How to Calculate Chess Tactics : Book Review

"How to Calculate Chess Tactics" by Valeri Beim is a comprehensive guide that aims to enhance the reader's tactical abilities in chess. Through its three main sections, the book dives deep into the intricacies of calculating tactics in chess, providing valuable insights and practical exercises.

The first section of the book lays the groundwork by explaining the fundamental principles of tactical calculation. Beim introduces the concept of candidate moves, helping readers identify and evaluate potential moves in a game. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of visualization and calculation in the decision-making process, providing valuable tips for improving these skills.

Moving on to the second section, Beim explores specific tactical themes such as pins, forks, skewers, and discovered attacks. Through numerous examples and exercises, he reinforces these tactical motifs and enables readers to apply them effectively in their games. The explanations are clear, concise, and accompanied by instructive diagrams that aid in understanding the concepts.

The final section of the book focuses on calculating more complex positions and combinations. With detailed guidance, Beim navigates readers through the intricate thought process required to find the most accurate moves in challenging situations. By teaching techniques such as visualization, decision trees, and pattern recognition, Beim equips readers with the skills to approach even the most difficult tactical puzzles with confidence and efficiency.

Time management in calculating tactics is another crucial aspect covered in the book. Beim emphasizes the importance of prioritizing moves and avoiding common calculation errors. Additionally, he provides valuable insights into the thought processes of grandmasters, allowing readers to understand how top-level players approach tactical positions.

What are readers saying?

Valeri Beim's book, "How to Calculate Chess Tactics," has been positively received by readers, who have found it to be informative and beneficial in improving their chess skills. With an average rating of 4.25 stars, the book has garnered praise for its clear and concise explanations of various tactics and strategies.

Readers appreciate Beim's straightforward writing style, which allows them to easily grasp complex concepts. The book's progressive structure, introducing more advanced tactics gradually, has also been praised, as it enables readers to build their skills over time.

The book has proven to be a valuable resource for understanding the calculation process in chess. Beim's emphasis on logical thinking and calculation skills is highly valued by readers, as these abilities are crucial in identifying and executing tactical moves on the chessboard. The inclusion of practical examples and exercises in the book allows readers to practice and improve their calculation abilities.

In addition to explaining tactics, Beim also delves into the underlying principles and common mistakes associated with each tactic. This comprehensive approach helps readers develop a deeper understanding of chess tactics, beyond mere memorization of moves.

While the book is mostly praised, some readers have noted that it may not be suitable for absolute beginners. Certain sections might be challenging to follow without prior knowledge of basic tactics. However, these reviewers still recognize the value of the book and suggest that beginners could benefit from using it alongside other instructional materials.

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