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I bought this book because it is strongly recommended in the media, but I didn't like it. It only say, basically, that you must master tactics in order to be a better player. It then give you a basic plan to get it, based mainly in the repetition of a collection of exercises. Nothing new, isn't it?

 

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I was really excited about this book when I started reading it: "Finally, a book that will give me the answers I have been looking for!" How disappointed I was a couple days later. The entire book is based on the premis that board vision and tactics will make you the best you can be. There is no discussion of opening theory or endgames or even middlegames. It is all tactics and board vision.

 Have we heard anything else from this author since?

Silman says it is a good book.

http://www.jeremysilman.com/book_reviews_jd/jd_rapid_chess_improv.html

 

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Not really. 

I have been told that just about everyting in this book can be found in the columns at www.chesscafe.com

While I would agree with my fellow critics that this book is about tactics and vision. I would also emphasis that this is not a book for all level of players. This book is definite meant for strong immediate and higher players. Not anyone above a rating of 1975 or below 1600. Its meant for players who have opening knowledge and may be weak in middle game play. The author said that if you follow his exercises, you can increase the strength by 200 points. I download an example of the software he recommend and I have to admit if I could just incorporate it into my game. I believe I could improve my game a lot. So I recommend it but it's not for every one!

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There are better books than this.  The book is way over priced for the amount of information in it.  The seven circles is only for someone who can devote many hours a day, and eventually several complete days to doing tactical problems.  If you are expected to work and maintain relationships perhaps you may find the seven cirlcles to be a bit much, I did.  But my problem is not with the material in the book, just the fact that theres not much there and you could probably do just as well searching the internet. 

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That knight vison exercises and stuff, jeez louise, talk about taking the fun out of things. There seems to be this idea in the book that RAPID chess improvement is only possible by studying in a boring manner.

I think that this is the sort of book that would suit a very specific person. There would definitely be a, 'Where have you been all my life?' moment for them. For everyone else, look for something that gets you excited, inspired!

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This book is good in certain ways, but it is too one-dimensional. He focuses strictly on tactics & board vision. I think it is also important to understand (@ least) the basic ideas in the openings & the endgame as well, esp. the endgame. If you make mistakes in the opening, you may have a chance to redeem yourself in middlegame. If you mess up in middlegame, you may have a chance to redeem yourself in the endgame. Although, from experience I can tell you if you mess up in the endgame, you will probably lose. Therefore, it is important. I never went over "the seven circles" that he talks about for a long period of time, but even he admits that it will only take you so far. I did buy several of the tactics books that he recommended, & they are good. Overall, there are better books than this.

Actually, Silman did not say it was a good book:

"When all is said and done, I can’t recommend RAPID CHESS IMPROVEMENT (a book that, in my view, offers a philosophically bankrupt vision of what chess is). It smacks of “the blind leading the blind.” But, as I said earlier, his book might prove useful for some."

The link cited was for Donaldson's review on Silman's website, and that was lukewarm, at best.

Having said that:

if you find value in this book, congratulations on your purchase/acquisition!

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To summarize the book for everyone. He reccommends that you take 1000 tactical problems and practice them through a cycle of seven times. With every cycle it should take you less and less time to do. On your seventh cycle you should be able to do all 1000 problems in one day.

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I'm sorry to be the sore one guys. But I don't think many of you have read this book or actually done what it describes. The exact comments you are posting are what he says you will say in the book. Not that De La Maza is Christ or anything but their's a reason he wrote the book.

Maybe it isn't for every single person, I agree. But if you actually follow his methods and finish the program you lie if you say it hasn't improved your game. The only really valid comment I have seen from these reviews is that it makes your chess "lifeless". That may very well be true but if you strive for ten years to develop your "artistic" chess and someone else can advance 200 or 300 points in a year and developing such "artistic" vision later on I can't really see the point.

Just as de La Maza said in his book:

When referring to objections with study tactics solely for a period of time:

"I must confess I agree with this objection...When I started studying tactics seriously, blood poured from my forehead. However, you must know that if you refuse to study tactics then, to quote GM Miguel Quinteros, you are 'doomed to remain weak' and are 'well advised to take up something like knitting'.

Not getting down to the nitty gritty of chess *tactics* the other stuff won't make as much sense. Here's my honest opinion, if tactics isn't the better part of your focus until your 2000 you aren't gaining a large advantage. You can't drop pieces and "know" openings. I don't mean to be rude but if your tactics aren't excellent you're gaining minimal knowledge from studying.

Even besides La Maza what about Polgar(s)?

I went throught the book and enjoyed some basic concepts. The concept of studying tactics over and over again has really helped my game. While I didn't get the recommended software but bought a few inexpensive puzzles/problem books and they have truely helped. So check out the book from a library but don't buy it. Othewise the other players are right...you can find the basic gist online in articles the author wrote.

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I owned this book once. Notice past tense. Summary of the book practice tactics 25 hours a day till your brain bleeds and then do it some more. That's it tactics, tactics, tactics. Nothing that is not already known and recomended for a century now. My advise save your money, but hey it is your money after all.

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I have the book, but never really worked through it due to time restrictions. Read it one time and was a little disappointed because of all the self-appraisal. I fully agree with de la Maza (and most other chess players), that tactics is the important thing to learn and study for typical adult players like me (rating around 1.700). But the book simply isn´t inspiring. I just bought several boosk of J. Silman and these are really inspiring! I´m sure I know will leaan tactics and still have fun this time. 

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Junk

Absolutely hated this book in every way. It has no real tactics or anything but just download a program and get to work. I think it would be real good for someone that has to really get better before a tournament. But who am I to say since I have never played in that way. Don't waste your money on this one.

Okay, every thing should be taken with a grain of salt. One must not regurgitate or dogmatically follow anything, but emulate information based their own decisions. That being said, De La Maza does make a good point: tactics are vital.

Nimzovich states in My System that he was a combinational player before embarking upon positonal concepts. Silman was the same. In a Chess life article he states that he abhorred being a positional player when he was young. It is also accounted that Steinitz played combinationally before he began positonal warfare. 

With that being said, I recommend first gaining a positional understanding, maybe from that of ChessMaster or even My System ( I include endgame in positonal understanding, they're really close anyways...ChessMaster has a good beginner's program and Silman has a good read). Then study tactics. Then go back to position. Then back to tactics. You get the idea...again, this is like if you do not have the funds for a coach.

Sure, you may not reach master. But if you can improve within a relatively short time, then you will. But take in mind, if you want to have a life outside of chess, improvement eill come eventually if you are dedicated. It may take a few years, but then ask yourself why are you playing chess: " For the love of sculpting a piece of art"..."To have fun with friends or meet new people"..."Or to gain a title like Master because it sounds cool or will make you feel Superior"

Any hoot, this is my third year of the game while attending post secondary school. This is also my first and hopefully last chess post, so just wanted to share my thoughts :).