Best End Game Book I've Ever Found!!

[jerryweldin]

I forgot my anniversary this year...so headed to Barnes & Nobles on the 13th to purchase Godiva Chocolate for Valentines Day. Heck I had a coupon. First I had to check for new books in the Chess Section. One jumped off the shelf into my arms whispering
"take me home chess nerd". I couldn't resist. But luckily came to my senses long enough to grab a box of candy before I left with my new mistress.

The book....SILMAN'S COMPLETE ENDGAME COURSE from beginner to master. By IM Jeremy Silman

I'm pretty confident that I will NEVER need another end game reference.

Silman breaks the book down into sections starting with unrated beginners thru 999. He then devotes a separate section to each rating class from Class E thru Master. A final section is entitled
"Endgame's for pure pleasure". Should you reach Master level Silman concludes with a "Beyond Master" Recommended Endgame Book list.

Each section covers endgame's Silman considers "must know " for that level. The sections are easy to read and there is a test you take at the conclusion of each section to insure you are ready to move on. All the basics are included such as ; the opposition (each type), the Lucena Position, the Philidor Position and others.
Silman gives descriptive names to reoccurring end game themes; IE The Box, The Deep Freeze, and Fox in the Chicken Coup.

This is the BEST instructional chess book I have bought in the last thirty years! It is cheap at twice the price of $24.95

I am predicting that Oprah will make this one of her "book of the month" selections.

64squares

[Brian Lucas]

Nice write up Jerry. I will add it to our book reviews on our site.

[Ernie Weaver]

Great review Jerry! I will definitely buy that book. I knew Silman was coming out with an endgame book but didn't know it was already published. I figured he would add a unique dimension as he does with his other books. "Amateur's Mind" is also a great book of his, which makes a strong attempt to show YOU, the reader, where your thought process is flawed. Silman sets up positions against his own students (usually rated between 1400-1700 USCF) and asks them to assess the position based on his thinking technique and analyze out loud. He then plays against them and demonstrates the problem with their thinking. Most of the examples are positional in nature, not tactical, since the book is geared toward improving strategy. I've never seen other books make such a bold attempt to dispell the myths of class players. I would highly recommend this book as well.

[johnny]

I got the book and agree Jerry! It is a really good book on endgames and easy to follow. Most endgame books are boring to follow, but this one is interesting with his breakdown by rating classes!

[johnny]

I understand! We can talk on Tuesday night and see if we can get something started!

[jerryweldin]

For another review check out this months ( June)Chess Life. GM Joel Benjamin reviews it on page 42. He agrees with me and gives more information which should help any procrastinators to get off their duffs and head for Barnes and Nobles.

And no: I am not being compensated by Silman. Just ask Johnny and Ernie. It's really a great book. ;D ;D