Attacking Chess

by Waitzkin

The subject of the book and movie Searching for Bobby Fischer, Josh Waitzkin has long been the top-ranked player for his age in the United States and a role model for chess-playing kids everywhere. Now, for the first time, Waitzkin reveals the aggressive tactics and psychological techniques that have propelled him to the forefront of the chess world. His unique introduction to the game combines solid instruction with stories about his personal experiences that capture all the excitement and tension of playing chess at the championship level. Josh Waitzkin's Attacking Chess presents nineteen different offensive strategies, progressing from the most elementary, including forks, pins, skewers, and double threats, to the more advanced and sophisticated moves used by the world's best players. Chapters such as Minor Traps, The Seventh Rank and the Pig, Mating Nets, and Quiet Moves in Attack show how anyone can develop a more aggressive and creative style of play. Each strategy is illustrated with examples taken from actual games Waitzkin has played, described with all the gusto and competitive intensity this young master brings to his craft. You can feel the heat of battle throughout this action-packed manual -- it's guaranteed to entertain and inspire all students of chess who want to learn how to emerge victorious from the black and white jungle.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction, Psychology

Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

Reviews

[Emilio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most succinct, clear, and personal chess book I've read yet! It has some great tricks for playing the offensive end of the chess board. A good companion for "art of attack in chess"!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was really into chess about ten years ago, this book was revolutionary. Josh Waitzkin is that kid featured in "Searching for Bobby Fischer". He grew up with the best of both chess worlds...Washington Park druggies and back-room chess champions. He combines the two of them in this short and pithy volume on how to totally destroy your opponent. After all, which piece is you? You are the King!

[David Mario Mendiola · Rating 3 out of 5]

He discusses common themes using his games as examples. It's interesting to hear his thought process leading to the critical moves. It's very human and tantalizingly understandable.

Some of his games are incredible. I have not been able to emulate it in the least. When I sacrifice a Queen, it is usually more in the manner of an islander throwing the village belle into a volcano than anything resembling heroism.

It has nice anecdotes thrown in that give it a charming air.

[Randall Rupper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just re-read this recently. Seems like a good primer on some chess tactics, and good for beginners. Not comprehensive enough though, nor are there enough challenging problems for me at this point.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute masterpiece. I picked up this book as a young teenager and it inspired me to play chess. I read it over and over and over again. Great examples, lucid explanations, and fun stories.

[Dean Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Josh and actually got mostly intrigued by chess after reading his "The Art of Learning." I'm halfway through Attacking Chess now and not at all disappointed! My friends, on the other hand, are finding themselves more often (and far swifter) on the losing side in the Black and White Jungle. ;)

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for what it is - an annotated entry level book on chess tactics. Some fun puzzles.

[Jovany Agathe · Rating 4 out of 5]

7-year-old who possesses a stunning aptitude for chess

[Kendra Richards Ohmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about chess; I think you know if this book is for you or not. As far as chess books go for those that are interested, it's mostly deep strategy so I recommend you have the basics of chess down before reading it. Though he does make it accessible to beginners and it's probably one of the better, more useful, chess books.

[Darkstar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basics, but very well done.

[John Barclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, clear and interesting primer on chess. I'm a very minor chess player, but it improved my game a great deal. Well written and accessible.