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Rating: 
Summary: Excellent compendium for average players wanting to improve
Review: Correctly titled, this work will likely be of most use to players rated 1000 to perhaps 1800. However, it is so well written and includes so much valuable information, higher rated players may also benefit. The section on "Choosing a move" was particularly valuable. It includes a very organized and thorough framework (presented in a 10 point checklist) to utilize in selecting a move. These points include tactical, positional and long-range considerations. I think the incorporation of long-range considerations in the process may be especially enlightening to up-and-coming players. The example games and commentary are truly insightful into the application of the process. Other chapters include "Defensive Play" (includes some valuable pointers), "Difficult Positions", "Pawn Play" (although for the definite treatment of this subject, see "Pawn Power in Chess" by Hans Kmoch), "Late Middle Game" which addresses open, closed and complicated positions, and more. Numerous position illustrations, very few typos, very clearly written, handy size, great price. An excellent reference and a super value for the rising, competitive player.
Rating: 
Summary: Average doesn't equal Beginner
Review: I had thought the "average" in the title was equating it with the many beginners' books available. It isn't. Or doesn't. Average here means someone who already has alot of basic chess knowledge under their belt. It was a bit over my head and for that reason disappointing. As I mature as a chess player I'm sure this book will be one I'll go back to however.
Rating:
Summary: Average doesn't equal Beginner
Review: I had thought the "average" in the title was equating it with the many beginners' books available. It isn't. Or doesn't. Average here means someone who already has alot of basic chess knowledge under their belt. It was a bit over my head and for that reason disappointing. As I mature as a chess player I'm sure this book will be one I'll go back to however.
Rating: 
Summary: Classic chess book from late 1970's
Review: I have a confession: I am a patzer, a fish, a knight of the grand order of Chess Dummyhood. Yes, I am that most dreaded of things: an average player. Thus, it was with trembling hands I first held this book; after all, it did say it was written for the average player (and book titles are never wrong, right??) Harding, like most British authors, has a most precise writing style that immediately and without fuss imparts the necessary knowledge and goes on its way. A sort of knowledge 'drive-by'. Sure, it covers the same things the others in this genre of books do: the checkmates, the combinations, the planning methods and all the other things the Chess aspirant should know but what is different is hard to describe without reading this paragon of instructional books. Suffice it to say it does its job very well. 5 stars. And maybe, one day, with much work and many grey hairs, I will be called to the Chess equivalent of Valhalla, handed my GrandMaster title certificate and beams of light from on-high will descend and <slap!> oops, sorry, daydreaming again! ;-) Good book, ... (It's DOVER!) and worth buying!
Rating:
Summary: Fun for this 2000 Player too
Review: I have the original edition from the '70s. This is a very enjoyable book. Although my rating is about 2000 USCF, I still find much of the material to be enlightening and simply fun. For the price there is a LOT of nice chess packed into this book. You won't finish it in a week. And the sense of fun and humor are great. I'd say any player from about 1200 USCF up to high expert level (maybe 2150) would find this a good book, with perhaps those around 1400-1700 getting the most benefit. And like I said, it's priced well and covers a lot of ground in an enjoyable fashion. I may buy another copy to see what's been changed since the '70s. The extra copy will make a great gift.
Rating:
Summary: Fun for this 2000 Player too
Review: I have the original edition from the '70s. This is a very enjoyable book. Although my rating is about 2000 USCF, I still find much of the material to be enlightening and simply fun. For the price there is a LOT of nice chess packed into this book. You won't finish it in a week. And the sense of fun and humor are great. I'd say any player from about 1200 USCF up to high expert level (maybe 2150) would find this a good book, with perhaps those around 1400-1700 getting the most benefit. And like I said, it's priced well and covers a lot of ground in an enjoyable fashion. I may buy another copy to see what's been changed since the '70s. The extra copy will make a great gift.
Rating:
Summary: Classic chess book from late 1970's
Review: The layout of this book is not the greatest presentation, but this corrected edition is interesting- it presents a fictional account of an imaginary tournament as the author discusses various middle game techniques. Its written in algebraic notation so the style is modern. This book is useful for players rated under 1900 ELO strength.
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