'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday, 16 February 2016

Review: Chess - Be the King!

Did you know the “expression checkmate originates from the Persian word Shah Mat, which means the king is paralysed”?

One of the most popular games in the world, chess can be a little confusing if you’ve never played before. Chess: Be the King! is a great primer if you want to learn how to play, and is also a fantastic guide for anyone whose skills are more advanced.

This 150+ page book starts with the rules, terminology and history, then moves onto explaining tactics and strategies, as well as what to look out for and avoid. There’s also an explanation of chess notation which is used to indicate which piece is moving to which square. Throughout the book you’ll find chess exercises and multiple choice questions which give you the chance to test your knowledge of the game, or practice making particular moves in an attempt to checkmate an opponent.

Chess: Be the King! is well illustrated with hundreds of diagrams that greatly aid understanding how to play chess, along with other informative and fun pictures, and a bunch of fun facts. If you’re interested in championship chess, you can also learn all about world championship masters like Wilhelm Steinitz (the first ever world champion in 1886), Bobby Fischer (a grandmaster at fifteen), and Garri Kasparov (who was world champion from 1985-2000).

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, Chess: Be the King! is an easy to read, entertaining and educational book for players young and old.

Title: Chess: Be the King!
Author: Ellisiv Reppen
Illustrator: Flu Hartberg
Publisher: Sky Pony Press, $18.99 RRP
Publication Date: January 2016
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781634501606
For ages: 12+
Type: Non fiction