How to Play Chess: Lessons From An International Master

Chess is a universal pastime; discovering the basics of the game; how it begins; what each chess piece is worth; how the pieces move; the mathematical notation that allows players to record games, learn from mistakes and improve.

Pawns are the most complex pieces on the chessboard; the leaping knights are perhaps the strangest pieces; how these two pieces move; what strategies to employ with them to control the board; testing this knowledge with a few situations.

Completing the review of the basics of chess; how to castle; the difference between checkmate and stalemate; the etiquette of play; some astonishing aspects of the game; finding out about simultaneous exhibitions; blindfolded play; chess computers.

Building an arsenal of tactical skills by looking for winning patterns on the board; covering the three go-to punches of pins, skewers and forks; Mr. Silman turns to decoys, double attacks, discovered attacks and more; having a tactical advantage.

Combination moves that require crafty calculations; wondering when and why to sacrifice a piece; trapping kings in tight corners; unleashing carnage on the board; becoming a more formidable player with the help of the tactics from this lesson.

Delving into the world of "piece collaboration", which is using two or more pieces to win a checkmate; Mr. Silman shows a number of classic mates that delight fans for generations; these mating patterns provide a deeper understanding of the game.