The Tarrasch Formula

This is a good book on chess . It shows a number of games played by GM Sam Palatnik and illustrates concepts of chess strategies through the games . I think one will learn more by reading this book than spending time on opening volumes . This is a very practical hands-on approach to learning chess . The book has plenty of diagrams . I was able to follow the games without a chess book and increase my rating within minutes of finishing this book . I would say it is a must for anyone aspiring to improve in chess . I give this book 4 stars which speaks volumes . My rating jumped from 1700 to around 1800 after reading this book -- so I would say a rating increase of about 50 points to the average player who reads this. Easy to understand and very nice illustrations .

There is no doubt that this book demands much from the reader, and it may in fact be more suitable for a higher class of player than I am (which is fairly low). Let's be clear: there is no "magic formula" in this book, or in any chess book. The Tarrasch Formula is, in the end, a common-sense principle; a misplaced or out-of-play piece is a liability. I knew that. You know that. Nearly everyone knows that. But the real value lies in the application of the principle, and that is what this book is all about. The book leads us on a tour of the chess pieces, showing concrete and detailed examples of how the Tarrasch Formula would apply. We see hemmed-in bishops, sidelined knights, useless rooks, and much more. The examples are very clear. That is not to say that they are simplistic or even easy to follow. You will have to apply another universal formula, namely "hard work + dedication = success." You will get out of this book what you put into it; but that is more than you can say about most chess books. If you are at a level where you can grasp positional concepts, this book will definitely increase your skill level and your tournament results, if you work at it. The book has marvelous focus and is a real tour-de-force. I definitely recommend it. Find a copy and pay the price; it won't be cheap but it will return real value.

I loved Chess ever since I watched it being played when I was in the 4th grade. Something about the game is pure, fair, and beautiful. I could always beat my cousins even though they were older than me. I intuitively had the edge in Chess. It is hard to explain in words, but I owned them in Chess. But I had an Uncle that could always beat me. When I got older I realized tactics was his edge. It was a hurdle and I couldnt clear it. So I studied tactics like a madman for two years. He still beat me. Even though I had a winning record on Fics. Even though I had studied tactics religiously. He still supernaturally seemed to have my number. So I went through a thorough study of Logical Chess. It tied up a lot of loose ends. I became a better chess player. I tightened my game like a banjo string. I played not only with tactics but with my brain. Strategy! My friend. But still didnt have the winning hand. I bought this book on clearance off of Chess House. I went through Sam Palatnik games with a fine tooth comb. I learned the Tarrasch formula. I beat my Uncle ten games in a row. The torch had been passed, the baton had been forcibly taken. I was the family champion. I dont really feel happy about it. Somehow reaching this goal hurt me as much as helped me. The Uncle I looked up to became cannon fodder. I really LEARNED the game of Chess from this book. My pieces attacked liked a pack of wolves. This and Polgar's Brick are the two books I recommend to aspiring Chess players. I wrote this review to give credit where it is do. Thanks Sam!