The ChessCafe Puzzle Book [Paperback]

Karsten Muller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2004

Combines clear discussions of tactical themes with over 600 well-chosen positions to test, challenge and teach. Although the classic combinations are not ignored, the emphasis here is on positions from modern tournament practice of the last decade. Tactics is a very important part of the game of chess and conscientious study and application of tactical principles is crucial to success. This book offers every type of tactical motif imaginable, from the more common back rank mates, pins, skewers, forks, up to and including some beautiful and rare combinations. This tactical book will prove exceptionally useful for a wide range of players, intermediate through master strength and beyond.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karsten Muller, German grandmaster, is one of the most respected writers on the royal game today. His books on the endgame include The Secrets of Pawn Endings and Fundamental Chess Endings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 301 pages
• Publisher: Russell Enterprises; 1st edition (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888690216
• ISBN-13: 978-1888690217
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #787,767 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tactical problems from real games, organized by motif, October 27, 2006

By 

John Gossman (Seattle, wa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The ChessCafe Puzzle Book (Paperback)

I have a large collection of books of tactics and tactical problems, but I had avoided this one because the title misled me (and at least one other person I talked to) into believing it consisted of artificial studies, whereas I prefer my problems to be from real games. When I finally saw this book at the local chess club, I was pleasantly surprised to find the positions are from real games, labeled with the player's, dates, etc.

There are 565 problems in all, organized by motif (pin, fork, etc.), with some problems further labeled with hints like "White's position looks shaky. How to make it crumble?". Most of the problems are recent, from games in the 21st century, though there are a scattering of classics all the way back to Morphy. Almost all are from GM games, which of course means the difficulty is fairly uniformly high.

Because of the high quality of the diagrams and solutions, this book has replaced Reinfeld at my bedside for motif-based practice. I also recommend "Sharpen Your Tactics" which presents 1125 problems organized by difficulty, rather than motif. I believe the approaches of these two books, both high quality, complement each other in fully rounded regime of tactical study.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful in chess library., April 14, 2010

By 

Aurelio Rios-Vaca (Mexicali, BC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The ChessCafe Puzzle Book (Paperback)

This is a tactics workbook organized by tactical theme with some hint or lead by the author. Many puzzles are from top level chess. I liked the fact there is a section on drawn games and another on defensive tactics. I own several tactics books and can say that some puzzles in this book are fairly advanced but even then are useful for the improving lower rated player. Working through these problems will sharpen your skills at the board. Highly recommended for motivated players and instructors.