Play winning chess
by Yasser Seirawan · first published 1990
3mentions
3recommended by
3HN commenters
2016–2019first – last mentioned
100% recommend
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
When I've had friends interested in learning to play chess, I've given Play Winning Chess by Yasser Seirawan. It's great at explaining what to think about when playing the different phases of the game, with no emphasis on memorizing particular lines.
on “Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift?” ↗ChessNetwork on YouTube is an entertaining channel to help you get excited about learning more. Jerry's enthusiasm for chess is infectious. In terms of books, Play Winning Chess by Yasser Seirawan is a great introduction to the game and first layer of strategy, tactics, openings, etc.
on “How I Finally Hit 2000 on Lichess and Improved My Rating” ↗…learning openings. Most people will say not to focus on openings until you are at least intermediate. Most chess books will do what you ask, just Google for recommendations and reviews. Example book: Play Winning Chess, Yasser Seirawan
on “Ask HN: Your favourite tutorial for total beginners?” ↗