Chess Basics

by Nigel Short

Book Overview

Whether you are a total beginner or just think you'd like to play, International Grandmaster Nigel Short can show you how to play and win the "game of kings." With over 140 two-color diagrams and photographs, learn how to set up the board, the moves and origins of the pieces, how to play, how to study other games by following notation, and finishing off an opponent-with tips on gamesmanship.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806907983
• ISBN13: 9780806907987
• Release Date: December 1994
• Publisher: Sterling
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Fluent Reading. (2005).

Nigel Short is very approachable when it comes to explaining the game of Chess. He has many sections on his book which explains the pieces and how they are used in the game. This book is only 96 pages long but don't be fooled nor discouraged in not purchasing it because you will learn alot if you get it(i know i have). The book is very friendly to read, you feel like if he is there with you explaing the game to you. Other books have distance, this doesn't. You will be surprised as i was that he cuts through the red tape and gets to the point quickly(but in a very friendly way). Very rare! It also has a section on learning Chess notation(this is very important for all Chess novice players to know). I never knew how notation functioned but Nigel explained it perfectly and now i understand (the letters and the numbers when i look at the board). The notation area is (on pages 26-through 31). The font and the Chess diagrams inside the book are friendly, positive, and understandable. It is very soft on the eyes. Yes, this too includes a picture of Nigel Short (you will see what he looks like)which is on page Seven and has a special message from him to you(on the game). The message is not one of politically correctness but one of sincerity. By reading this information again and again and with time practicing the game everything will become second nature. It is all about practice in the end, but this books(writing) information gives explains the game to you and gives you this very optimistic confidence to take up the sport/hobby. Like i said, very rare writing and attitude from a high ranking Chess Player such as Mr. Short. He takes the mystery out of Chess! Nigel Short lives in Greece,is Married, and has children. According to FIDE he is the 2nd number ranked player in England.Please look at his history(whenever you have the time, this person is a Legend(and he looks so young). This information deserves 10 stars,highly recommended book. Thanks Mr.N.Short.

A Winner

I bought a Lego chess CD for my 6 year old son this past summer just for fun. At the time we were not chess players. We quickly got interested in the game. Basic Chess became the first book I read on this great game. This is truely an introductory book. It combines a little bit of history with an introduction to each of the pieces and their movement around the board. You are introduced to algebraic notation and other important terminology and symbols. Some tatical elements are dicussed such as forks, gaurds and skewers. They are however not given in any particular context (but that is not a big deal). Basic checkmate patterns and castling is covered. The most fundamental principles of chess are emphasized by Short which include: control the center, develop your chessmen and castle early. Other things included are the "en passant" rule and conditions for a draw. Many rules are not included but you can only do so much with 94 pages. It is easy to read and no real typo's to mention. Good sized font. My son now takes private lessons and does puzzles most days. I enjoy reading other chess books a may start taking formal lessons as well although I do play against the computer on Chessmaster 5000. For a "true" beginner it is a winner!!!

An Excellent Book for the Casual Chess Player!

I've been playing chess for two years now, and until I found this book, I was very frustrated with the choice of chess books available. I've never seen a better book for both learning the game, and as handy guide to rules and basic strategies. In less than 100 pages Nigel Short shows how the game works, gives basic strategies lessons, and teaches chess notation. Both the written instructions and illustrations are superb, crystal clear and straight to the point! While I'm not a beginner at Chess, I'm no grand master either. I keep Chess Basics by my chess board as both a refresher if I haven't played in a while, and as a very handy reference to some of the more difficult to memorize rules (such as En Passant!). I highly recommend this as a "Chess Bible" both as an introduction for the beginner and a practical reference for the casual chess player.