Understanding Chess Move by Move

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Edition: Paperback
Author: John Nunn
Skill Range: All levels
Publisher: Gambit
Year Published: 2001
# of Pages: 224
ISBN: 1901983412

Description:

This new title, the first of its type to explain the dynamic principles that underpin modern chess, uses more than thirty carefully selected games to help the reader understand the most important aspects of the chess struggle. John Nunn, a top-class grandmaster and one of the world's most highly regarded chess writers, explains every move using terms and phrases everyone can understand and shows how key ideas are handled by today's grandmasters. The book is divided into three main sections: Opening themes, Middlegame themes, and Endgame themes, with an emphasis on understanding principles. Detailed analysis is given only when it is necessary to illustrate key strategic and tactical themes. Anyone interested in learning how to play better chess will benefit from this step-by-step explanation of how chess games are won.

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by EEShelton - 6 months ago
Columbus, Ohio United States

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 88

Rating:

Being a low rated player, I wasn't sure if I could get anything out of this book. Boy was I wrong! After taking about a year off of tournament play, I read this book and came back playing better than before. My intent is to re-read this book every year or so to see what I can get out of it at a higher level.

BUY THIS BOOK.

by SonofPearl - 13 months ago
Wales

Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 2568

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“The basic intention of this book is to explain some of the most important chess themes in a modern context…many of the old established principles are now recognized to be at best half-truths.” – John Nunn

The title of this book leads one to expect a modern update of Chernev’s classic “Logical Chess Move by Move”. In terms of layout the books are similar, but whereas Chernev’s book was aimed at beginners and perhaps some inexperienced intermediate players, Nunn’s book is pitched to a much more sophisticated chess audience.

The book analyses 30 complete games in detail, with each game chosen to illustrate a theme e.g. opposite side castling, space advantage, bad bishop etc.

As with Chernev’s book, Nunn attempts to comment on virtually every move, although after a while he understandably starts to strain to achieve this, and instead refers back to earlier games for comments on popular opening moves.

The book is most suitable for advanced players, but higher rated intermediate players should also benefit.

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