"How to Choose a Chess Move" by Andrew Soltis is a comprehensive guide that aims to assist chess players in improving their decision-making skills during a game. Soltis, a highly experienced chess player and author, provides valuable insights and strategies to help readers navigate the intricacies of the game.
The book begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the rationale behind each move and teaches readers how to think strategically about the various options available in any given position. Soltis explains that successful decision-making in chess requires considering a range of factors, such as piece activity, pawn structure, king safety, and the overall position of the board.
One of the notable strengths of this book is Soltis' ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. He effectively utilizes practical examples, analysis, and historical games to illustrate his points. Additionally, Soltis provides practical advice throughout the book on how to recognize patterns, avoid common pitfalls, and accurately calculate variations.
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The author covers a wide range of topics, including opening principles, middlegame planning, and endgame strategies. Each chapter is logically organized, building upon previously discussed ideas and providing a solid foundation for readers to make better chess decisions at all stages of the game.
In summary, "How to Choose a Chess Move" is an invaluable resource for chess players of all levels. Whether you are a beginner seeking to enhance your decision-making skills or an experienced player looking to fine-tune your thought process, Andrew Soltis' book offers a wealth of practical advice, strategies, and insights to help you make better moves on the chessboard.
What are readers saying?
The book "How to Choose a Chess Move" by Andrew Soltis has received mixed reviews from readers. Overall, it is considered a valuable resource for beginner and intermediate chess players who want to enhance their decision-making skills during a game.
Readers appreciated Soltis' clear explanations and practical advice throughout the book. They found the content well-organized, with each chapter dedicated to a specific aspect of decision-making in chess. Soltis' focus on understanding positional concepts and the thought processes behind selecting moves was praised as particularly helpful for players aiming to deepen their understanding of the game.
The book's challenging exercises and puzzles were highlighted by some readers as valuable tools for practicing the concepts discussed in each chapter. These exercises were seen as beneficial for developing critical thinking skills in chess. Additionally, readers appreciated Soltis' use of annotated games by famous players, as it provided concrete examples of decision-making strategies in action.
However, a few readers felt that the book was too advanced for beginners and lacked sufficient explanations for novice players. They suggested the inclusion of more introductory material to gradually introduce readers to the concepts discussed. Moreover, some readers found Soltis' writing style to be dry and technical, making it difficult to engage with the material.
Despite these criticisms, the majority of readers praised "How to Choose a Chess Move" for its comprehensive coverage of decision-making strategies in chess. They found it to be a valuable addition to their chess library, offering practical insights and guidance to improve their overall gameplay. Whether for beginners seeking to build a solid foundation or intermediate players looking to sharpen their decision-making skills, Soltis' book was widely regarded as a valuable resource.
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