'Playing Winning Chess' by Yasser Seirawan

Book Review

Seirawan is an International chess Grandmaster. He is also a fine writer for the game, and an enthusiastic exponent. In this book, aimed primarily at beginners and newcomers to chess, the author attempts to explain the game's key rules, strategies and points of play.

There is plenty of background too; Seirawan recounts some of his own experiences and gives plenty of information on some of chess history's most remarkable characters.

Yet it is the author's emphasis on fundamentals that makes this book a winner. Ideas such as pawn structure, creating space on the board and use of force are explored and explained both cogently and with good detail. The encouragement and advice given is clearly aimed at helping the novice start out with a good and solid understanding of what convincing chess looks like.

Dozens of illustrative examples, personal anecdotes, answers to common questions and psychological hints further develop the book's intention to foment strong play. That the book is as engaging and exuberant as it is, is clearly testament to Seirawan's own love of the game and its instruction, but kudos needs also be given to the publishers for a cohesive and all-round impressive look and feel.

Winning Chess is a fine example of the joy and creative stimulation chess can bring to players of all ages and abilities. If you love chess, you'll love this handy title.