of the game and Sadler, although a top GM, is a natural teacher, constantly emphasising the battle of ideas which makes up modern chess. Chapters on how to play openings, middlegame play, tactical training and endings are filled with thought provoking comment. Sadler suceeds in explaining how strong players think about chess in a way which a younger reader can understand.
Published 1999, softback, algebraic, 160 pages.

WINNING CHESS STRATEGIES (REVISED)

Ref: p4385

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Yasser Seirawan
Strategy is about planning the placement of your pieces and pawns towards a common goal. It involves stifling your opponent's plans as well as promoting your own ideas. In this introduction to chess strategy Yasser Seirawan explains how to make the most of material advantage, stop your opponent's counterplay, place your pawns effectively, where to put your pieces, how to create targets and territorial domination. He uses illustrated examples throughout to show strategy in action and. in the final chapter, he shows how great players of the past such as Capablanca and Karpov have used strategy to plan their games. The book also includes 25 problem positions for the reader to solve. (solutions provided at the end)
Published 2003, softback, 266 pages.

WINNING CHESS TACTICS (REVISED)

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Yasser Seirawan
In this follow up to Play Winning Chess GM Yasser Seirawan explains double attacks, pins, skewers, deflections, windmills, x-rays and many other tactical ideas in a clear way progressing from simple examples up to the complexity of tournament play. In part two he demonstrates some games of the great attacking masters of the past from Adolf Anderssen to Garry Kasparov, showing how they used these tactical ideas to great effect. Part three is a series of tests for the reader to solve. In all there are 130 test positions in the book and solutions are provided at the end. As with all this series this is an extremely well written book.
Published 2005, softback, 240 pages.

WINNING CHESS TACTICS & STRATEGIES

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Ted Nottingham, Al Lawrence & Bob Wade
This book, aimed at children aged around 8-10 years concentrates on tactical ideas such as forks, pins, skewers and discovered checks. It also shows how to use each piece to best effect and includes some examples of good endgame play. Illustrated both with diagrams and photographs of the actual board position throughout.
Published 2000, softback, 127 pages.

YOUR OWN SET OF OPENINGS 4 NOW

Ref: L0001

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David Levens
This book aims to provide the beginnings of an opening repertoire for young players by concentrating on two openings that every chess player needs to know and will play at some time; the Giuoco Piano and Two Knights Defence. By using example games and adding his own commentary, the author illustrates the key tactical and positional ideas in these two openings so that they can become part of the reader's armory. The book is easy to read with tips throughout and not too much theory to remember!
David Levens is a strong club player who was once ranked in the top 50 players in England and who has competed in the British Championships three times. These days he earns a living as a professional coach to junior players, including Nottinghamshire's under 11 team and pupils at Nottingham Boys Junior High School.
Published 2007, softback, stapled booklet, 38 pages.