Easychess
The Road to Chess Improvement
Introduction
Not every chess player can achieve master strength, but all chess players can improve. With this certain knowledge, we have created a website to help you do just that. We have focussed on 3 simple areas which we believe will yeild dividends 1. Daily Prize Chess Problem, 2. Weekly Multi-Choice Quiz, 3. Monthly Classic Game Test - We also feature dvds and books etc from our partner site the the london Chess Center shop. you will find these around the site and on our chess goods page.
"Instead we have focussed on 3 simple areas which we believe will yield dividends"
In the 21st century, many chess players have become totally immersed in the study of openings, endlessly processing database information on their laptop computers. Even with limitless time, we would doubt that this is the best way for most chess players to develop their potential. But let’s face it, most of us do not have the time or resources which are available to the professional.
Instead, we have focussed on three simple areas which, we believe, will yield dividends.
In one part, we look at tactics. This website will provide a daily problem which will test and improve your flair for combinations.
Another part will consist of multiple choice questions which will test your knowledge of various aspects of the game of chess. We will provide a new multiple choice problem each week.
Last, and perhaps most importantly, we will invite you to follow a classic game from the past, and guess the moves of one of the masters. You will be allocated points according to how successful you are. When you have completed the test, you will be able to calculate your score and make an estimate of your growing strength. This ‘Test Your Chess’ section will appear monthly.
Click on the links to take you to the relevant section.
NEW: Latest Reviews
Why Not the English?
Grandmaster Repertoire: The English Opening Volume One (Quality Chess) by Mihail Marin
The English Opening by Nigel Davies. (DVD: Fritztrainer Opening – by Chessbase)
The Dynamic English (Gambit Publications) by Tony Kosten
Reviewed by FM Stephen Berry
Show Me A Complete Repertoire for Black and White!
Chess Openings for White, Explained
Reviewed by FM Stephen Berry
Imagine that you knew no opening theory at all. Better still, imagine that you had all the opening theory which presently clutters up your poor brain totally erased. What could you do to make life worth living? How would you be able to enter your next tournament with the jaunty confidence of the true opening aficionado?
Mastering the Chess Openings, Volume 3 by John Watson, Gambit Publications 2008, Figurine Algebraic Notation, Paperback, 351pp. $29.95
30 years ago, the American international master John Watson became well known for publishing a four-volume series for Batsford on the English Opening (1 c4). Later he published a very popular repertoire series on the French Defence which, in my opinion, has made the French the second most popular opening against 1 e4 in the UK. At the moment, Watson is coming to the end of a four volume cycle which encompasses all the significant chess openings. His third volume of the Mastering the Chess Openings series covers the English Opening where Black plays 1…c5, 1…e5 or 1…Nf6. A fourth and final volume has been designated to cover 1 Nf3 and moves such as 1 b3, 1 b4, 1 f4, 1 g3 and 1 Nc3. In addition, a few lines with 1 c4, where Black replies 1…c6, 1…b6, 1…g6 and 1…f5 will also be dealt with.
A Friend for Life?
A Personal Look at the Opening 1 b3
By FM Stephen Berry
Play 1.b3! The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: A Friend for Life (New in Chess) by Ilya Odessky
Read full review
ABC of Alekhine by Andrew Martin (Fritztrainer Opening – by Chessbase)
The Fritztrainer Opening (also known as the Fritz Media System) series seeks to combine the benefits of a live lecture by a chess master and a database which may be used with a chess engine.