Logical Chess : Move By Move: Every Move Explained (Batsford Chess Book)

Notes on versions:WARNING make sure you get the correct edition as there are older editions which have the Descriptive (English) Notation.I'm used to the letter Algebraic Notation K, Q, N etc, but got used to the symbols for the pieces very quickly.I chose to buy the paperback copy of this book, but the diagrams look fine in the Kindle sample. So it's just a matter of preference.Review:Do you want to know the Master's "potent secret weapon"? Buy this book to learn and understand the answer!After reading the first few pages of Game 1, I now wish I had known about this book sooner. It summarised some of the things I have learnt through painful experience. For example, "Castle early in the game preferably kingside." And "Develop all your pieces before starting any combinations!"I'm very new to the game of chess*, so I don't know how useful this book would be to intermediate or advanced players. But considering these are games from Grand Masters (GMs), perhaps everyone can learn something. Even if, on the small chance, you don't learn anything, the author's enthusiasm for the game is infectious. This is no dry theoretical tome (it's a regular sized paperback) that makes you feel like you're back at university wishing you hadn't chosen this elective. Ney, it's a thrilling, easy to read, fast paced commentary of some of the best GMs of their era. After reading this you don't feel you have to be really intelligent or highly educated to play an enjoyable game of chess.Don't think you can learn something from a game played over a hundred years ago, think again. This book is a classic, if you only have one chess book on your shelf this must be it.*I only started playing regularly in December '21. I'm currently rated just above 900 on Lichess.PS The only thing I hate is the cover, which looks like a 1970's book which has sat on the shelf for so long that it has faded.

I seem to have started collecting chess books.This one is distinctly different from others, it is far more enjoyable. Here I am going to make up (a probably incorrect) move order and give 'my view' on how I feel they are typically represented by 'normal' chess books and this one:Most chess books: 5. cxd4 a poor move, better would be 5 cxd4 exd4 6. fxg5 Nh4 7. Qc8 0-0 8. 0-0 g6!This chess book: 5. cxd4 white exchanges the central pawns to take control of the centre. The surge d4 by was an attempt by black to counter attack but it was premature. It may have been better for white to hold off the exchange and maintain tension in the centre so white could force the exchange at his leisure and give black a problem to deal with when the exchange was favourable.If you prefer the latter the buy this book. Yes, the games are old and people 'pick up' on this as they say modern openings aren't included. But the classical chess players used principles that are generally sound and unlike Nunn's criticism of this book states - this book does not dogmatically preach them! It is clear where one must stray from 'principles'.Think for a moment, and be honest. Are your games lost because you don't know move 15 of the hyper modern 'Sicilian accelerated Dragon' or is it because you didn't develop sensibly, put your rooks on open files, exploit weak squares....and the like? Do you think your modern chess knowledge would enable to you beat Capablanka, Laskar, Tarrash etc all at chess? Really? get real!If you would like a book that nicely demonstrates a good number of games in an easy to follow manner, very well written and enjoyable, with each move explained then buy this. Your chess will thank you for it. What you will learn here is how to apply chess concepts demonstrated through grandmaster games. Yes 'old', but see comment above.This is the only chess book I have started reading a second time. It is a games collection worth working through slowly to see the general strategies employed by masters/GM's. After finishing this I also purchased McDonalds: Chess; The art of Logical thinking, because this is apparently a well written modern and slightly more advanced version of this book - the best/most enjoyable one I have read to date.

Good general book about developing pieces and a little bit about when to attack. Only negatives were that the book seemed a bit dated in the chess world, and a little too much queens gambit in there. Would recommend for anyone though, as it was a good read. I have a new found admiration for Capablanca after reading it too!

I see this book in a second hand shop; I was impressed; for a few pound more, I placed an order via Amazon.This book cover a variety of different openings; works it way through the complete game, and give reasons for every move made, yes: every move, compared to other books which give comments after so many moves.I am half way through: "How to reassess your chess" but had to put it aside for this book.The author also explains how to create weak points in the enemy camp and put this to good use. Through out the game, there are many back up diagrams, so you can't go wrong.I do feel I am a reasonably good player, but did lean some tips from this book, the comments he makes are easy reading. The author gives a few variations of opening, but does not blow your brains out, like some books which give too many variations.details are given right through to the end game.If you are just learning chess, this is the book to go for, it will take you to a reasonable standard in a short time.I wish other grand master could follow the same book format as this author; this is a great book, go for it.

I have a number of chess books and as a learner of chess those others tend to also look at other potential moves and how they are portrayed can be confusing. This book however it is alot more coherent and i like it gives tips.Chess Vibes on YT is currently going through the games too so it is a great text book to accompany his programmes