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Summary: For Novice to Mid-Range Players
Review: I don't believe this book will make you a master. How many masters are there of the Silman School of Chess? I do think this will help novices to mid-range players (elo 1000 to 1400). The best part are the chapters on the imbalances between the minor pieces. There are a lot of typoes in this edition, and tactics are pretty much left out, which I think is a big mistake. All in all, though, this is a classic for beginner to mid-range level players.
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Summary: The Best
Review: I believe it is just as important to observe the professional critic's viewpoint as well as the general public's in choosing a good book. This is by far "the cream of the crop" of chess books. I am only half way through the book but I have learned how to utilize my pieces through this book like no other book has taught me. Jeremy Silman knows how to teach. If you don't take my word for it then take the words of all the others who have given this book a great review.
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Summary: Silman teaches you to understand a position
Review: This is an excellent book. In this book Mr Silman teaches you to asses a position by breaking it down to it's core. Some of the subjects discussed in this book are: interplay between minor pieces, space, the strong center, pawn structure, weak squares, the positional sacrifice, the innitiative, lead in development, open file's, preventing counterplay and much more. Mr Silman also teaches a system of (controlled) thought (thus how to go about finding a good move (i.e. a correct plan) after you understand the position!). By reading this magnificent super-book you will gain a deeper understanding of the game. This book is really well written and a lot of fun to read. You will find yourself reading this book again and again.
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Summary: Best middle game book ever
Review: This book uses a completely different way of looking at chess strategy as compared to traditional books. A must have for any player regardless of level.
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Summary: This is a great book!
Review: I wish I could give this book six (6) stars -- my game has improved greatly.
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Summary: The best teaching book ever written?
Review: Before I say anything else, you should probably know I am a chess "pro" ... I make a large part of my income from playing and teaching chess. (And I have done so for the last 10 years.) Many years ago, I was at a tournament in Alabama. I was espousing several/many of my ideas. They all said, "Hey - that sounds great, why don't you write a book?" Then Silman came out with his book. All my best ideas were in there. How did he do it? Seriously, this is a GREAT book. I have used the material in this book to teach many of my students. I can use what is in this book to puzzle Masters. Do you know how many high-rated players I have asked to name the various "Anti-Knight" techniques, and all they have given me is a blank look? If you had a thorough knowledge of everything in this book, (and could always apply it); you'd be at least an EXPERT. (USCF =/> 2000.) I think many Masters could learn something from this book. I know, I am a Life-Master. In my own not-so-humble opinion, this is simply, "THE BEST INSTRUCTIONAL BOOK EVER WRITTEN!" (Especially for the Non-Master!!) If you even think you want to be better, this book had better be in your library! [Note to J.S.: Your word editor and spell-checker on your laptop are broken.]
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Summary: Yes, it's as good as the reviews are saying
Review: Awesome is the first thing that comes to my mind when I read this book. From the first chapter on "opposition" I was learning new things. Here's a few things that I'd like to share/advise about this book: 1) Read this early in your chess career. You'll avoid learning bad habits that will be tough to change, and you'll be in a much better position to understand and learn when studying Grandmaster games. 2) Take the time required to do the work. This is not a "sit down and read it" book. This is a "Study, work on a excercise, study some more, apply what you learned to analyzing a Grandmaster game, and continue studying" sort of book. If it takes 3 or 4 months (or even a year) to get through it that's fine. 3) When Silman says "Come back in 6 months and re-read this book" you should do it. What you didn't catch the first time through you will the 2nd time. 4) Read "The Amature Mind" AFTER you finish this book. Silman's other book "The Amature Mind" assumes that you already understand the points he's taught in "How to reassess your chess" 5) After you've read this book get a collection of chess games by some grandmaster and analyze those games using what you've learned from this book. 6) Once you've done that get the Reassess your chess workbook and work through that. By the time you've followed these steps your chess game will have dramatically improved. So get out your notebook, sharpen your pencil, get ready to sit down and do some real studying and work. But when you do you'll be amazed at how much you've improved as a chess player. Moreover, you'll have the skills to continue to improve rather than being handcuffed by bad habits.
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Summary: How to Reassess Your Chess by Jeremy Silman
Review: I found it well done and an excellent book written by a chess teacher for students and others that wish to improve their chess.
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Summary: Another Tour-de-force from Silman - Highly Recommended!
Review: This book is a great book for the determined and avid intermediate chess player looking to improve his game. Its not a magical book (like some reviewers have made it seem!) and will not transform your game without hard work and determination. In order to take full advantage of Silman's method, the reader needs to do alot more than just read. It is alot more work to improve than meets the eye and no one book can do it or should claim to do it. Needless to say, if there is such a book, How to re-assess your Chess comes pretty darned close! The onus is on the reader to read, practice and absolutley transform his chess-strategizing method, in order to make full use of the book.
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Summary: The Chess Student's Bible, Koran, Torah
Review: If you read this book and don't improve your game at least 200%, you should forget about chess entirely. The only catch is that you will have to work like a dog to change your thought process to conform to the Silman Way of Thinking. Presented in a logical manner, there are many fine examples, tips, and general rules. Most important, however, is the *method* of the thought process, which he explains in crystal-clear language. If you succeed in assimilating the knowledge within this tome, the blood of many kings will stain your hands.
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