The Reassess Your Chess Workbook: How to Master Chess Imbalances : Book Review

"The Reassess Your Chess Workbook" by Jeremy Silman is a valuable resource for chess players seeking to enhance their skills and strategic thinking abilities. This workbook offers a comprehensive guide that encourages readers to actively engage with the material and apply the concepts to their own games. Silman's approach is highly effective, breaking down complex ideas into manageable chunks, providing clear explanations, and offering examples that help readers develop a solid foundation in chess strategy.

One of the notable strengths of this workbook is Silman's method of presentation. He starts with the fundamentals and progressively introduces more advanced concepts, allowing readers to steadily build their skills and comprehension of the game. Alongside the teachings, the book includes numerous exercises and puzzles that give readers the opportunity to practice and reinforce what they have learned.

Silman's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making complex ideas accessible to readers of all levels. He uses illustrative examples from real games, enabling readers to see the concepts in action. Moreover, Silman provides detailed analysis of these games, offering valuable insights into the decision-making processes and thought patterns of skilled chess players.

Furthermore, "The Reassess Your Chess Workbook" covers a broad range of topics, such as pawn structure, piece activity, positional play, and strategy. These subjects are presented in a logical and organized manner, making navigation and reference within the book effortless. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of the game, providing a comprehensive overview of chess strategy and tactics.

In conclusion, "The Reassess Your Chess Workbook" is an invaluable resource for chess players aiming to improve their skills. Jeremy Silman's clear explanations, engaging writing style, and well-structured approach make this book suitable for both beginners and experienced players. By actively working through the exercises and puzzles in this workbook, readers will strengthen their strategic thinking abilities and enhance their overall understanding of the game.

What are readers saying?

The Reassess Your Chess Workbook by Jeremy Silman has garnered mixed feedback from readers. While some readers commend the book for its instructive content and helpful exercises, others express their dissatisfaction with its organization and level of difficulty.

Many reviewers appreciate the instructive approach of the book and find the exercises highly beneficial for enhancing their chess skills. They highlight the comprehensive explanations and analysis of various chess positions and concepts, allowing readers to reassess their understanding of the game. Some readers also mention the engaging and challenging nature of the exercises, which provide a valuable learning experience.

However, there are also criticisms of the book. Some readers find it disorganized, lacking a clear structure or progression. They feel that better organization would have aided readers in navigating through the material more efficiently. Additionally, a few reviewers mention that the exercises are too difficult for beginners or casual players, making it harder for them to grasp the concepts presented.

Another issue raised by readers is the absence of answer keys or solutions to the exercises. While some appreciate the freedom to find their own solutions and think critically, others consider this a drawback, especially for self-study purposes. They believe having access to solutions would have been helpful for verifying their understanding and identifying areas for improvement.

Despite these criticisms, many readers still highly recommend The Reassess Your Chess Workbook for its educational value. They commend Jeremy Silman's expertise and the depth of knowledge presented in the book, emphasizing its usefulness for players genuinely committed to improving their chess skills.

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