Steve Giddins is an author acclaimed for his ability to write in down-to-earth style on fundamental chess topics. In this book he answers the questions that really matter to chess-players. His topics include many basic ideas, including some that have rarely been addressed so directly in chess literature, and thus are often misunderstood by club players. Where appropriate, the answers also address highly sophisticated concepts, providing insights gleaned from many years of experience and discussions with players and trainers of the highest level.
Subjects include:
- Playing Chess in General
- The Opening
- Tactics and Combinations
- Planning and Strategy
- Positional Play
- The Endgame
- Competitive Play
- Training and Computers
- Playing Chess in General
Throughout, the ideas are backed up with examples from practical play and thought-provoking quotes from the great chess legends, thinkers and writers.
About the Author
Steve Giddins is a FIDE Master from England who has frequently contributed to the British Chess Magazine and the ChessBase website. He has gained a reputation as a writer who provides useful, no-nonsense advice on topics of genuine practical importance, drawing especially upon his familiarity with Russian chess literature and training methods. This is his sixth book for Gambit.
Reviews
“…an excellent read for beginners and elementary players.” — John Saunders, BCM
“This is another clever publication by Britain’s Gambit Books, which knows its audience extremely well. Anyone who ventures into a chess club quickly hears talk about minority attacks, backward pawns, opposite coloured bishops and other mysterious notions. For those who are too shy to ask, this book provides all the answers.” — Cecil Rosner, Winnipeg Free Press
“…a very useful book for beginners to have at their disposal.” — Alan Sutton, En Passant
“This book is absolutely ideal for players new to club and tournament chess who would like to plug a plethora of gaps in their knowledge with the minimum of time and fuss. Players with greater experience should also enjoy browsing the contents, especially as some of the illustrative games will almost certainly be new to them.” —Sean Marsh, Marsh Towers