Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

When people are taught to play chess they learn how to move the different pieces. Of course that's necessary. Next come openings. To me they are presented as a hodgepodge of mysterious sequences romantically named. I am either too old or too lazy to remember seven or eight moves and their responses of the Ruy Lopez. If you know the relative value of the pieces, the importance of mobility and how the king can get out of check, you are better off than someone who has memorized dozen openings. This book teaches you how to checkmate after you've brought out your firepower including castling. This is not about just end games, although the diagrams are simplified and look like end game or puzzle diagrams. Once the opening moves are over, you need a plan to attack your opponent king while protecting your own. This book teaches you how to plan an attack. It uses programmed instruction which is exceedingly effective for me and many others. After working through this book, knowing only how to move the pieces, their values and one opening, say, PK4, you will be a significantly better player and be able to beat computer chess games at increasingly higher levels. You will also have fun. If you want to move the next level, read Chess the Easy Way by Reuben Fine, even only the first four chapters.