Learning Chess - Chernev, Part 2
Submitted by
kptom on Sat, 02/09/2008 at 9:46am.
The next few sections of the classic "Winning Chess" by Chernev and Reinfeld, deals with Discovered Attacks, Discovered Checks, and the dreaded Double Check. Employing any of these on an unsuspecting opponent can have devastating results for the unwary.
The explanations and examples in these sections were fairly straight-forward, and even a novice like myself didn't have too much trouble finding the correct solutions to the problems. Again, the quiz positions at the end of each chapter actually seem easier than the examples given in the body of the chapter.
I am currently playing an opponent rated in the low 1600's and have used some elementary discovered attacks and discovered checks in the course of play. I say elementary because they were pretty obvious and my worthy opponent could counter them somewhat easily. But again, I am happy that I am digesting this information and beginning to be cognizant of using them in an actual game setting.
I am not posting the game here because it is still in progress, and do not want to receive any analysis or suggestions while still playing.
On another note, I could not hold out any longer and cracked open Jeremy Silman's "How to Reassess Your Chess." I am only two chapters into it, but find it very interesting. I was surprised that Silman actually begins his book with a look at endgames! It is definitely one area that I have never explored, and his touching upon it right at the start was welcomed as something to always be aware of and to have a plan in the back of your head.
Speaking of plans, that is the theme of the second part of HTRYC. The basic premise to always evaluate your position and pick a plan (or a "fantasy," as Silman calls it) and work towards it.
Well, I'm off to my first local chess club meeting. I'm sure I will get walloped, but looking forward to having fun and meeting new players.