Begin Chess: Second Edition

This is an excellent handbook for the beginning or intermediate level chess player. The book is divided into eight chapters: 1. Rules, 2. Tactics, 3. Strategy, 4. Scoring, 5. Playing the Game, 6. The Openings, 7. The End Game, & 8. The Next Steps. There are 160 total "lessons" in the book, utilizing simple chess board diagrams and algebraic notation . Even if you already know how to play, Pritchard's brief little book will help strengthen your chess fundamentals, and perhaps clarify certain aspects of the game you need help on. A handful of classic openings are explained, and the chapters on basic strategy and tactics are useful (especially as a reminder) for any level chess player. "Who should learn the game of chess?" Samuel Reshevsky asks in the Foreword. Everyone. Especially children. "The value of chess to a child is significant. As he learns it, he will find out how to concentrate. He will acquire a lifelong source of enjoyment and will discover one way to compete mentally with others. His mind will be sharpened." And so will yours, because it's never too late to begin chess.