I was thinking of something along these lines.
First pages: the names of pieces, how they move, and any special rules applying to them. Then I would cover checkmate and put some examples (also a mention that it is usual to resign if you cannot avoid it) and the different types of draw (stalemate, lone kings, 3 move repitition, 50 move rule, and the draw rules relating to timed games).
Lastly in this section I was going to explain how to notate a game and put diagrames along the way so people could practise following the notation but also have something visual to keep them on the right track.
Second section: I was thinking of breaking it down into how to use each piece correctly, with pages dedicated to each piece, what sort of tricks they are capable of performing and what limitations they have.
This would also be where the 'points' system would be introduced and a few examples of why the points are there would be given. Then there would be a short section on parts of the game where the scoring is unreliable, like some of the exchange sacrifice positions.
Third Section: combinations involving multiple pieces at various stages of the game, giving the player an idea of how to build towards winning material or checkmating people with more then just simple threats. There would also be some emphasis given to the idea of making one threat in order that another one becomes viable (e.g. threatening mate while attacking a piece, or rapid development by kicking pieces back)
Fourth Section: Endgames, and the tactics that frequently crop up in them, including how to calculate if you are going to queen first and how to draw some bad positions.
Fifth section: Openings. A small section of easy to learn openings, as well as a few grandmaster games to accompany them and give people an idea of what sort of thing gets played in those positions and also what the pitfalls are.
What do you lot think? Would that be sufficient to get somebody up to a reasonable standard or are there any big holes I have missed out on in my preparation?
Originally posted by TyrannosauruschexIt's all been done a million times. I like and respect you and think it would be a great book. But it is totally unnecessary.
I was thinking of something along these lines.
First pages: the names of pieces, how they move, and any special rules applying to them. Then I would cover checkmate and put some examples (also a mention that it is usual to resign if you cannot avoid it) and the different types of draw (stalemate, lone kings, 3 move repitition, 50 move rule, and t ...[text shortened]... up to a reasonable standard or are there any big holes I have missed out on in my preparation?
Originally posted by TyrannosauruschexNot a bad idea, but like Paul said, it's been done before several times.
I was thinking of something along these lines.
First pages: the names of pieces, how they move, and any special rules applying to them. Then I would cover checkmate and put some examples (also a mention that it is usual to resign if you cannot avoid it) and the different types of draw (stalemate, lone kings, 3 move repitition, 50 move rule, and t ...[text shortened]... up to a reasonable standard or are there any big holes I have missed out on in my preparation?
You'll have to work hard to find some groundbreaking new concepts.
😏
Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsIt is not for sale though - it is for teaching people at the school I work at, and I am going to try and read a few other instructive books to see what bits they are missing and hope to keep adding to it over the years until one day it becomes something quite useful - like the mamoth book of chess - that is one of the most useful books I have ever read.
It's all been done a million times. I like and respect you and think it would be a great book. But it is totally unnecessary.
The other thing I really want to do is not overcomplicating the positions in my examples until the later stages of the book - as beginners will tend to look at moves in a position that are unnecessary so the less the have to distract them from the actual tactic the better.
Originally posted by TyrannosauruschexThat sounds very good. I respect you even more if it for chess and not money.
It is not for sale though - it is for teaching people at the school I work at, and I am going to try and read a few other instructive books to see what bits they are missing and hope to keep adding to it over the years until one day it becomes something quite useful - like the mamoth book of chess - that is one of the most useful books I have ever read.
I have often thought of writing a chess book myself.
I was going to include my games, learning experiences, and all the other tidbits of info I've picked up over the years.
I came to the conclusion that it wasn't really necessary. I might make a quick buck but I know deep down it wouldn't really help anyone.
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Originally posted by TyrannosauruschexWow that's really original.
I was thinking of something along these lines.
First pages: the names of pieces, how they move, and any special rules applying to them. Then I would cover checkmate and put some examples (also a mention that it is usual to resign if you cannot avoid it) and the different types of draw (stalemate, lone kings, 3 move repitition, 50 move rule, and t ...[text shortened]... up to a reasonable standard or are there any big holes I have missed out on in my preparation?
Originally posted by TyrannosauruschexIt wouldn't really be complete without a discussion of the c3 Sicilian.😵
I was thinking of something along these lines.
First pages: the names of pieces, how they move, and any special rules applying to them. Then I would cover checkmate and put some examples (also a mention that it is usual to resign if you cannot avoid it) and the different types of draw (stalemate, lone kings, 3 move repitition, 50 move rule, and t ...[text shortened]... up to a reasonable standard or are there any big holes I have missed out on in my preparation?
I dont know. I think I will teach them the fairly tame open sicillian lines where white plays things like Be3, Be2 and o-o. That avoids getting caught with too much theory - I am not really wanting it to be an openings book, just one that covers enough basic openings to get somebody started and they would then have the chance to get hold of their own advanced material once they found an opening they liked.
If anything, I would encourage beginners to learn some of the d4 systems until they had found their feet and wanted to get a bit adventurous, as it gives them quite a good game for a while until they did get into trouble - thus encouraging them to keep playing.
Originally posted by TyrannosauruschexWhat if you first come up with a video like this but with all the rules? That could help a lot a of people and might be useful to your school
I was thinking of something along these lines.
First pages: the names of pieces, how they move, and any special rules applying to them. Then I would cover checkmate and put some examples (also a mention that it is usual to resign if you cannot avoid it) and the different types of draw (stalemate, lone kings, 3 move repitition, 50 move rule, and t ...[text shortened]... up to a reasonable standard or are there any big holes I have missed out on in my preparation?
Originally posted by greenpawn34pawn dude, just been reading your rather fine introduction with all them mating patterns in book reviewed by paul. what is interesting from a purely logistical point of view is how they were assembled and printed, was it done on a pc and assimilated at the printers or was there some other method, anyhow, best instruction for a fiver yet - regards Robbie!
This is the one area where I think a DVD and chess can get along.
Teaching the actual rules and showing how the pieces move and capture.
I know very few people who learned the moves from a book.
Most were shown by a friend or relation.
All the diagrams were done by hand using a thing called Lettraset
(that is most likely spelt wrong) these days it's really easy to produce
a chess book. A few mouse clicks and away you go, Fritz analysis,
diagrams. daft symbols and very little prose.
In the good old days it was human 'warts and an all analysis' diagrams
made up by hand.
Rampant Chess sold over 160 copies, including internet sales
on first day (today).
Everyone seems to like it.
Nip along to the Kelvin Grove and pick up your copy tomorrow but
go soon, they expect to be sold out by noon - also some good
books in 2nd hand box. Solits's Fischer Rediscovered was there last
time I looked.
Some guys from RHP bought a copy they may review it on here.
They also have snazzy chess hats & super-duper felt boards that
make it a sheer joy to play chess on.
Originally posted by TyrannosauruschexI smell pisstake
I was thinking of something along these lines.
First pages: the names of pieces, how they move, and any special rules applying to them. Then I would cover checkmate and put some examples (also a mention that it is usual to resign if you cannot avoid it) and the different types of draw (stalemate, lone kings, 3 move repitition, 50 move rule, and t ...[text shortened]... up to a reasonable standard or are there any big holes I have missed out on in my preparation?