Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.