Chess Wizardry: The New ABC of Chess Problems (American Batsford Chess Library) [Paperback]

John Rice (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 1879479338 | ISBN-13: 978-1879479333

A new thoroughly updated edition of a classic work to introduce a fresh generation of chess readers to the wonders of the chess problem. There is nothing like a good chess problem to show just how beautiful chess can be, and this book will bring this home to the reader with many of the best chess problems ever composed.

The book contains a clear intelligible definition of problem themes and the stories behind famous ideas. International Master of Chess Composition Rice will teach you all you need to know to become a wizard of chess composition, and explain why chess problems are both enjoyable and beneficial to your standard chess.

It is no coincidence that good solvers are often strong players, witness the British solving team, which includes such luminaries as GMs Mestel and Nunn. American Batsford, 352 pages.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Intl Chess Enterprises (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879479338
• ISBN-13: 978-1879479333
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,460,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learner's bible for Chess Problem lovers, March 30, 2000

By 

UMESH NAIR - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chess Wizardry: The New ABC of Chess Problems (American Batsford Chess Library) (Paperback)

Do you like to solve or enjoy chess problems? There are plentyof books for you giving you great puzzles and problems related tochess. And this is one of the best. Do you want to take chess problems a bit more seriously than mere puzzles or brainteasers? Do you want to learn about various themes in chess problems with great examples? Do you want to understand the chess problem columns in various chess magazines? Do you want to REALY enjoy chess problems? Do you want to compose chess problems? Do you want to learn about selfmates, helpmates and fairy chess? If the answer to any of these questions is "Yes", this is the best book for you. The author, a well-known chess problem composer, has done an excellent work in discussing various themes and making chess problem solving a great pleasure. Warning: This book WILL NOT improve your chess playing skills!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chess Wizardry: The New ABC of Chess Problems, September 10, 2005

By 

Ronald Fenton "RoughKnight" (Yellow Springs, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chess Wizardry: The New ABC of Chess Problems (American Batsford Chess Library) (Paperback)

Highly recommended to anyone interested in Chess problems and puzzles, this latest edition of a classic (1996) book presents themes and terms in quasi-alphabetical order with examples. Written in clear and understandable language and using figurine-algebraic notation, the text reflects the author's vast experience in almost every area of problem composition. I am prevented from awarding a 5th star due an annoying publishing flaw - the over-inking of diagrams in the vicinity of page 300 (Problems for Solving) often prevents one from distinguishing a White piece from a Black one (especially difficult with the Queens). I returned my first copy, but reluctantly kept the second when it became apparent that either; 1)every print run suffered the same problem or 2)I got the exact same book back again (this time, used) and it was just meant to be.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece, December 21, 2005

By 

Petrosian (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chess Wizardry: The New ABC of Chess Problems (American Batsford Chess Library) (Paperback)

The other reviews listed have properly situated this book in its proper context; I can add little to those comments.

I will simply say that this may be the best reference book on problems ever written. It's in the top 2 or 3, for sure. If you compose and/or solve problems, this book is a must on your bookshelf.

However, by its sheer breadth of coverage, it may put off a non-specialist chessplayer. There are more gentle introductions available in print, and I would recommend reading them first.