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Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Bobby Fischer, Stuart Margulies, Don Mosenfelder
4.6
Published: 1982
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780553263152
Description
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!
Where to Buy
About This Book
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess stands as one of the most influential chess instruction books ever written, having sold over one million copies worldwide since its original publication in 1966. Co-authored by Bobby Fischer, Stuart Margulies, and Don Mosenfelder, this groundbreaking work revolutionized how beginners learn chess through its innovative programmed learning approach. The book's unique methodology sets it apart from traditional chess instruction. Rather than presenting dry theory or overwhelming variations, it employs an interactive question-and-answer format that mimics the experience of having a personal chess tutor. Each page presents a chess position and asks the reader to find the best move. If you answer correctly, you proceed to the next challenge. If you answer incorrectly, the book explains why your choice was wrong and guides you back to try again. What makes this approach so effective is its focus on pattern recognition and tactical awareness. Fischer understood that chess improvement comes not from memorizing openings or studying abstract principles, but from developing the ability to spot tactical opportunities. The book concentrates almost exclusively on checkmate patterns, teaching readers to recognize the telltale signs of a winning attack. The content progresses systematically from simple one-move checkmates to more complex combinations involving multiple pieces working together. Readers learn to identify back-rank weaknesses, recognize when pieces can be sacrificed for checkmate, and understand how different pieces coordinate in attacking the enemy king. The emphasis on practical, immediately applicable knowledge means that readers can start winning games almost immediately after completing the book. One of the book's most praised features is its accessibility. Unlike many chess books that require knowledge of algebraic notation, Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess uses only diagrams with arrows and simple descriptions. This makes it perfect for absolute beginners, including children, who may not yet be familiar with standard chess notation. The visual approach also helps readers develop their board vision and spatial reasoning skills. The book's structure is ingeniously designed. The right-hand pages contain the exercises, while the left-hand pages are printed upside down. After reaching the end, you simply flip the book over and work your way back. This format ensures that answers are hidden until you're ready to check them, preventing the temptation to peek ahead. Despite being written decades ago, the tactical patterns and checkmate themes covered in this book remain as relevant today as they were when Fischer dominated the chess world. The fundamentals of chess tactics don't change, and the patterns Fischer teaches appear in games at every level, from beginner to grandmaster. Many professional players credit this book as their first introduction to serious chess study. The book is particularly effective for players rated below 1200 who want to stop hanging pieces and start winning games through tactical awareness. It builds a solid foundation of pattern recognition that serves as the basis for all future chess improvement. While it won't teach you openings, endgames, or advanced strategy, it will give you the tactical sharpness needed to capitalize on your opponents' mistakes.
What You'll Learn
Master essential checkmate patterns including back-rank mates, smothered mates, and queen-rook combinations
Develop tactical vision to spot winning opportunities in your games
Learn to coordinate pieces effectively for devastating attacks on the enemy king
Build pattern recognition skills through hundreds of carefully designed exercises
Understand the principles of attacking chess without memorizing complex variations
Gain confidence in calculating short tactical sequences accurately
Who This Book Is For
This book is ideal for absolute beginners who have just learned how the pieces move and want to start winning games. It's particularly well-suited for children ages 7 and up, as well as adult beginners who prefer a hands-on, interactive learning approach. Players rated below 1200 will benefit most from the tactical training, while more advanced players may find the material too basic. Parents looking for a chess book to share with their children will find this an excellent choice due to its engaging format and lack of complex notation.
Reader Reviews
Chess Enthusiast
5.0
This book took me from knowing how the pieces move to actually winning games. The programmed learning approach is brilliant - it feels like having Bobby Fischer himself as your teacher. I completed it in about two weeks and immediately saw improvement in my tactical awareness.
Parent of Young Player
5.0
Bought this for my 8-year-old daughter who had just learned the rules. She loved the puzzle format and worked through the entire book in a few days. Now she's beating kids twice her age at the local chess club!
Club Player
4.0
A classic for good reason. While it only covers tactics and checkmates, it does so brilliantly. Every beginner should start here before moving on to more advanced material. The only reason I don't give 5 stars is that experienced players won't find much new.