Chess Life Magazine - September 2011 Issue

Mistakes are often made in the early part of the game - at all levels of chess - but a key skill is to recognize these critical moments as they happen and to exploit them with maximum efficiency. This is a skill which Grandmaster Simon Williams addresses in this book. Using instructive and entertaining games in which one side wins quickly, he examines all the typical mistakes chess players make in the opening and early middlegame, how you should look to exploit them, and how to avoid falling into similar traps yourself.

1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Bb4! has hit the headlines following its use by chess superstars Vladimir Kramnik and Alexei Shirov. The critical White response is 3.Nd5 leading to exciting, double-edged positions where home preparation is crucial. GM Conquest charts a path through the complications, suggesting independent plans for Black to adopt should White duck the issue and avoid 3.Nd5.

This DVD is for anyone who knows the rules of chess but would like to be able to improve their game with some specific tactics and strategies. It builds on the basic principles of chess that should have already been learnt. However, there is also an introductory chapter for those that may have gaps in this part of their foundation. The main part of the DVD is split into four chapters: Opening – The general principles of the opening are discussed here. No specific opening repertoire is suggested but a guide of how to tackle any opening and come through the first stage of the game in a better position. Middlegame – Some basic tactical devices are introduced such as the pin, fork, skewer and discovered attack. These devices are used throughout the levels of chess and even top grandmaster games are won from a basic device as these. Ending – The basic checkmating technique of the most common endings that occur in novice games are instructed here. These techniques are essential to master before continuing with more complex checkmates. Test – The DVD finishes with a test chapter which consists of 20 exercises based on the information discussed throughout the DVD. Each exercise allows time for you to pause and calculate the answer before the answer is discussed. This DVD is a must for anyone who wants to improve their game, whether they are a junior or an adult. It can be for those who have just learnt the moves or for those who have played for some time but want to consolidate their knowledge. Video running time: 4 hours 15 min. System requirements Pentium-Processor at 300 Mhz or higher, 64 MB RAM, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, DVD drive, mouse, soundcard

In this book grandmaster Nigel Davies provides that direction. He examines the methods used by a number of players who were looking to improve their game, and how they went about achieving their goal. He has drawn heavily on the games and thoughts of players who have been his students over the years and experienced a clear improvement in their play.

Nigel Davies is a Grandmaster with more than 35 years of tournament experience. He is a highly regarded chess teacher and the author of many successful chess books.

More chess coaches in America recommend this book for their students than any other book. Written by one of the World's Strongest Grandmasters who was top contender for the World Chess Championship, "Chess the Easy Way" takes the player from the beginning moves of chess, rapidly advancing to the Expert Level.

Total Chess Training IV consists of five magnificent educational programs not included in the other Total Training packages.

For this book, Lev has selected 40 of his best columns, arranged them by themes, cut some material — and added much more, all to make A Fresh Look at Chess both truly instructional and fun to read.