Do you read children's books? If you're and adult, you will probably steer clear of any book that has the phrase "for kids" in it. Since it's for kids, and you're not a kid. Right? Well there are some exceptions, and this is one of them. Author Jeff Coakley has written a number of books "for kids": Winning chess strategy for kids, Winning chess exercises for kids and Winning chess puzzles for kids (vol 1 and 2). Although the titles suggest otherwise, these books are highly instructive and useful for players of all ages. In this review, I have chosen to focus on the first book in his series, Winning chess strategy for kids.
What can you expect from this book?
Immediately when seeing this book, you will realize that there is one major feature that is "for kids", and that is the artwork. Apart from that, there is no reason to assume that this book cannot be used for adult improvers. I used this book as a part of my tactics training program as described on my previous blog. In addition to a number of very useful basic tactics puzzles, the book describes a lot of the fundamentals of chess; what happens on the board as well as outside the board (such as terminology, tournament rules and general conduct).In Winning chess strategy for kids, you will get all the information you need to know after having learned the very basics. This book gives you a basic guide for playing the opening, middle game and endgames and covers the most fundamental tactics and chess strategy. Basically, all you need to know in order to become a well rounded player.
As indicated above, the artwork and layout is "kid friendly". The book has characters such as Kiril the pawn and Biff the bishop to help the reader along the way. If you are bothered by this sort of thing, this book may not be for you.
For me personally, this is the book that I wish I knew about ten years ago. At that time, my chess diet was basically just online blitz, and I did not know any chess theory. I just played, and did not even realize what I was doing wrong or how I could improve.
The book provides a good foundation for systematic studies and taking your chess to the next level.
You can read more about the book (and the other books in the series) on Coakley's webpage: http://coakleychess.com/
Who should read this book?
In my opinion, everyone should read this book! However, the target audience is beginners and players who have not had any proper chess training. So if your rating is about 1300 or below, this is a truly great book to get you to that next level. But it can also be used for intermediate players to brush up on basic principles, mates, tactics and strategy. As described above, I personally used it as part of my tactics training. It is one of the best basic chess books I have read. You may have realized this already, but I warmly recommend this book to anyone! Read it!About this book
| Author: | Jeff Coakley |
| Title: | Winning chess strategy for kids |
| Type of book: | Chess improvement |
| Level: | Beginner |
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