How to Get Better at Chess: Chess Masters on Their Art

Rating:
Summary: A very disappointing book
Review: This dreary book fails to deliver on its title, but even if one forgets the title, it is difficult to enjoy this badly written book. The question and answer sessions with Grandmasters are unmemorable, there is very little useful advice, and the book is so full of misspellings and bad grammar, one wonders who or what did the proofreading. There are some good games and the biographical information is of some interest, but there is nothing else in this committee production to interest players at any level of strength. If you can find a used copy for a couple of bucks, you probably won't feel robbed. Otherwise, it's best to go find a real chess book.

Rating:
Summary: A great read for serious players!
Review: This is a great book. The only problem is that the title is inappropriate and misleading. It should be titled "Opinions on Chess by the Top Players." This is not a book on chess theory but rather a transcript, if you will, of GMs and IMs giving their general opinions on the game, namely on how to improve, recommended books, and anecdotes. If you have ever wanted to "interview" a top player, buy this book. It's eye opening to see how much these players disagree on a lot of hot topics. If you love to collect books as much as playing (as I do) this is a must for your library. And, of course, anything with Jeremy Silman's name is going to be enjoyable.

Rating:
Summary: For those who love chess anecdotes
Review: This is where bookstores come in handy. I thumbed through this book many times before finally buying it. For the beginner seeking instruction, this book will not offer much. For those on a quest to puncture the mystery of chess, or for those who are just nuts about chess books this offers considerable browsing pleasure -- a sort of chess coffee table book. The intermediate player overwhelmed by the game will take considerable solace in all the GMs and IMs disagreeing vehemently from page to page on how to improve one's game!