Chess for Dummies [Paperback]

James Eade (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 1996 | Series: For Dummies (Computer/Tech)

Many consider chess to be the best game ever invented. Chess imposes a set of rules and has finite limits, but just as you start to think you’re finally solving its mysteries, chess thwarts you. Sometimes, therefore, the game is frustrating, but far more often, chess proves both surprising and delightful. The deeper you get into chess, the more of its secrets you unearth — but the game has never been tapped out. Even today’s monster computers are far from playing the theorized “perfect” chess game.

Chess For Dummies is for anyone who wants to become a better chess player. Whether you’ve been playing chess for years or never played at all, this clearly written and easy-to-understand guide will help you to

• Apply the rules of chess to maximize winning
• Understand the lingo involved in the game
• Find other players who are just about at your own level
• Teach others how to play the game

Explore move-by-move what it takes for you to be the one proudly saying, “Checkmate” at the end of your chess game. Chess For Dummies also covers the following topics and more:

• Setting up the board
• The pieces and their powers
• Pattern recognition
• What to do throughout the game, from start to end
• Whom to play, when, where, and how
• Online and computer chess
• Chess notation

Ever since chess originated in the 17th century in ancient India, it has grown to become recognized as the most ancient, intellectual, and cultural game of its time. Its combination of sport, scientific thinking, and the elements of art make it one of the most played games in the world. This book shows you everything you need to know in order to unearth the secrets and philosophies of chess.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It was inevitable, thank goodness, that the Dummies series would give us an introductory chess book. The light touch is perfect to offset the sober aura of mystery that surrounds the game in many people's minds. And the extras that reach beyond the well-written move explanations, strategies, and pattern-recognition make the book a real winner. It won't take much playing for readers to appreciate the section on chess etiquette, for example, or the one on uncommon moves, subtitled, "The Ones That Start the Fights." Informative tips and amusing bits of trivia add to the fun.

From the Back Cover

Your quick and easy guide to the rules, strategies, and etiquette of chess

Make the right moves! Features over 350 chess diagrams

Tried and true tips for avoiding chess tricks and traps
Kings, queens, knights — you may think chess would be a royal pain to grasp, but this friendly guide will help you learn your way around the board with ease. Step-by-step explanations, from using the right terminology to the art of attack, help demystify the game — proving you don't have to be a genius to play!

Discover how to:

• Set up your chess board
• Understand the pieces and their powers
• Recognize the game's patterns
• Employ tactics to avoid capture
• Play online chess
• Find tournaments and clubs

THE DUMMIES WAY

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

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Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (October 10, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764550039
• ISBN-13: 978-0764550034
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #494,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

292 of 298 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not Comprehensive, April 6, 2005

By 

Chris James "Experienced Chess Player & Schoo... - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chess for Dummies (Paperback)

This book looks like a nice thick book when you first see it. It has a lot of pages. What is so disapointing is that it does a terrible job of providing a logical progression of well thought out lessons to help the beginner build a solid knowledge of chess. It is confusing as it skips around, often covering things totally unrelated to what a beginner needs to know. I agree with the other reviewers that the "Idiot's Guide to Chess" is superior (and "Chess For Juniors" for kids is just great).

165 of 166 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Very Difficult Book, June 7, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Chess For Dummies (Paperback)

The way this book is set up it does not teach in a good order. It has a lot of things that make no sense when you are given information suddenly that has noting to do with what was covered in the last segment and it is not instructional. Look at getting "Learn Chess" by Alexander as a much better book.

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for the FIRST TIME Player: But Not the Best, May 18, 2002

By 

IM J. Callahan (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chess for Dummies (Paperback)

James Eade is a very solid chess player and a great teacher. I have played him three times in the US Open, and I have kibitzed with him a few times. Eade has a great knowledge of the game of chess, and that was why I was suprised that his beginners book on chess was far less than great.

This book, although acceptable for beginners, is inferior to the Complete Idiot's series on the game. Eade only touches extremely basic principles, and neglects important subjects such as tactics.

Do not buy this book if you have the option of buying Wolff's book- and definentely do not waste your money buying both of them.