Weak Start, Strong Finish

Contrary to popular belief, I have read more than one chess book.  After recovering from reading most of The Mammoth Book of Chess I eventually moved on to this book.  This book was a much easier read.

The book starts with the basics, introducing a new player to chess who knows nothing of the sport.  It then moves on to the intermediate level.

Starting at the beginning, I didn't learn anything new, but I was struck by the author using terminology and phrasing that was inconsistent with what I had learned in other chess books.  To be fair, it still provides a solid foundation for a new player.

I found the intermediate section very informative.  This is where the author really came into his element.

The section on intermediate openings was excellent.  In previous books of this nature that I have read, many openings are introduced, but in very little detail.  This author has chosen only a few openings for white and black, yet provided the reader with enough detail to really get them into game.

Starting out, I had my doubts about this author,  but by the end I feel this book has helped take my game to a new level.  I doubt my recommendation carries any weight, yet I recommend this book all the same.