CHESS GEMS
ISBN-10: 0979148251
Author: Igor Sukhin
Recommended Rating Range: All
Price:    $16.47 (average)
Rating: 5 Pawns

This book is called "Chess Gems: 1000 Combinations you Should Know" and it will definitely be a gem in your chess library. I have had this book now for a few weeks, and it never failed to impress me in terms of the content and the rich chess history it puts forth while displaying numerous examples of tactical positions that the best in chess have produced going back 1000 years. If you think chess players from decades ago weren't very strong, think again! This book goes all the way back to the days of Shatranj, Lucena, and Greco (as far back as the ninth century!) and explores the development and skill of the worlds best tactical minds right up until the modern mastery of players like Bobby Fischer, and Gary Kasparov!

What's even more impressive is that the positions shown are not just simple mates in 1,2 or 3 like your standard run of the mill tactics book. Instead, Igor Sukhin has taken the time to present only deep and rich tactical positions that can be explored many moves deep. Comprehensive step by step answers showcase the sheer brilliance of the players, and the reader is also given comprehensive quizzes taken from real world games. On top of improving your tactical skills, this book will also provide you with a rich sampling of chess history as it takes you through the tactics displayed by the best in chess across the centuries. All in all, this book will make an excellent addition to your chess library and will provide hundreds of hours of rich tactical study. Enjoy!

If you are looking for a book to go through with a child to introduce them to the world of chess in a fun and visually impressive way, this book is right up your alley. From the very basics of chess to more complex thought processes, Gary's Adventures in Chess Country will give you a fun yet structured way to explore the game with your child together. Each section of the book covers a fundamental aspect of the game, and introduces it in story format, leading towards puzzles that you can work through with your child. I can't stress enough how awesome it is that this book can be a collaborative effort with your child - not only will you be helping to teach him or her chess, you will also be making memories together as I am positive you will share some laughs along the way.

Here is the trailer for the book to give you an idea on just how nice the visuals that the book uses are:

So get that chess set out, and prepare for a lot of fun sessions with your son, daughter, niece, nephew, or grandchild and get ready for some fun helping them learn the game you love and enjoy!

THE GENIUS AND THE MISERY OF CHESS
ISBN-10: 0979148235
Author: Zhivko Kaikamjzov
Recommended Rating Range: Beginner to Advanced
Price:    $13.57 (average)
Rating: 5 Pawns

When I first got this book I thought I knew a fair amount about many of the greatest chess players in the history of the game. Boy, was I wrong! This book covers (in impressive detail) just how difficult life was for many of the chess icons that we all respect and admire. From mental illnesses, to depression and poverty, you will definitely be in for some big surprises when you read about some of the world's most popular chess stars. As a teaser, did you know that Alekhine died a very sad and lonely man, isolated from his wife, and denounced because of a supposed affiliation with Nazis? Probably not - but you will need to read the book for the entire story!

In addition to the sad stories, of course, are many inspirational ones as well. Regardless, you will definitely find out information you never knew about many of the greatest chess players from the past to the present. All in all, Zhivko Kaikamjzov presents a wonderful collection of history and games from the most dynamic personalities in the world of chess. The language in the book was concise and easy to follow, and the book was hard to put down with all of the amazing information it presents. Regardless of your rating level, this book needs to be in your collection!

If there is one question that I get a lot, it is what book do I recommend for people starting out in chess. The first book that I read was this one, and I found it to be extremely useful in learning some very basic but essential tactical concepts. The great strength of this work is that everything is put across to the reader in very simple terms, and backed up by clear and concise diagrams.

I would have given the book 5 pawns out of 5 but I knocked off a half just because I wanted it to be 10 times the size and full of even more of Fischer's opinions on chess! But for what is there, it is a great book to get started down the path of reading chess literature.

In our world today, it is common for kids to be assaulted by a variety of negative influences. From video game addictions, violent and heartless media, broken families, gangs and drugs, understanding the walk of youth these days is more difficult than ever before in our society’s history. The worst thing about this current state of affairs, however, is that the older generations quite often ignore what today’s youth go through because they don’t understand it, or they choose to ignore it hoping that it will “go away”. In many instances, this leaves our kids feeling isolated and left alone, further hurting their chances at a vibrant and meaningful life.

Enter the book “Chess Rumble” by G. Neri and Jesse Joshua Watson – a story that lets the reader walk alongside a troubled boy facing many of the curve balls that society throws at him. From a broken single-parent home, the main character experiences family violence, rage and anger, bullying, and depression. On the brink of sinking to the depths of a criminal mind set, the story’s main character goes through what so many of our youth deal with all the time. These negative forces almost pull him to the point of no return. What helps him work his way out of these massive challenges, you might be asking? Chess, mentorship, and love – and if you want to know how this all works out you will have to pick up the book and read the story!

If you’re looking for a book to get youth excited about chess, or a story that helps the older generations understand the struggle and adversity that today’s youth face, look no further – “Chess Rumble” by G. Neri and Jesse Joshua Watson is a must have story of the struggle and adversity that our youth face on a daily basis, and how chess, compassion, and mentorship can improve not only the way we think but the way we live.

Please visit the article posted on http://jrobichess.blogspot.com for an in depth review of this book including examples of the artwork, the video trailer, and important links related to this publication.