How Chess Games Are Won And Lost

Traditionally, chess games have been divided into three stages - opening, middlegame and endgame - and general principles presented for how to handle each stage. All chess-players will be well aware that these principles all too frequently fail to help in their selection of the best move. In this important work, Lars Bo Hansen, grandmaster and professional educator, presents chess as a game of five phases, and explains the do's and don'ts in each: * the opening * the transition to the early middlegame * the middlegame * strategic endgames * technical endgames * With a wealth of examples from both his own practice and that of his colleagues, Hansen discusses the typical mistakes and pitfalls, and shows how to handle the subtleties unique to each stage. He also advises on how to work on your chess in each aspect of the game. Of special value is his explanation of how to study typical middlegames, and that middlegame preparation - a neglected area for most players - is both possible and necessary.

Profoundly original book demonstrates how basic relationships of one or two pawns constitute winning strategy. Multitude of examples illustrate theory. 182 diagrams. Index of games.

It is not always possible to win a game of chess by obtaining an advantage and then logically converting it into a win. In the games of average players the result is often in doubt until the last blunder and the more resourceful player will usually triumph.No game of chess is won by resigning and the "swindle" in an integral part of modern tournament play. How does one fight back from a bad position? What are the types of resource one should be looking for? Is it better to defend passively or lash out and try to confuse the opponent?These questions are all dealt with in this entertaining and instructive book. Complete games are given throughout and this allows the reader to understand how the game has swung as a result of a series of errors.Leonid Shamkovich is a former Soviet Grandmaster. Eric Schiller is a FIDE Master and the author and translator of many books.

• A unique exploration of those pivotal moments in which chess games are won or lost – if you know how to spot them • Packed with invaluable tips and tricks on identifying critical moments, illustrated with examples from 280 chess games • Fascinating new book from the author of Imagination in Chess, which has built up a cult following in the chess world This exciting and unique book deals with an aspect of chess that is hard to pin down: those monumental moments in a game when the tide turns and the course of the game is altered. It outlines the different types of critical moment, explaining how to spot them and, crucially, how to combat them, seize the initiative and turn the game to your own advantage. To back up the theory, the author has provided deep analysis of 280 chess positions from games by some of the greatest players in the world.

The Way to Better Chess! Why You Lose at Chess is vintage Reinfeld. He pulls no punches, showing the reader why he or she loses chess games. This is quite a remarkable feat when you think about it, because he never saw any of the games the vast majority of his readers played. But Fred knew the thinking that lurks behind poor chess decisions, and he let us all know what is wrong or irrelevant or misguided about the types of moves he witnessed far too often. Beginning with a chapter on self-appraisal, he links a lack of understanding of your own personality with erroneous choices of moves and plans in a chess game. He goes on to delve into playing blindly (with no idea what you are actually doing) or by rote (memorization vs. understanding). A couple of technical mistakes he points out include a lack of understanding of the tremendous importance controlling the center makes as well as knowing what features in a position should be present in order for an attack to be likely to work. Among other observations, he gets on amateur players for being easily bored, impatient, lazy, and stubborn. And all of this comes with lucid examples from master play that back up his contentions. All in all, this is an outstanding treatment of a subject players generally do not pay enough attention to. It has the potential to open anyone’s eyes to what playing strong chess can be like. Let Fred Reinfeld show you the way to better chess...

Focuses on theoretical disciplines including cognitive science, artificial intelligence, logic, linguistics and analytical philosophy.

If you're looking to learn about the game of chess--and win--The Everything Chess Basics Book provides you with the perfect introduction. Endorsed by the United States Chess Federation, The Everything Chess Basics Book is an authoritative guide that appeals to chess players of all ages and skill. From understanding the chess pieces to learning the basic moves to forming a winning strategy, The Everything Chess Basics Book teaches readers all they need to know to sharpen their skills and pick up a few advanced techniques and tricks along the way. The Everything Chess Basics Book also features information on: special moves; threats; types of chess; chess ethics and sportsmanship; notation, scoring, and timing; and more! Packed with hundreds of clear diagrams, The Everything Chess Book will have you declaring "Checkmate!" in no time.