Square One: A Chess Drill Book for Beginners

This book is targeted to someone who is very new to chess. It allows them to quickly learn the rules, notation, how pieces move, elementary tactics and elementary checkmates. The added value of this book over other similar ones is that it is extremely well-organized, logically arranged and set up so that a beginner can make rapid progress. There are many questions, exercises and drills of various types that reinforce important ideas and plenty of review material. This book is ideal for a parent helping a child to learn chess partly for that reason. I saw a lot of low ratings for this book and didn't think that was quite fair because perhaps they are not judging it for it's intended audience. For the target audience, however, I really haven't seen anything better. At one time I was a Director of Education and part of my job was putting out courseware and course materials. In my judgement this book is designed to teach and it takes the shortest path to the goal and present material in way where it is likely to be retained in long-term memory. If you already know the rules, elementary tactics, elementary checkmates, etc. you still may appreciate the review or you may want to pass on this. One of my favorite beginner books for a general for play for a beginner is HOW TO BE A WINNER AT CHESS by Reinfeld. It's an older book, but very readable and a good next step to this one.

I have highly recommended this book to all of my beginning students. Excellent preparation for all wanting to learn the basics & beginning strategy. I add commentary to this book in going over it with my students in the section with example problems a)what is/are the BEST move(s) for the opposite color (opponent) & why and b) what moves would I NOT want to make & why. "Chess Lady" (name given to me by my students): 1994 PA Women's State Chess Champion; 1997 WV Women's State Chess Champion; 1998 coach of PA Scholastic Chess Champions

Considering I could not defeat my Microsoft Computer Chess program at the Intermediate level, I decided to act. I purchased Square One chess-drill book by Bruce Pandolfini and upon having completed it, I dashed for the PC and within two games I had conquered the intermediate level. The real surprise came when I tackled the Advanced level, although I have not defeated it , I am approaching victory. One of my major problem areas are my openings. I aquired myself The Chess Doctor - Surefire Cures for What Ails Your Game. My objective is to defeat Advanced upon the completion of this book. I intend to keep purchasing Mr Pandolfini's chess books as long as my game improves. I'll keep you posted on my progress!