Chess for Dummies(r) (For Dummies)

Many consider chess to be the best game ever invented. Chess imposes a set of rules and has finite limits, but just as you start to think you’re finally solving its mysteries, chess thwarts you. Sometimes, therefore, the game is frustrating, but far more often, chess proves both surprising and delightful. The deeper you get into chess, the more of its secrets you unearth — but the game has never been tapped out. Even today’s monster computers are far from playing the theorized “perfect” chess game.

Chess For Dummies is for anyone who wants to become a better chess player. Whether you’ve been playing chess for years or never played at all, this clearly written and easy-to-understand guide will help you to

• Apply the rules of chess to maximize winning
• Understand the lingo involved in the game
• Find other players who are just about at your own level
• Teach others how to play the game

Explore move-by-move what it takes for you to be the one proudly saying, “Checkmate” at the end of your chess game. Chess For Dummies also covers the following topics and more:

• Setting up the board
• The pieces and their powers
• Pattern recognition
• What to do throughout the game, from start to end
• Whom to play, when, where, and how
• Online and computer chess
• Chess notation

Ever since chess originated in the 17th century in ancient India, it has grown to become recognized as the most ancient, intellectual, and cultural game of its time. Its combination of sport, scientific thinking, and the elements of art make it one of the most played games in the world. This book shows you everything you need to know in order to unearth the secrets and philosophies of chess.

This work covers all aspects of the game of chess, from board set up and pieces, to the rules, etiquette and strategy of the game. It begins with the basics of the chessboard and pieces and then outlines all the elements of the game, looking at tactical situations that can occur in a match.

Your quick and easy guide to the rules, strategies, and etiquette of chess

Make the right moves! Features over 350 chess diagrams

Tried and true tips for avoiding chess tricks and traps

Kings, queens, knights — you may think chess would be a royal pain to grasp, but this friendly guide will help you learn your way around the board with ease. Step-by-step explanations, from using the right terminology to the art of attack, help demystify the game — proving you don't have to be a genius to play!

Discover how to:

• Set up your chess board
• Understand the pieces and their powers
• Recognize the game's patterns
• Employ tactics to avoid capture
• Play online chess
• Find tournaments and clubs

THE DUMMIES WAY

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

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James Eade, a United States Chess Federation Chess Master since 1981, devotes his time to chess writing, organizing, and teaching.

Introduction.

Part I: Laying the Groundwork.

Chapter 1: Setting Up the Board.

Chapter 2: The Pieces and Their Powers.

Part II: Getting Past the Rules.

Chapter 3: The Elements of Chess.

Chapter 4: Tactics: Hand-to-Hand Combat.

Chapter 5: Sacrifices: When It's Better to Give Than to Receive.

Chapter 6: Mating and Mating Patterns.

Chapter 7: Pattern Recognition.

Chapter 8: Strategy: The Principles of Play.

Chapter 9: Special Moves (The Ones That Start All the Arguments).

Part III: Let the Play Begin.

Chapter 10: The Opening: First Things First.

Chapter 11: The Middlegame: What Do I Do Now?

Chapter 12: The Endgame: Can I Go Home Now?

Chapter 13: Chess Etiquette (Why Was He So Mad at Me?).

Part IV: Who to Play, When, Where, and How.

Chapter 14: Competitive Chess (Is There Any Other Kind?).

Chapter 15: Computer Chess.

Chapter 16: Chess Online.

Chapter 17: Chess Notation (What the Heck Does Nf4 Mean?).

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 18: The Ten Most Famous Chess Games.

Chapter 19: The Ten Best Players of All Time.

Chapter 20: The Ten Most Common Chess Openings.

Chapter 21: The Ten Best Chess Resources.

Appendix A: A Glossary of Chess.

Appendix B: International Chess Notation.

Index.