Based on the powerful Caro-Kann, a favorite weapon of great players, you'll learn how to come right out of the gate and defend against 1.d4, the most popular first move in chess. This is a great beginners book because readers need to learn just one strong opening system, and it can be used to combat all of Whites 1.d4 openings. You'll learn every option and strategy White can throw on the board, the correct plan to combat them all, and how to seize the initiative and take control of the game. Up-to-date analysis includes examples from world-class games. Includes more than 350 diagrams and clear explanations. 300 pages

This aggressive counterattacking repertoire covers Black opening systems against virtually every opening except for 1.e4 (plus most flank games), based on the exciting and powerful Tarrasch Defense, which helped win Kasparov and Spassky championships. Black learns the Classical Tarrasch, Symmetrical Tarrasch, Asymmetrical Tarrasch, Marshall and Tarrasch gambits, and Tarrasch without Nc3, to achieve early equality or even an outright advantage in the first few moves. This is an important opening book for aggressive players looking for an edge. 288 pages

From opening, middlegame, and endgame strategy, to psychological warfare and tournament tactics, you are taken through the thinking behind each essential concept. Examples, discussions, and diagrams show the full impact on the game's direction. Tons of diagrams, examples, sidebars, and sample games illustrate the concepts, making this book easy-to-read and a joy for players looking to delve deeper into the mysteries of chess and become a better player. Called one of the ten best chess books ever written, readers will learn the thinking and concepts behind every aspect of a chess game. An absolute must for players who love the game of chess. 432 pages

Nine, information-packed chapters and twenty-two diagrams show beginning players how to play and win at chess in one quick and easy reading. You'll learn the moves of the pieces, the rules and principles of play, the standard openings, as well as chess notation. Cantrell also introduces the basic concepts and strategies of middle and endgame play. Victor Boriskoff says, For a beginner, this is the best chess book on the market! Recommended. 64 pages

A fascinating challenge and great training tool, these two- three- and four-move checkmates are great for beginning, intermediate, and expert players. Mates are in order of difficulty, from simple to very complex positions. Learn the standard patterns for cornering the king, corridor and support mates, attraction and deflection sacrifices, pins and annihilation, the quiet move, and the dreaded zugzwang. Mate challenges are presented from both Blacks and Whites perspective so players learn to see both sides of the board. Examples from old classics to the new millenium illustrate a wide range of ideas. This book is lots of fun and an easy way for a player to improve skills! 192 pages

A reference work covering the essential opening theory and moves of every major chess opening and variation, as played by the world champions. The book covers 100 openings in conceptual detail, gives insights and explores secrets used by some of the great chess players.

Ten chess prodigies and their coach discuss chess basics, winning strategies, getting rated, reading notation, playing online, good games, bad games, and joining tournaments.

Welcome to the backwards, wrong-way, mixed-up Kingdom of Lidd. It's the magical home of false logic puzzles, and you have to solve them! Just analyze the situation, test the different options, and search for inconsistencies. Choose a level of difficulty, from one-star "challenging" puzzles to three-star "mind-expanding" ones. When you hit a snag, turn to the Hints section-or if you're hopelessly stumped, go to Solutions for the right answer and the logic behind it.

In most chess games, white has the privilege of attacking first, but there are ways for black to turn the tables right from the start. In this exciting repertoire of gambits, black immediately seizes the initiative from White's hands and begins powerful attacks.