Better Chess for Average Players (Dover Chess) [Paperback]

Tim Harding (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 1996 | Series: Dover Chess

Clear, straightforward guide by noted expert coaches readers through fundamentals of attacking and positional play, as well as how to approach the endgame. Crucial processes of assessing positions and choosing moves are examined in depth; also, how to cope with difficult positions and time-trouble. 384 diagrams.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Dover ed edition (April 2, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486290298
• ISBN-13: 978-0486290294
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #258,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent compendium for average players wanting to improve, January 4, 2000

By 

Michael Ryan (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Better Chess for Average Players (Dover Chess) (Paperback)

Correctly titled, this work will likely be of most use to players rated 1000 to perhaps 1800. However, it is so well written and includes so much valuable information, higher rated players may also benefit.

The section on "Choosing a move" was particularly valuable. It includes a very organized and thorough framework (presented in a 10 point checklist) to utilize in selecting a move. These points include tactical, positional and long-range considerations. I think the incorporation of long-range considerations in the process may be especially enlightening to up-and-coming players. The example games and commentary are truly insightful into the application of the process.

Other chapters include "Defensive Play" (includes some valuable pointers), "Difficult Positions", "Pawn Play" (although for the definite treatment of this subject, see "Pawn Power in Chess" by Hans Kmoch), "Late Middle Game" which addresses open, closed and complicated positions, and more.

Numerous position illustrations, very few typos, very clearly written, handy size, great price. An excellent reference and a super value for the rising, competitive player.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun for this 2000 Player too, August 6, 2002

By 

Roy Eassa (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Better Chess for Average Players (Dover Chess) (Paperback)

I have the original edition from the '70s. This is a very enjoyable book. Although my rating is about 2000 USCF, I still find much of the material to be enlightening and simply fun. For the price there is a LOT of nice chess packed into this book. You won't finish it in a week. And the sense of fun and humor are great.

I'd say any player from about 1200 USCF up to high expert level (maybe 2150) would find this a good book, with perhaps those around 1400-1700 getting the most benefit. And like I said, it's priced well and covers a lot of ground in an enjoyable fashion.

I may buy another copy to see what's been changed since the '70s. The extra copy will make a great gift.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot of meat in this book, pound by pound, May 6, 2006

By 

Hui Fang "booklover" (NASHVILLE, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Better Chess for Average Players (Dover Chess) (Paperback)

I read this book twice and have no doubt that I will use it in the future. It is full of experience and suggestions that would be very beneficial for any serious chess player. I will recommend this book to any one because of the following reasons:

1. It is well organized. Different topics (small topic) are divided into units. Each unit is only a few pages long. Therefore, I only need about one hour to get the idea of each unit.
2. It is well diagrammed. You must have the experience that when you replay a game, there is only one diagram for the entire game. But in this book, a diagram is given after about 7 or 8 moves so that you can play the in-between moves in your head and check the diagram. You don't need a board for most positions. How convenient!
3. It is well written. There is no deep theory, complicated analysis, nor frequent refering to other games. The author clearly explains each position and his language is like a normal human being instead of a chess machine. Occational stories about their chess clubs enhances the readability of this book.

Need I say more?