More Simple Chess: Moving on from the Basic Principles

By John Emms

Book Overview

Most experts agree that to reach a high standard at chess, one must not only be able to calculate properly but also master the many positional points of the game. However, while tactical ability is clear-cut and can be improved simply by the continual practice of puzzles, learning the finer points of positional play that come so naturally to Grandmasters can seem like a frightening task for the less experienced player. In this book, Grandmaster John Emms aims to solve this problem, giving the reader a thorough grooming on all the crucial aspects of chess strategy. Moving on from the basic principles, Emms draws upon both his own experiences and those of other international players to unravel the mystery surrounding positional chess. This book will be particularly helpful for those who have previously honed their chess skills with the highly popular Simple Chess.

*An advanced course in chess strategy
*Written by an experienced chess professional
*Ideal for club and tournament players

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1857443438
• ISBN13: 9781857443431
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Everyman Chess
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.9" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Ideas on Chess Strategy for the Club Player

This is not a treatise on the key ideas in chess strategy; it's more of a "here are some interesting ideas on strategic themes for club players" book. Considerations when exchanging pieces, retreating backwards to reposition pieces, the queen's struggle against 2 rooks or R + minor + pawn in an endgame, and kings stumbling into endgame checkmates all show up in this work. Emms has chosen some excellent games, and his annotations are first-rate. Each chapter ends with a short quiz, usually 3 or 4 positions. Emms writes sparkling prose, too, so you can hardly go wrong. It's a fun and helpful read for players rated in the Elo 1500-2000 range, although I wouldn't be surprised if an expert (2000-2200) found some useful material within these pages. I'd say the book rates 4.5 stars for helping you improve in your chess ability, but I'll round up because I had so much fun reading it.