Chess (From First Moves to Checkmate) [Paperback]

Daniel King (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: From First Moves to Checkmate

With clear, engaging text written by an International Grandmaster, simple instruc-tions, and stunning illustrations, this new flexi edition of an inspiring title is aimed at the beginner as well as the more experienced player. Players are encouraged to improve their skills with graded puzzles. A comprehensive reference section includes a full glossary and website details. With features on the great personalities of chess and awe-inspiring matches, this title will appeal not only to those new to the game but to the legions of chess players already out there.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 4-12. International Grandmaster King's latest book on chess is a real gem. He begins with a brief look at chess history, from ancient India to the present. He then explains each chess piece, describes the algebraic notation of the board, explains special moves, and shows how to open the game and use effective strategies. Throughout, he offers training exercises, strategy quizzes, and trivia, all of which add depth and texture to his explanations. The computer-generated graphics are staggering. The colorful, multi-image illustrations are not only aesthetically appealing but also crystal clear and very effectively placed to enhance the text. They are certain to make this irresistible to browsers curious about the game as well as chess enthusiasts. Back matter includes information on the World Chess Championship competitions; a tribute to Garry Kasparov, the greatest chess champ of all time; the devious "gamesmanship" of psyching out an opponent; and the latest developments in computerized chess challenges. Roger Leslie
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Chess is the gymnasium of the mind." Lenin" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher; Flexi Format edition (August 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753458209
• ISBN-13: 978-0753458204
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #528,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Games > Board Games

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

98 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Beginning Book good to learn from and have as a reference, September 21, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Chess (From First Moves to Checkmate) (Paperback)

This is one of two books written at about a high school reading level that I like that will show a beginner the piece movements, rules and simple strategies (like controlling the centre in the openings). The other book is more text bookish, Learn Chess (author is Alexander) with better instruction but not so full of colour and illustrations. I also like the Juniors Chess for Beginners that is at my reading level and very complete. I first learn chess in England, then have been playing in some chess tournaments that are scholastic.
A very good point is that this book is full of colour and the illustrations are very good. Nice to leave on the table top in the living room, and not to be stuck in the boot when driving! Enjoy!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Opening Move!, April 29, 2002

By 

Norman Wheelock (Medina, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chess Paperback book & game: From First Moves to Checkmate (Hardcover)

I have used this book as a supplement to teach my three children how to play chess. The book is nicely illustrated, clearly written, and easily read. If you are looking for one reference book to use at home then I would encourage you to consider this volume as a finalist.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative layout, brisk text, helpful diagrams, August 25, 2008

By 

John L Murphy "Fionnchú" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chess (From First Moves to Checkmate) (Paperback)

Looking in my large public library for an introductory book to teach myself chess, I could not find any appropriate title on the adult shelf. Many sports and games sections tend to be ransacked by borrowers and often titles have been stolen or at least gone missing as far as I can tell! In the teen section, I was surprised to find only Daniel King's primer.

The alluring combination of computer-generated graphics and simple text attracted me. I cannot judge the accuracy of King's technical remarks, but as an absolute beginner, I can attest to the helpfulness of his presentation. The book's only about sixty pages, with lots of art and minimal text. Very little on the game's origins and evolution. But, the board's diagrammed in an easily discerned series of illustrations, taking you from how each piece moves quickly into notation (a very brisk presentation that may well need supplementing with other materials), check and checkmate, and en passant and castling. These latter two options are not always given much detail, however, and the same note as for the notation applies.

Part two enters into what to do once you know how the pieces move. After all, many primers devote much time to what can be memorized, frankly, in a few minutes. King's concerned about openings, whisking you into the charts for forks, pins and skewers before attacks, sacrifices, and draws. He then offers training exercises and test situations (with answers on another page) to hone your knowledge.

The latter part of the book surveys the world of championships, famous players, and fun facts. I'd have preferred that some of this content have been supplemented by more detail on developing a learner's understanding of beginning, middle and end-games, but it's a handsome picture book that lies (in hardcover at least) flat for easy reference (often a point overlooked when you want to prop open a smaller paperback) and can be easily seen at a short distance, enabling you to practice on a board while you read. This feature may prove its utility as well as display its beauty.