Customer Reviews

Secrets of the Russian Chess Masters: Fundamentals of the Game, Volume 1

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a very visual learner. Apparently, so are Russian children. This book is written in the manner that Russian children are taught: a chessboard is laid down, pieces placed, and a question posed, say, checkmate in two. Your job is to figure out how to get there. In the book, the first half is composed of pages of such diagrams, each geared towards either explaining visually how a piece moves, its value in trade, its best positions, etc. It is a great way to learn the game.
The book starts off slowly, explaining how the game works. You then work through various parts of the game: openings, middle moves, and closings. This game really helped me to develop a solid opening.
I have always had trouble with the middle game; this book gives the basics for that. The second volume gives a much more in-depth treatment of the game; openings, closings, and middle game strategy. But this is the book to get for a new player, or for one who always seems to get beaten. I started out losing to the computer on its easiest level, now I still lose, but at least I understand why, heh heh. Seriously, it is written in an understandable manner, and if you're a visual learner, the problem sets are really worthwhile.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

This is one excellent Beginner book; it is unique and very informative. The first 102 pages have a lot of basic fundamental information ALL beginners should learn. Pages 103 to 264 of the book are devoted to Tactics & Strategy theory of The Opening, Middlegame and Endgame-this is the meat of the book. Lev mixes games, theory and teaching diagrams artfully. The diagrams are clear; most ask you a question or two with the answers right there, no flipping pages to the back of the book to hunt for answers. Many answers are very detailed. This is a great study book for beginners. Reading it once is not enough. Good Luck.

This book uses a combination of lecture and problem-solving to train and ingrain the information. It covers the basics of openings, middlegame analysis, tactics and endgames. A delightful feature is the regular "chess movies" which introduce instructive games with useful commentary and multiple diagrams. The book also trains your skills with descriptive notation. My main criticism lies in the length of some of the chapters. It might have been better to break them into several smaller chapters with problems and drills in between to further consolidate learning. Worth getting if you're fairly new, or have been out of the game for long enough to feel you need to brush up.

This is an excellent book for beginners that does more than just teach the basics. It teaches skills needed for any level of play.

This book begins with the very basics, how the board is set up, how the pieces move, the basic rules. The book then progresses at a steady pace introducing strategy and tactical tools. The book goes further than just explaining principles, and offers "chessercizes" at the end of each section to ensure the reader fully grasps each concept before moving on. I have read several chess books and browsed many more and this is hands down the best one. If you play chess or want to learn, you must read this book.

I have bought many books here but have never submitted a review. For this book I have to say its one of my best buy. 5 stars!!

Ok about the authors: Lev Alburt came from Rusia, was Ukranian chess champion three times, then he moved to United states a became USA chess champion(twice). Alburt defeats Yasser Seirawan.
Larry Parr, serve as a editor of Chess Life, and has a respetable writer.

This book approach to the fundamental, just beginer player, but are nice commented games in the book.

Alburt's soviet secrets chess school are revealed, but too fundamental.
I ama strong player, and enjoy the book, but just for read.

My recomendation, beginers should have it, strong players, buy the second volume.

Thsi book could have any parent that has a child in chess, or trainer

I had read this book once before. One of the easiest reading and best. I bought two, and gave one to my life time friend who is playing on line with me. mmh maybe I should not have.. he beats me more all the time :)

I like this book because it has alot to say about chess, After the basics, I want to know everything there is to know about chess, i don't want some frilly little book, with small chapters and some chess excersises, I like The intuitive nature of the excersises, The flow of information, To understand what will my opponent do, in his future 2 turns, And to know the to basic things to ask myself, When i move.

I'm new to chess and have reviewed several books and I found "Secrets of the Russian Chess Masters" to be the best for a beginner.

Lev Alburt and Larry Parr have written a primer to chess that's easy to follow and the chessersize examples have helped me to apply the lessons to classic chess competitions. I'm amazed at my progress and enjoy leaning and applying the "tricks" advanced players have used in previous tournaments.
This book is a must read for all new chess players.