From this book's title to its content and explanations, it exhibits a light touch that makes it a fun and readable romp through the topic of pattern recognition and mating combinations in chess. While the title doesn't entirely explain it, this is a book about recognizing and executing checkmating combinations, and the content skillfully focuses on this concept.

Chandler begins with the premise that to beat a stronger player (which the title suggests is "Dad"), one will need to create and execute a combination. The book then explains, with words and diagrams, fifty thematic checkmating patterns. These range in difficulty from the basic back rank mate to the startling two bishop sacrifice that Lasker first demonstrated to the chess world in a game against Bauer (no relation!) from Amsterdam 1889.

Chandler does a nice job of using basic examples of the 50 themes to build to more complicated positions that ultimately utilize the same theme. In this way, the reader begins to understand how complicated positions can be distilled into their more basic components. The book also concludes with 36 test positions, a glossary of terms, and a final chapter on what to do if your dad is Garry Kasparov. Here Chandler shows that even a great player like Kasparov has fallen victim to the basic themes espoused in the book.

Chandler has attempted to focus on themes that actually occur in tournament practice.   Indeed, I recognized most of these patterns from concepts that had arisen in my own games. This is one of the book's strengths. Some similar exercise books construct positions that look like they belong in the twilight zone.

My only wish is that Chandler next writes a book that shows, with examples, how one gets from a normal opening to a position where these themes reach fruition. Too often the average player understands the basic combinations but doesn't know how to get to them.  This is not solely a problem for the average player. Grandmaster Rudolph Spielmann once claimed that he could find the brilliant combinations of Alekhine, but he couldn't get the positions in the first place!

This is a fun book that will help many players, either as a basic starting point in the study of checkmate tactics or as a refresher. I found several positions of interest as I worked through the book, and I think it will be of particular value to players up through class C. Younger players will also likely find it enjoyable. I would finally note that this is a hardcover book with nice paper, printing, and supporting illustrations. At $14.95 list price, it looks like a worthwhile addition to most chess libraries.