Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess

I've played chess for awhile casually, only recently became interested more seriously. I'm wondering if this book is worth reading? I know Fischer is...uniquely dispositioned these days, but I've heard good things about the book.

I should say I'm familiar with the game, but I'm not at all well versed in theory or openings (their names, their progression etc). So if you have alternative books and or websites you think may be of greater help - let me know.

Thank you in advance.

The book is more the work of Stuart Margulies than of Fischer. It is an excellent book for beginners.

Few have ever had good reason to criticize Fisher's analysis of normal chess.

If you're completely unfamiliar with basic (and I mean BASIC) tactics, basic mating ideas, and even maybe the rules of chess, then this is a worthwhile first book.

But there's nobody I'd tell to actually purchase the book. Even for the beginner, it provides only a few hours of problem-solving before it's time to move on. If you can get it at the library, or spend a few hours in a bookstore coffee shop, then by all means go for it.

I think Susan Polgar's new books are far better for teaching the rudiments of tactics to the reasonably intelligent beginner. (Although they are a bit costlier, if money is an issue.)

Originally posted by Hayduke
If you're completely unfamiliar with basic (and I mean BASIC) tactics, basic mating ideas, and even maybe the rules of chess, then this is a worthwhile first book.

But there's nobody I'd tell to actually purchase the book. Even for the beginner, it provides only a few hours of problem-solving before it's time to move on. If you can get it at the library ...[text shortened]... reasonably intelligent beginner. (Although they are a bit costlier, if money is an issue.)

This book is great for pattern recognition and tactical thought practice. Page after page of chess situations - I use it as a quick "tune-up" prior to a OTB game or after a layoff. It's a fast read and study. Go get it!

Additionally, as you get better I suggest Russian Chess by Pandolfini. I really enjoy his use of "concept" after expalnations as well as the games studied. Yes it's a bit dated 1987 but a good stepping stone to game improvement none-the-less.

None of the begginer books are very good. They say something like "White to move and win". They may as well as highlight the move. They should leave it up to the player to discover which move to play. Maybe not even tell you which side to play. That book seemed to simple to me. Try ChessMaster and let Joshua Watzkins teach you.

Originally posted by Jensen
I've played chess for awhile casually, only recently became interested more seriously. I'm wondering if this book is worth reading? I know Fischer is...uniquely dispositioned these days, but I've heard good things about the book.

I should say I'm familiar with the game, but I'm not at all well versed in theory or openings (their names, their progression e ...[text shortened]... s and or websites you think may be of greater help - let me know.

Thank you in advance.