What makes this chess book different? I believe this is the first book of its kind about chess. So many focus on the best games, or openings, middlegames and endgames to study. What few books mention is players’ early chess experience, which for many is at school. Grandmasters and international masters don’t just appear by magic. They all learn their craft from a young age after being shown the moves. There are pupils at UK schools now who already have IM norms, and thousands of others playing for fun or competitively. This book focuses on the chess history of a British state school, which celebrates its 140-year anniversary in 2023 – King Edward’s Camp Hill School for Boys in Birmingham. Chess at its twin school for Girls is also covered. The chess schooldays of two of this country’s greatest players – Hugh Alexander and Tony Miles – are discussed since they went to a school regularly played by Camp Hill. Other prodigies like Malcolm Baker, Ameet Ghasi, Peggy Wood, Sabrina Chevannes and Sophie Tidman are introduced as well as a legion of enthusiastic pupils who played for their school, county or country. Thirty games are included. Stories of two pupils who founded famous chess clubs are among many highlights as well as the discovery that the school has educated its own International Master. This year Camp Hill played in the finals of the ECF Team Chess Challenge, Team Problem Solving and National U19 School Championships, continuing a history of playing at the highest levels over time beating schools such as Eton College and Manchester Grammar in national championships. At a time when the British PM, Rishi Sunak, has announced £500,000 of funding to improve chess in state schools, this book may inform and help inspire the next generation. Besides the pupils – the Scholars’ Mates part of the title – the valuable role of teachers – the Grand Masters – is highlighted throughout. Besides money, time and enthusiasm are needed to foster success. But the title is not a total misnomer, since a noteworthy pupil played the moves of Scholar’s Mate in a prestigious tournament he organised featuring several grandmasters! Many Old Boys including famous alumni, teachers and headmasters have contributed to this history book, which deviates from the main line occasionally to present an informative and humorous account of both this ordinary and extraordinary British school, Camp Hill. The author himself was chess captain at the school and the third pupil to start a chess club. Anyone connected to chess at the school can join Camp Hill Old Edwardian’s chess club on chess.com to play, study the games in this book or chat.

A one-of-a-kind masterclass in chess from the greatest player of all time. Learn how to play chess the Bobby Fischer way with the fastest, most efficient, most enjoyable method ever devised. Whether you’re just learning the game or looking for more complex strategies, these practice problems and exercises will help you master the art of the checkmate. This book teaches through a programmed learning method: It asks you a question. If you give the right answer, it goes on to the next question. If you give the wrong answer, it explains why the answer is wrong and asks you to go back and try again. Thanks to the book’s unique formatting, you will work through the exercises on the right-hand side, with the correct answer hidden on the next page. The left-hand pages are intentionally printed upside-down; after reaching the last page, simply turn the book upside-down and work your way back. When you finish, not only will you be a much better chess player, you may even be able to beat Bobby Fischer at his own game!

At the age of 13 years, 4 months and 26 days, Magnus Carlsen became the youngest chess grandmaster in the world. The international press raved about the Norwegian prodigy. The Washington Post even called him ‘the Mozart of chess’. Ten years on Magnus Carlsen is the number one in the world rankings and a household name far beyond chess circles. Time Magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013. How Magnus Carlsen Became the Youngest Chess Grandmaster in the World is the fairy-tale-like story of his rise. The story-teller could not have been better qualified. Simen Agdestein trained Magnus in the years leading up to his grandmaster title, repeatedly pinching himself in amazement at his pupil’s lightning progress While you follow Magnus on his wonderful journey, Agdestein is your guide, providing insights into the Carlsen family life and explaining the secrets of Magnus’ play in clear and instructive comments. This is an inspiring book for any chess player. It will fascinate parents and help gifted children to realize their full potential. ,

Chess players at all levels will appreciate this accessible, enjoyable guide. Includes elementary tips for immediate practical use, attack and endgame studies, problems, and 60 complete games by Blackburne, Tartakower, Polgar, other immortals.

Proven tactical tips to strengthen your game Your quick and easy guide to the rules, strategies, and etiquette of chess Kings, queens, knights - does chess seem like a royal pain to grasp? This friendly guide helps you make the right moves. From using the correct terms to engaging in the art of attack, you'll get step-by-step explanations that demystify the game. You'll also find updated information on tournaments and top players, as well as computer chess games and playing chess online! Discover how to: Set up your chessboard Understand the pieces and their powers Recognize the game's patterns Decipher chess notation Employ tactics to gain an advantage Find tournaments and clubs

A chess match seems as solitary an endeavor as there is in sports: two minds, on their own, in fierce opposition. In contrast, Gary Alan Fine argues that chess is a social duet: two players in silent dialogue who always take each other into account in their play. Surrounding that one-on-one contest is a community life that can be nearly as dramatic and intense as the across-the-board confrontation. Fine has spent years immersed in the communities of amateur and professional chess players, and with Players and Pawns he takes readers deep inside them, revealing a complex, brilliant, feisty world of commitment and conflict. Within their community, chess players find both support and challenges, all amid a shared interest in and love of the long-standing traditions of the game, traditions that help chess players build a communal identity. Full of idiosyncratic characters and dramatic gameplay, Players and Pawns is a celebration of the fascinating world of serious chess.

Experience The Life-Changing Magic of Chess, a beginner's guide with secrets from Grandmaster Maurice Ashley! After making history as the chess world's first Black Grandmaster, Maurice Ashley went on to become a three-time national championship coach and commentator. Now he's sharing his passion for chess with YOU! Discover more about Maurice's story as he recounts his journey from Jamaica to New York to the world stage where he has ranked among the best in the game. Then find your own chess magic as he shows you basic skills like how each piece moves and how to make a start. When you're ready, follow along with Maurice's step-by-step instructions for Capturing Checkmates Castling Sacrificing …and more! Fun-filled, graphic-novel inspired illustrations from Denis Angelov bring Maurice’s tips to life. It’s the perfect beginner’s guide to chess for kids. ​ Life-Changing Magic Series The Life-Changing Magic of Skateboarding by Sky Brown and illustrator Shaw Davidson The Life-Changing Magic of Chess by Maurice Ashley and illustrator Denis Angelov The Life-Changing Magic of Baking by Joy Wilson and illustrator Tatiana Kamshilina The Life-Changing Magic of Druming by Nandi Bushnell and illustrator Andrea Stegmaier