Possibly the most interesting aspect of this book was it's uncanny accuracy in gauging my knowledge of each tactical motif. Most chapters include 25 problems for the student, although a small subset have as many as 50 problems and others have as few as 20. With each topic, Polgar includes a short description of the tactic followed by an example from one of her own games and then jumps right into a set of problems to solve. If you have studied any tactics at all, you've no doubt crossed paths with most, or at least some, of these tactical motifs. Mixed Checkmates in Two/Three/Four Moves.Polgar covers a wide array of tactics, and instead of attempting some sort of clever literary trick, I'll just give you a list of the topics covered:
I figure that I can always do with some more tactics study in whatever form it might take, and Susan Polgar's Chess Tactics For Champions came recommended to me by likesforests. It kind of reminds me of a tougher version of Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess.Sure, I know what you are thinking: " YATB, Stick? Really?" Yup, that's right, Yet Another Tactics Book, folks. I also like his creative titles to the combinations - these little monikers might help me remember them better (or at least give me a hint without giving the whole puzzle away).
And the answers are on the facing page, not in the back, which is way more convenient to read. I like the fact that there is no organization to the puzzles, just themes. Anyone done much with this book? I think it could be a handy little puzzle book to have around. It's a short 25 page intro then 300 problems. The one with the rediculous cover depicting an attractive woman watching Lev play chess?! I took it home just as a joke to show my wife, but I started reading it as well and I like what I've read so far. While at the Library next to Weteschnik's book, I found Lev Alburt's Chess Training Pocket Book. I had no idea there were only a few actual excercises. Bit of a dry read, I think it will be tough to slog through it. He is certainly thorough - there were nearly 50 pages devoted to pins!Ĭons: The translation from German was a little rough and the prose seemed overly technical at times. Pros: Some of the examples are brilliant.
So I read the first chapter on pins in the Weteschnik book. Regards, Dave L (composed with my Boston ernie on my lap) It passeth all understanding why chess books are published with no move indicator by the diagram. And whose move is marked with a white/black triangle.
My 7-decades-old eyes appreciate the large clear diagrams in Weteschnik. The player forces or lures the opponent into one, ie great players do not find tactical shots but create them.ĭoes anyone know if Weteschnik’s 2 nd edition “ Chess Tactics from Scratch” has new material ? In many of Weteschnik’s positions a tactical ‘motif’ ( as he calls it ) is not obvious. Neither has a chapter on my favorite tactic overload, although it’s briefly mentioned in both ( in some places Heisman calls it overworked ) Heisman’s broader in coverage but Weteschnik is deeper. In Heisman I got about 75 % correct while in Weteschnik only 45 %. All are outstanding for the niche they fill. Weteschnik’s is definitely more difficult. I've got nostalgia for Seirawan as it was the first tactics book I read years ago. Answering Bruch re Weteschnik’s, Heisman’s and Seirawan’s tactics books :