Everyones 2nd Chessbook Paperback – 1 Jun 2005

I like Dan Heisman's book because it focuses on learning principles and developing board vision i.e. the ability to see threats and possibilities at various levels of complexity. It is also riddled with many good exercises for improving play that I haven't seen anywhere else.This book is also good because it provides an inside view from a teacher's point of view. In other words, it gives you a philosophy as to how to approach improving and explains the "why" of each principle. I find this is often missing from many other chess books.This text definitely favors a keep it simple mentality. It is not overwhelming to learn or apply to real game situations. Also, as Dan Heisman points out, most beginners don't lose because they mess up a complicated opening or difficult strategy. They lose because they don't keep fundamental principles in mind and overlook both dangers and opportunities. This book shows you how to spot both and be able to handle seeing possiblities in more complex positions.Finally, I think everyone's second chess book is a very appropriate name. This book is best suited to someone who has read one general book on chess and is familiar with the principles of openings and the basic goals of the opening, middle and end games. However, it contains many tips and insights that will help more advanced players as well. It will also be useful to parents who want to teach their children how to play better. This author is primarily a teacher and has a lot of experience getting youngsters to play at higher levels in competition.

I purchased this book as a way to fill the void in any of the fundamental knowledge I may have. I am currently rated in the high 1400's, but felt that I may have missed a few things along the way. While this book didn't really provide any new information to me, it did kind of help me focus of the small things. A more advanced book can sometimes make you feel like you have a huge amount of information to absorb, while taking it in small steps like this book helps you feel as though the task of mastering chess is possible if taken in small doses. So, if you have the basics down, skip this book, if you are tired of stupid OTB errors, then maybe you should try this book out. After you've finished this book, you know that you aren't going to make an error that will cost you a game to a U1200 player. Most embarassing!

In college, I was a fair player - I was playing at expert strength (low 2000's USCF) towards the end of my serious playing days. But, then life happened, and I haven't been able to play much - some occasional games on the internet is all. But too much speed chess has ruined me - my moves are way to superficial, and I just don't think through stuff much anymore.Now I have 2 elemetary school kids, so I taught them the moves, and watched to see if they were interested in playing. I got out my old set, and started going through some of my old books. The kids picked up on what Dad was doing, and started asking me to play - and they started playing each other.I've been trying to teach them some stuff - and have gotten them to know how to mate with Q&R vs. K, and what a back-rank mate is. But the other 'elementary tactics' books I could find were too advanced for them. Couldn't get them to watch their opponents moves, and leave stuff hanging.I came across the author's articles on the internet, and he struck a cord with me - he hit on exactly the problem my kids were having, and had a plan for how to get them to improve.I picked up the book, and I couldn't agree with the author's points more. His description of how kids think right after learning how the pieces moves fit EXACTLY what I saw my kids doing. His description of how to approach their improvement makes perfect sense to me - I now have a plan!If you've taught your kids (or yourself) the basic moves, and don't know what to do next - this book is for you. It doesn't cover the basic rules and piece movements, so you need to get another book for those topics. Then get this book, and be ready to take the next steps. Once you complete this book, then starting in on some elementary tactics books is a great next step. You'll be on your way to some serious chess then!!In the end, I doubt my kids will every be GrandMasters - but they love playing, and learning Dad's "sneaky moves". I'm looking forward to the day when they beat me in a serious game...

This book does give a few good pointers to the beginning player, but is nothing spectacular. There is nothing here that couldn't be figured out by playing a few games of chess -- before you move see if you are hanging a piece, look for the best move, take your time.

When I first read this book, I was an adult beginner player. After reading a few beginner's books I felt I was ready for more serious work. I had no idea there were so many chess books from which to choose. I was lost. I came across some of Heisman's articles on chesscafe.com and was struck by his clear writing. I immediately went out and purchased Everyone's 2nd Chess Book and read it cover to cover.The book assumes you have basic knowledge of how to play, and that you wish to improve. It provides the *basic principles* you need to master in your play before you truly improve. I particularly liked that each principle was clearly explained. The chapters that focus on ideas for developing a sound thinking process for choosing a move and "board vision" have helped me immensely. Heisman also explains well the transitions from lower level play (Hope Chess) to higher level play (Real chess). After reading this book, any beginner is ready to start playing Real Chess.After reading this book my play improved considerably, and I'm keeping up with players who used to eat me alive. In short, this book will fill in any cracks in your foundational knowledge AND help you to make full use of what you already know. It is accessible to younger readers, too (ages 8 and up), and written in a very caring tone. Heisman wants you to win, but also to have fun. I bought this book for my niece and one of my nephews. A worthwhile purchase if you are ready to improve but don't know exactly how to begin.