Chess Training Pocket Book: 300 Most Important Positions and Ideas : Book Review

"Chess Training Pocket Book" authored by Lev Alburt is a comprehensive guide that has gained popularity among chess enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills and tactical awareness. This book offers a diverse collection of nearly 300 positions derived from actual games, with each position being carefully chosen to develop players' understanding of crucial concepts and strategies. Alburt's concise explanations and perceptive commentary make this book an invaluable resource for players at every level of expertise.

The book is intelligently divided into sections, focusing on various themes including the opening, middlegame, endgame, and combinations. This organization allows readers to concentrate on specific areas of improvement or simply browse through the book at their leisure. The positions presented are challenging yet manageable, striking a perfect balance between difficulty and accessibility.

Alburt adopts a practical and straightforward approach to teaching chess. He places significant emphasis on tactics and the art of calculating variations, providing readers with exercises specifically designed to enhance their calculation abilities. The solutions to the positions are presented in a clear and concise manner, enabling readers to fully grasp the reasoning behind each move.

One of the notable highlights of the "Chess Training Pocket Book" is the inclusion of annotated games played by renowned players, offering readers additional insight into the thinking process and decision-making strategies of experienced chess players. This feature not only enhances the learning experience but also adds an element of excitement to the book.

In conclusion, "Chess Training Pocket Book" is a highly recommended resource for chess players committed to improving their skills. Lev Alburt's expertise and profound understanding of the game shine through in his thoughtful explanations and strategic analysis. Whether you're a novice or an advanced player, this book is bound to deepen your understanding of chess and propel your game to the next level.

What are readers saying?

The book "Chess Training Pocket Book" by Lev Alburt has garnered a range of opinions from readers. Some individuals find it to be a concise and beneficial manual for honing their chess abilities, while others believe it lacks substance and is overly simplistic for more experienced players.

Many reviewers commend the book for its compact size and its ability to offer quick and comprehensible explanations of various chess tactics and strategies. They find it to be an excellent resource for newcomers to the game or those seeking to enhance their skills. The book covers a broad array of topics, including opening principles, middlegame tactics, and endgame strategies, making it a comprehensive guide suitable for players of all levels.

However, some readers express a desire for more in-depth analysis and examples within the book, as they feel the current explanations are too concise and lack detail. This discrepancy makes it challenging for them to apply the concepts learned in actual gameplay. These individuals suggest that the book would benefit from more elaborate explanations and annotated examples, which would provide a deeper understanding of the concepts taught.

Despite these criticisms, many reviewers still find value in the book's simplicity and its usefulness as a quick reference guide. They appreciate the book's well-organized nature and easy navigation, as it allows them to revisit specific topics or tactics efficiently. Furthermore, its compact format enables readers to conveniently carry it with them for on-the-go study sessions.

In conclusion, opinions on "Chess Training Pocket Book" vary among readers. While it is lauded for its portable size and beginner-friendly explanations, some individuals argue that it lacks the depth necessary to truly advance their chess skills. Nonetheless, for those seeking a user-friendly introduction to the game or a handy reference guide, Lev Alburt's book may still prove to be a valuable resource.

ChessTrainingPocketBook ChessTraining ChessBooks