Comprehensive Chess Course, Vol. 1: Learn Chess in 12 Lessons [Paperback]

Lev Alburt (Author), Roman Pelts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 1996

A complete, easy-to-use program for teaching and self-study of chess, in this series of books co-written by Roman Pelts and Lev Alburt, Grandmaster of Chess and three-time U.S. Chess Champion.

Amateur chess players have a new weapon in the battle to improve their game. Based on the famous, formerly secret "From Beginner to Master" course of study developed over decades in the Soviet Union, the Comprehensive Chess Course provides students with all the essential information they need to learn chess and then to improve their skills steadily and efficiently. The contents of this book and its companion volume 2 (sold separately) include every diagram and every problem, and leave little to chance. The Course is filled with what has worked well in practice in Russian classrooms and teaches all the rules of chess, all the fundamentals, and how to visualize the board and pieces—the prerequisite for success in chess. Chess diagrams throughout

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

International Grandmaster Lev Alburt, three-time U.S. champion and former European champion, is one of the most sought-after chess teachers in the world. He lives in New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Chess Information & Research Institute; 4th Revised edition (October 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889323004
• ISBN-13: 978-1889323008
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #416,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best beginner's book I have read., March 19, 2002

By 

C. Minnick "Life is cartoons and sports. Eve... (Ames, IA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Comprehensive Chess Course, Vol. 1: Learn Chess in 12 Lessons (Paperback)

I have known the rules for about 20 years, and started tournament playing in Feb 2001. I thought I knew the basics and didn't need this. I read the introduction, and could not answer some very basic questions. While it took only a few weeks to run through the book, instead of the months recommened in the book, I definately learned what I was missing for the level I am at, which at the time is an 886 USCF rating.
The lessons are just that, lessons. They have objectives, they have homework, they have themes in each lesson, and you review the the beginning of each lesson. While this sounds so very simple, why is the the only book I have seen laid out like this? Imagine, a book to teach chess that lays out a course in a manner that you would use to teach anything from math to history in a school. That is what sets this book above anything else.
The oldest person to ever achieve a master rating was 53, I believe. That does give me hope. While this book is very basic, it relaid a very firm foundation for me: reinforcing basics, and showing the holes in my knowledge, then filling those holes.
Highly recommended, even if you have read other beginner's books. Then move on to Volume 2.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great start for a timeless game, October 21, 1998

By 

Michael Gosselin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Comprehensive Chess Course, Vol. 1: Learn Chess in 12 Lessons (Paperback)

I have been playing chess for 30 years. I wish I had this book 30 years ago. This is a simple, clear introduction to the game of chess.

The authors have based this series of books on the teachings of the Soviet school of chess. There are twelve lesssons in this book, teaching about a different piece or concept. The beauty of this book is that it breaks down chess into small, manageable parts, and covers all the basics of the game.

The lessons progress from the easiest piece (the pawn) to the king, checkmate, stalemate, en passant, and castling. The idea that you learn to play a game with just pawns first, then pawns, bishops and rooks, not only lets students learn the simpler pieces first, but also shows that chess can be played without moving the queen all the time, a good lesson for beginners. Also, there are several simple drills to help players visualize the chessboard, a key skill in becoming a good player.

I am using this text for teaching students new to the game, and so far the results are encouraging. This book is worth every penny I paid for it.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Worthy Follow-Up, November 25, 2002

By 

Chris Frost (Ingalls, IN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Comprehensive Chess Course, Vol. 1: Learn Chess in 12 Lessons (Paperback)

Volume 2 picks up where volume 1 left off. Having already gained an understanding of the rules of chess and piece movement, volume 2 will now show you how to do things effectively. It explains in detail about blocking, pinning, skewering, the importance of early development, mating patterns, basic pawn structure and more. Even those who may consider themselves to be somewhat better than the average beginner will definitely find something in this book that will improve their game.