Chess in a Nutshell

by Fred Reinfeld

Explains the rules of chess and the notations used for recording moves, as well as describing specific techniques of playing and winning the game.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction, Games

165 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a beginner, not so many if you are more advanced. However, I read this when I was in college as I became more interested in chess and it served a useful purpose for me.

First, it simply notes the "basic rules of chess," such as the pieces and the board, rules of moving, captures, and so on. For a starter book, this serves well. Chapter 2 is how one records chess moves. I used to chart some chess matches, since it might get later at night and we would complete the game the next day; having a record of moved was most helpful!. The third chapter focuses on "winning methods," basic checkmates, relative value of pieces, etc.

For me, Chapter 4 was critical--openings. Pawn to King 4 (or, as noted, P-K4) was my norm, whether Black or White. Other rules here: develop pieces quickly; don't waste time; avoid self-limiting moves; don't neglect safety of the King (page 75). One way of accomplishing these goals is to understand basic openings. Some that I used when I was White--Evans Gambit, Giuoco Piano, and Ruy Lopez. When Black? I often used the safe and cautious Caro-Kann (as Reinfeld says, "safe, stodgy, and respectable. Play it against formidable opponents."). Sometimes, I would use the Sicilian. Very occasionally, the Nimzoindian. . . .

There are also chapters on middle game play and the endgame.

All in all, this was a fine resource for me as I first started trying my hand at chess. . . .

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be a good for beginners.

Razor says cats play excellent chess - either push the pieces over the side or lay down on the board.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chess is a challenging and thought provoking game that teaches tactics and strategy. Reinfeld helps grasp the basics of the game.

[Nathan Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterwork in chess and pedagogy. The best book a beginner can use to learn the fundamentals of chess, and worth a refresher for intermediate level players too.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in elementary school and it taught me to play chess.

I have been playing chess since and it is a great way to learn the game.

[Brigham Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

logical explanation of playing chess & strategy

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro for a chess beginner. Quickly got into YouTube videos and chess apps after but this was a nice start to learning the basic fundamentals of chess.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really good if you're just starting out. A lot of good advice for beginners or for those that need a refresher.