With this book you'll find out how easy chess is to learn. The exposition is clear and informal and strikes a rather unique level. Whereas most introductory manuals are either sketchy and undeveloped or else lose the reader in a maze of technical detail, this volume is one of the very few intermediate accounts. It covers the most elementary procedures and also takes you through the development of basic strategic notions. Written by a well-known British master and chess correspondent, it packs an amazing amount of material into its pages, and it gives you a quick, easy-to-follow, full course of instruction. The first part of the book explains the rules, describes the pieces and their possible moves, and shows how games are won, lost, or drawn. Miscellaneous terms are defined. Numerous examples and crystal-clear diagrams illustrate the textual account and help give novices a firm grasp of fundamentals; beginners can read through these 30-some pages and then sit down and start to play immediately. The rest of the book concentrates on the development of skills by the use of general tactical principles. Barden handles the problems of openings effectively: he discusses actual game situations in detail and shows what and what not to do — and why; then he looks into two typical openings fairly thoroughly (the Hungarian Defense and the Queen's Gambit). The middle and endgame are also examined with respect to common situations and ways of dealing with them. The emphasis throughout on the isolation of patterns and recurrent positions (and away from memorization) gives the beginner greater understanding and flexibility. The final two chapters analyze a full game, telling why each move was made. No handier or more effective introduction is available in English. A brief study of this book and a few practice games will make you appreciate the enthusiasm of your friends and of hundreds of thousands all over the world for this fascinating pastime.

Clearly written guide covers all openings: the Benko Gambit, Bird's Opening, Centre Game, Dutch Defence, Four Knights Game, King's Gambit, others. Techniques are designed to help moderate players whose games are confined to club play or by correspondence, and aid good players who want to improve in tournament or club events.

Details the possible variations in the opening game for players who have a basic understanding of chess rules and notation

90 species of true fern allies covered in detail. 85 full-page drawings, 13 keys, etc.

Mankind has always had a love-hate relationship with fungi. On the positive side, edible mushrooms and truffles are gastronomic delights, and certain fungi possess medicinal properties. On the other hand, many mushrooms are poisonous, and fungi can inflict costly damage on crops and other property. This captivating book explores both sides of the story, examining aspects usually overlooked in texts and field guides. The survey begins with fungi lore from mythology and legends, focusing particularly on the plants' association with devils, witches, and fairies. A balanced portrait of fungi in the real world considers not only the ruin caused by the plants but also their uses in medicine and industry and as foods. Ranging far and wide in its topics, the narrative offers a light touch and plenty of enthusiasm, making this book fun for everyone with even a casual interest in mushrooms. In addition, serious mushroom hunters will find this volume a practical reference and a fascinating resource for leisurely browsing.

Twenty-five chess games chosen, arranged, annotated to help amateurs avoid a variety of weak strategic and tactical moves. With commentary by 1935–36 World Chess Champion Max Euwe. 1963 edition.

Dr. Tarrasch begins with the endgame-because itrsquo;s easier for a novice to deal with a few men than the entire 32. An important and extensive discussion of the middle game follows. Finally, the author deals with openings and offers enlightening comments on many historically important variations. Over 340 diagrams and 12 complete games.

"The beauty of a game of chess is usually appraised, and with good reason, according to the sacrifices it contains. On principle we incline to rate a sacrificial game more highly than a positional game. Instinctively we place the moral value above the scientific. We honor Capablanca, but our hearts beat higher when Morphy’s name is mentioned." — Introduction. Perhaps the strongest Austrian-born grandmaster of the20th century, Rudolf Spielmann (1883–1942) defeated such world-class opponents as Nimzovich, Tartakower, Bogoljubov — and even the great Capablanca. Among the reasons for his success was his mastery of the art of sacrifice. In this ground-breaking classic, distilled from 40 years of tournament play, he outlines the hard-won lessons that enable a player to win games by giving up pieces! Drawing on dozens of his own games against such topflight players as Schlechter, Tartakower, Bogoljubov, Reti, Rubinstein and Tarrasch, Spielmann describes and analysis various type of sacrifices: (positional, for gain, mating) and real sacrifices: (for development, obstructive, preventive, line-clearance, vacating, deflecting and more). The result was the first systematic attempt to explain and exploit the theory of chess sacrifice; it remains an extremely helpful and useful weapon in the arsenal of chess players at every level.

One of the finest modern works on chess endings. Thorough analysis by former world champion. 331 examples, each with diagram.

Here is a rich selection of games by some of the finest young grandmasters of the 1980s. Each chapter introduces a player, outlining his career, personality, and playing style. Then follows a thoroughly annotated selection of his finest and most characteristic games. By studying these games, presented by two international masters and former champions, players at every level will find inspiration and practical techniques. This insight into the Grandmaster competition will be an interesting read even to nonplayers. Index of openings and games. About the Authors. Player profiles include Gary Kasparov, Jan Timman, Walter Browne, Robert Hubner, Zoltan Ribli, Ljubomir Ljubojevic, Tony Miles, and Ulf Andersson. 8 halftones. 108 figures.