Checkmate!: My First Chess Book (Everyman Chess)

Looked at a few introductory books but this is the pick of the bunch if you are looking for a concise beginners guide. It takes you through each chapter by offering a concise introduction, then clearly demonstrates the principles by taking takes you through the moves and ends by clarifying the key points. Not a hint of snobbery or expectation. Well structured and great use of colour to bring the book alive.

A really useful book for complete novices and those looking to improve their game. I have young children learning from ages 6 - 10 we all agree that its a great guide and reference. The illustrations are also very useful for the younger readers. Easily understood and by no means just a childrens book. I would recommend to anyone young or old. Plan to give as gift to 8yr old nephew with chess set as gift. But know his dad will get just as much benefit as the nephew!

I was a school chess champion aged 10, I'm now 68, and wanted to renew my interest. I'd forgotten what a joy chess can be and it was very exciting working through this book. Every page was great. Have begun playing again. Suitable for all ages!

My son loved this one, the rules are very simple explained and the pictures are very clear. Good for a new starter, but also to improve your chess skills

Good, clear introduction to the game. Covers all the pieces, moves, rules, terminology, notation etc. and then goes on to basic tactical moves (pin, fork, skewer etc) using examples to clarify. Bought to introduce an 8-year-old to the game, but its style is not childish so it would be suitable for adult beginners too.

I bought this book for my 8 year old grandson who is just discovering the joys of the game.He is delighted with easy way in which it teaches the elements of the game yet not in any patronising way. As a poor player over 60 years I had a look at it first and was impressed as well

I bought this book as I have only just started playing chess and wanted simple instructions and this book is great I have referred to it many times whilst playing.

For a chess beginner this is a really good book, covers all the basics and gets you into openings, tactics and strategy too. And it is very well illustrated.

The delivery was quick. Product does worth a price. Buy it if you don't know anything about chess and intend to learn it. Kids will love this colourful book. P.S. It is a very basic book. If you are aware of chess already, then go for other books by Garry Kasparov. Always try to buy Hardcover versions, provided they are available.

I am so glad I bought this book to relearn how to play chess after more than 50 years. It's very easy to understand for visual learners. It has great graphics, is well-organized.... I could go on and on because I enjoy using it so much, but I really just want to let others know that you really can't go wrong buying this book to learn chess. It makes learning it easy and fun! I am going to pass it down to our grandchildren after my husband and I master what it has to offer us first. :) Being a sturdy, hard cover version, it will last a long time and can well handle the usual wear and tear the youngsters will give it. I'd also like to mention that it comes with a dust cover, which I never like to keep but usually do because the actual hard covers of most books are so blah. But not this one!! I was so happy to see the same beautiful graphics on the book's actual cover, and I promptly recycled the paper dust cover.

Auf den Punkt und informativ! Über den Autoren Garry Kasparov kann man ohnehin nur das Beste sagen. Dieses Buch ist auch sehr gut. Es ist auf den Punkt formuliert, informativ und leicht zu verstehen. Als Anfänger (<1000 Elo) kann ich dieses Buch nur sehr empfehlen. Für alle darüber enthält dieses Buch wenig Informationen. Für Spieler, welche bereits an einem Turnier teilgenommen haben, oder dessen Online Elo über 1400 ist, wird dieses Buch wahrscheinlich nichts bringen. Also, klasse Geschenk für ein Kind oder wenn man Schach erst gerade erlernen möchte. Ansonsten zu simpel.

The first impression is that this book is suited for children just learning chess. However, when you actually get into the specifics, you discover many solid, foundational ideas of the game. A thin, one-volume work could hardly be expected to be all-inclusive, but this book by (or ghostwritten for) Kasparov covers the basics and much more. There are sections on openings, tactics and combinations, and endgames, along with several drills for each. Since my childhood is long behind me, I found the format and style somewhat offputting, as it seems to be geared towards children. However, once you get past that bias, you'll find the contents actually quite useful.

Bought this book for my daughter and she really loved it. This is a great book for kids as well as for grown ups!!