Winnie-the-Pooh
Alan Alexander Milne
The Art of Checkmate
by Renaud
8.42 / 10 77 ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 1955
- Publisher
- B T Batsford Ltd
- ISBN
- 9780713464764
Subjects
Original edition
L'art de faire matOriginally published in 1997 French PAYOT
Other editions (9)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
To master the king's final plight, one must first comprehend the myriad paths to its capture. This journey begins with an exploration of the fundamental mating patterns, dissecting the anatomy of checkmate to reveal its core elements. You will discover how dozens of these patterns manifest, each supported by clear, illustrative examples drawn from the rich tapestry of actual play.
The crucial first step lies in cultivating the ability to foresee every potential mate on the board. Even grandmasters, in the heat of battle, have overlooked these decisive moments, often prioritizing fleeting advantages over the absolute victory. This is where a systematic understanding becomes your greatest ally, transforming the elusive art of checkmate into a scientific pursuit.
You will be guided through a rational classification of mating situations, unveiling how each distinct type of mate has emerged and evolved through countless games. Imagine recognizing Legal's pseudo sacrifice, the sudden double check, or the elegant smothered mate as if they were old friends. Each pattern, from Greco's mate to the intricate Corridor mate, Anderssen's mate, and Morphy's mate, will be laid bare.
The instruction extends beyond these named patterns, delving into mates achieved with heavy pieces, minor pieces, the coordinated dance of two bishops, or even the surprising power of two knights. Through a meticulous examination of 127 games, 23 distinct kinds of mate are identified, and the underlying rationale for each is meticulously explained.
This deep dive into mating ideas, rather than mere memorization, will empower you to discern basic patterns and imbue your game with direction from its earliest moves. You will learn to anticipate forced mates, craft effective counter-strategies, and, most importantly, refine your overall style of play to become a formidable force capable of relentlessly pursuing and securing checkmate. To solidify your understanding and gauge your progress, review quizzes with answers are interspersed throughout, ensuring that the insights gained are truly internalized.
The crucial first step lies in cultivating the ability to foresee every potential mate on the board. Even grandmasters, in the heat of battle, have overlooked these decisive moments, often prioritizing fleeting advantages over the absolute victory. This is where a systematic understanding becomes your greatest ally, transforming the elusive art of checkmate into a scientific pursuit.
You will be guided through a rational classification of mating situations, unveiling how each distinct type of mate has emerged and evolved through countless games. Imagine recognizing Legal's pseudo sacrifice, the sudden double check, or the elegant smothered mate as if they were old friends. Each pattern, from Greco's mate to the intricate Corridor mate, Anderssen's mate, and Morphy's mate, will be laid bare.
The instruction extends beyond these named patterns, delving into mates achieved with heavy pieces, minor pieces, the coordinated dance of two bishops, or even the surprising power of two knights. Through a meticulous examination of 127 games, 23 distinct kinds of mate are identified, and the underlying rationale for each is meticulously explained.
This deep dive into mating ideas, rather than mere memorization, will empower you to discern basic patterns and imbue your game with direction from its earliest moves. You will learn to anticipate forced mates, craft effective counter-strategies, and, most importantly, refine your overall style of play to become a formidable force capable of relentlessly pursuing and securing checkmate. To solidify your understanding and gauge your progress, review quizzes with answers are interspersed throughout, ensuring that the insights gained are truly internalized.
What other readers say
Liked
The book is widely praised as a concise, straightforward guide to delivering checkmates, packed with a variety of common patterns illustrated by real games. Reviewers highlight its effectiveness in building positional and tactical literacy, offering thematical exercises largely drawn from actual play. Many consider it a quality introduction or initiation to chess, with a user-friendly educational approach comparable to well-known chess software. It excels at teaching pattern recognition, enabling players to identify winning positions and understand the general goals they should strive for in a game. The material is described as informative, well-written, and comprehensive, classifying checkmate types and boiling them down to their essentials, ultimately helping players discover mates they previously overlooked.
Disliked
While generally positive, some reviews note a few drawbacks. A significant point raised is that older editions of the book utilize descriptive chess notation, which can be a barrier for readers unfamiliar with it. However, it is mentioned that newer editions are available in algebraic notation. Additionally, due to the book's age, with some content dating back to the early 1950s, a few game lines might not withstand modern engine scrutiny. There are also reports of numerous typos in the latest edition. Finally, it is acknowledged that the book's content, while valuable, speaks from an older analytical perspective and primarily appeals to a chess-playing audience rather than a broader one.
In short
Despite these minor criticisms, the overwhelming consensus is that this book is an invaluable resource for improving one's chess game. It is often recommended as an excellent addition for players beyond absolute beginners, perhaps as a third or fourth book, though some suggest it could also serve as a first attacking manual for those new to the game, particularly concerning attacks on castled positions. It is highly recommended for any chess enthusiast looking to enhance their tactical vision, pattern recognition, and overall understanding of how to achieve checkmate. This book is ideal for readers seeking a foundational and comprehensive guide to mating patterns, who appreciate a direct and exercise-driven approach to learning chess.
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