Play Winning Chess

About This Book

Play Winning Chess by Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan is the first book in his acclaimed Winning Chess series. This introductory volume teaches the fundamentals of chess in Seirawan's characteristically engaging and accessible style. Seirawan is a four-time United States Chess Champion and one of the most respected chess educators in the world. His ability to explain concepts clearly while maintaining reader interest makes this book ideal for beginners. The book introduces the four elements that Seirawan considers fundamental to chess: Force, Time, Space, and Pawn Structure. Understanding these elements provides a framework for evaluating positions and making decisions. Force refers to the material on the board and its relative value. Seirawan explains how to count material and when material considerations should guide your decisions. Time in chess refers to development and initiative. Seirawan shows how to develop pieces efficiently and how to gain and maintain the initiative. Space refers to the territory controlled by each side. Seirawan explains how to gain space and how to use spatial advantages effectively. Pawn Structure is the skeleton of the position that determines long-term strategic possibilities. Seirawan introduces basic pawn structure concepts that will be developed further in later books. The book includes numerous examples and exercises that reinforce the concepts being taught. Seirawan's colorful commentary and personal anecdotes make the learning process enjoyable. Play Winning Chess is an excellent starting point for anyone new to chess or returning after a long break. It provides the foundation for the rest of the Winning Chess series.