THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF CHESS

Author: Graham Burgess

Running Press Book Publishers (2009)

570 pages

$13.95

 

Reviewed by John Donaldson

 

THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF CHESS by English FM Graham Burgess continues to represent one of the best values in the chess world. This is the third edition and at 33 pages longer (the chapter on computer chess and chess on the Internet has been completely rewritten as well) it is getting close to 600 pages. The book originally sold for $10.95 in 1997 so the price increase for this latest edition is quite reasonable.  

 

THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF CHESS is aimed at a wide audience. The first part of the book features chapters on checkmates, tactics and combinations to solve that are appropriate for those just starting out and the very back includes sections on the rules of the game, how to keep score and basic checkmates. There are also chapters on how starting out as a tournament play including one on chess clocks. The advanced puzzles and endgame studies will prove challenging for players up to 2200 and there is plenty of material for those between beginner and Master as well.

 

Those with a more general interest in chess will appreciate the articles on chess in the media, computer and Internet chess, women’s and veteran’s chess as well as a short history of the world championship.

 

THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF CHESS is the rare work on the game that can be recommended to a wide audience, particularly those new to chess.