If you want to learn about chess but find that most books are too hard for a beginner to understand, then this guide is tailor-made for you. Mark M. Wood, one of thirteen individuals in the United States certified as a national chess coach for the United States Chess Federation, explains the game in straightforward language. Drawing on the skills he learned as a lifelong educator, he shares activities that can be used with students of all ages—even those with limited experience playing the game. You’ll learn about the pieces on the board, how to prepare to play, tournament rules, how to record moves, moves to make when starting a game, five easy ways to get a draw, standard mating procedures, and much more. Every activity has been used by all ages and has been field assessed by Chinese and American students at distinct levels. Illustrations and simple explanations break down even the toughest concepts. Cut through the jargon, learn about strategy, and improve your chess game with Scholastic Chess Made Easy.

In 1973 legendary organizer Bill Goichberg created the model for what would become an iconic American chess tournament. The deal at the World Open was plain and simple: high entry fees, big prizes, and no frills. From that moment onwards grandmasters and amateurs have been flocking to the World Open in an annual pilgrimage. Every year around the 4th of July, Philadelphia – the home of the World Open barring a few excursions to other cities – has been the scene of countless epic battles on the chess board. Joel Benjamin and Harold Scott have delved into the tournament’s history, examined hundreds of games and conducted interviews with what they call the Heroes of the World Open, players that won the tournament on multiple occasions. The question that intrigued them was: why have some players been so consistent in their performances and always battled for the top prizes? Why did they excel among so many other strong grandmasters? They found that many different paths were taken on the road to victory, but that the Heroes definitely had one common factor: their fighting spirit! Benjamin and Scott present the history of the World Open in an entertaining tale of successes and scandals. The fighting spirit is shown in a fantastic collection of the very best and most crucial games that were played over the years. They also include a selection of spectacular tactics. Winning the World Open is as entertaining as it is instructive. Not only the many thousands of players that participated in this great tradition will find it an irresistible read.

Chess is a refreshing pastime for most players, and an all-encompassing obsession for a few. And yet much of chess literature—heavy on notation, low on useful illustrations, frustrating for the beginner—is directed at those already in the know. Knack Chess for Everyone provides an alternative: a clear, understandable, and fun entry into chess that doesn’t ignore the complexities and challenges. Photographs of actual game boards, often paired with a diagram, represent the perspective of the player looking at the pieces. The book clearly explains the rules of play and movement of pieces, and then gradually introduces various tactics and strategies.