Chess Strategy

Introduction to Library EditionThis collection of Ruy Lopez games illustrates how I beat intermediate chess players from both sides of the board. I give my opinion of chess strategy from games that I played online in 2021. The book has 73 games.How can you apply a simple chess strategy? You follow three steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how you want to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.A chess playing friend of mine told me that his intermediate opponents never play the main lines of popular openings. He said that his knowledge of opening theory did not help.That gave me an idea for a series of books on "How to Beat Intermediate Chess Players" using popular openings.I've played chess for 50 years against lots of intermediate players. However, my rating tends to be much higher since most of my normal opponents were rated 1800 to 2400.I was a USCF Postal Chess Master. I won an International Correspondence Chess Federation Master Class event. I played Board 4 for the USA in the 10th Correspondence Olympiade 1982-84. I was an Expert in USCF tournament play. I played blitz chess in the Internet Chess Club for 22 years with standard, blitz, and bullet ratings all over 2200. My peak blitz rating was 2492 back in 1998. Now it's 2050.Intermediate players typically range from 1300 to 1799. Yes, I can beat most intermediate players most of the time with any opening. Where am I going to find such players?I chose to play 10-minute blitz game vs anonymous guests. That way I would never be in time pressure. Five to seven seconds per move is an easy pace for me.My strategy is to win games by just playing good moves. Good moves will never give you a bad position. Good moves aim to follow these two move selection principles.This book includes complete games where I played the Ruy Lopez from either side of the board. "Sawyer" is me. "Guest" is my random opponent played on the date noted.Tactics is the most important skill you need to win games. My choice of the Ruy Lopez allows me to use all the pieces which maximizes the tactical opportunities. Also, I wrote a book with 500 Ruy Lopez Tactics from master games.Do I win all the game in this book? Heck no! When I lose a game, it's usually well played by at least one of us. Those games are included so you can see how to beat me. A few draws are included where I saved games that I was losing.My opening philosophy against intermediate players is to challenge them in the center quickly with as many pawns and pieces and possible. I prefer a classical style for this.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to be able to browse through the book looking at the diagrams and reading the comments.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThis Italian Game book shows how to win games after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4. This chess opening is fun with either color! The book is an introduction for those who are new to the Open Game Giuoco Piano, and Two Knights Defence. I give my strategy from these 40 games with 212 diagrams. I scored +33 -5 =1 in these 10-minute games. I played them vs random "Advanced" guests in 2021.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.My opening philosophy against intermediate players is to challenge them in the center quickly with as many pawns and pieces as possible. I prefer a classical style for this.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I've played chess for 50 years. As a Postal Chess Master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. However, my opponents in this book are often lower to intermediate. My peak Internet Chess Club blitz rating was 2492.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams put White at the bottom of the board. Play to win!

Introduction to Library EditionOpen Games begin 1.e4 e5. This covers games that did not make it into my chess strategy books on Ruy Lopez, Italian Game or King's Gambit openings. I illustrate chess strategy from games I played vs random "Advanced" players as Guests. The book has 41 games with 171 diagrams. I scored +40 -1 =0 in these 10-minute games. Opening theory and endgame knowledge help your play, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThe Sicilian Defence 1.e4 c5 book shows how to win chess games after 1.e4 c5 but without 2.Nf3 (covered in my two other books). In this book I give my chess strategy from games I played vs random "Advanced" players as Guests. The book has 30 games with 160 diagrams. I scored +29 -1 =0 in these 10-minute blitz speed games.Chess Strategy Sicilian 1.e4 c5 (book 1) is a companion to my Sicilian 2.Nf3 (book 2) and my Sicilian 3.d4 (book 3) in this Chess Strategy series. Opening theory and endgame knowledge help your play, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThe Sicilian Defence 2.Nf3 book shows how to win chess games after 1.e4 c5. This book is an introduction for those who are new to this opening. I give my chess strategy from games I played vs random "Advanced" players as Guests. The book has 30 games with 154 diagrams. I scored +28 -2 =0 in these 10-minute blitz speed games.This Sicilian 2.Nf3 book has several (not all) games without 3.d4. It is a companion to my Sicilian 3.d4 book. I plan one more Sicilian book in this Chess Strategy series. Opening and endgame knowledge help, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThe Sicilian Defence 3.d4 shows how to win chess games after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 with 3.d4. This book is an introduction for those new to the opening. I give my chess strategy from games I played vs random "Advanced" players as Guests. The book has 30 games with 173 diagrams. I scored +26 -3 =1 in these 10-minute blitz speed games.This is one of three planned Chess Strategy Sicilian books where I play against mostly intermediate players. Opening and endgame knowledge help, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I've played chess for 50 years. As a Postal Chess Master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. However, my opponents in this book are often lower to intermediate. My peak Internet Chess Club blitz rating was 2492.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThis Caro-Kann Defence book shows how to win games after 1.e4 c6. This book is an introduction for those who are new to this opening. I give my chess strategy based on games I played vs random "Advanced" players as Guests on chess.com. The book has 30 games with 171 diagrams. I scored +25 -5 =0 in these 10-minute blitz speed games.My wife told me I've had a love affair with the Caro-Kann ever since she's known me. I first played it in 1974 against IM Norman Weinstein who had won the US Open in 1973.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.Sometimes I add a line of chess engine analysis. You may wish to work out those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I've played chess for 50 years. As a Postal Chess Master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. However, my opponents in this book are often lower to intermediate. My peak Internet Chess Club blitz rating was 2492.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThis Alekhine Defence and Scandinavian Defence book shows how I win in chess openings that begin 1.e4 Nf6 and 1.e4 d5. While I face these with the White pieces, I also play them as Black. I tend to choose the Alekhine vs stronger players and the Scandinavian vs weaker ones.I illustrate chess strategy from games I played vs random "Advanced" players as Guests. The book has 34 games with 172 diagrams. I scored +34 -0 =0 in these 10-minute games. Opening theory and endgame knowledge help your play, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThe Queen's Gambit book shows how to win chess games after 1.d4 d5 2.c4. This book is an introduction for those who are new to this opening. I give my chess strategy from games I played vs random "Advanced" players as Guests. The book has 34 games with 163 diagrams. I scored +32 -2 =0 in these 10-minute blitz speed games.I've played Queen's Gambit 2.c4 off and on since my high school days – not all the time. Many hate to face Queen's Gambit. I enjoy both sides! Opening theory and endgame knowledge help your play, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThis chess book is a collection of practical endgames that I played vs intermediate players. This book has 87 games and 100 diagrams. It illustrates the decisions players make in endings when they short on time. This book is purely for entertainment value. 65 games are wins. 22 are drawn.I played 2650 unrated 10-minute rapid games vs Guests on chess.com. I won 2500 games. I drew 38, and I lost 112 games. I won 300 short games in less than 10 moves. The better players lasted longer. Opening theory and endgame knowledge help your play, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThis Flank Openings book shows how to win in where one avoids moving center pawns such as the English Opening, Reti Opening, Bird's Opening, Dutch Defence and others. I punish opponents play on the wings but forget the center.I illustrate chess strategy from games I played vs random "Advanced" players as Guests. The book has 41 games with 174 diagrams. More often, I play Black in this book. White wins 17 games and Black wins 24 of these 10-minute games. Opening theory and endgame knowledge help your play, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThis Short Games chess book shows how to win quickly in 10 moves or less. This book is purely for entertainment value. I illustrate chess strategy from 100 games with 100 diagrams I won vs intermediate players. All are 10-minute blitz games in this chess miniatures book.My opponents fall for a variety of chess traps and tactical tricks. You can win fast when opponents make mistakes. Learn from these chess short games I played during a 10 month period in 2021-2022. Opening theory and endgame knowledge help your play, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!

Introduction to Library EditionThis King's Gambit book shows how to win games after the exciting 1.e4 e5 2.f4. This book is an introduction for those who are new to this opening. I give my chess strategy from games I played vs random Advanced players as Guests. The book has 50 games. I scored 48 -1-1 in games played at 10-minute blitz speed.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.My opening philosophy against intermediate players is to challenge them in the center quickly with as many pawns and pieces as possible. I prefer a classical style for this.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. My plan is for you to browse through the book, look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.For those who prefer to read quickly, you can skim through the book from diagram to diagram. Note the change from the previous diagram and read any notes that interest you.From time to time, I add a line of analysis. You may wish to work out some of those lines in your head, or just note that there was an alternative way to play and keep reading.I've played chess for 50 years. As a Postal Chess Master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. However, my opponents in this book are often lower to intermediate. My peak Internet Chess Club blitz rating was 2492.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my book.

Introduction to Library EditionBlack plays the Englund Gambit 1.d4 e5 like a caveman. Just grab a club and pound away at White in the hope of finding a quick crushing victory. Hey, sometimes it works!This is fun chess, not serious chess, although some good players have used this gambit many times. The opening is named after the Swedish player Fritz Carl Anton Englund. Henri Grob and Stefan Buecker both played it quite a bit. My friend Lev Zilbermints has a line named after him.Englund Gambit is sort of like a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit reversed with a tempo behind. Back when I played 1.d4 e5 in tournaments, chess engines were rated below 2000. But I stopped playing it in tournaments about 30 years ago.I illustrate chess strategy from games vs random players as Guests. The book has 32 games with 103 diagrams. I win 20 as Black and 12 as White in 32 ten-minute unrated blitz games. Opening theory and endgame knowledge help your play, but tactics win most games.I use strategy for my comments to explain what's going on. I follow any of these steps. 1. Describe the current position. 2. Imagine how to improve it. 3. Plan how to get there.I pick a key position every few moves to make a comment. Look at the diagrams and read the comments with ease.I played chess for 50 years. As a correspondence master and blitz master, my usual opponents were rated 1800 to 2400. My opponents here are often lower to intermediate.I assume that you can read algebraic chess notation. The diagrams have White at the bottom of the board. Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoy this one!