Play Winning Chess: An Introduction to the Moves, Strategies, and Philosophy of Chess from the Usa's #1 Ranked Chess Player (Winning Chess)

Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK
Review: this book is soooo helpful to someone who wants to start to play serious chess, kind of a beginner book, but with a lot of helpful info. I am dissapointed I can only give 5 start because I really like and value this book

Rating:
Summary: The best modern chess primer
Review: This book is the best modern primer on chess available. Yasser Seirawan writes with the authority of a top-rated chess player whose main idea is to get beginners to learn the main ideas about chess. Unlike other books, Seirawan pays little attention to specific moves and concentrates on four important cornerstones of the chess game. Material ("Force") is usually the concept which is easier to assimilate, but Yaz successfully stresses that development ("Time"), territorial advantage ("Space") and position ("Pawn Structure") are as important as the first concept. The clarity with which he explains the ideas and connects them makes this book very suitable also for initiated players who are still crude in chess theory. The merit of this book is that newcomers will learn how to decide upon their chess moves taking into account the most important points of the game. Eight short games thoroughly annotated follow, where the practical aspects of all four elements are shown. A nice picture album, a very useful glossary, and quizzes spread along the text nicely complement the reading. Recommended for beginners and for those who, although already familiar with the way the chessmen move, want to take up the game of chess more seriously. (USCF ratings up to 1200).

Rating:
Summary: A great introductary book to chess
Review: This is a great introduction, but it may not be for everyone. It's not a simple problem-answer type book, such as Bobby Fischer teaches chess, and calls for a lot more attention. It fits my style perfectly, and got me up to the point where I can play a decent game and appreciate some of the subtleties of the game. Have a look through it and see if it fits your learning style - this is one of the best introductary books available.