Square One: A Chess Drill Book for Beginners (Fireside Chess Library)

good book for beginners.

This book is really only for people who know nothing about the game. It teaches the basics well, but does not even venture into elementary tactics (pins, forks, etc.).

If you know nothing about chess, this book would be an excellent way to learn. Pandolfini has written a workbook that will teach students step-by-step the movement of the pieces, the rules of the game, and basic tactics. All of these are well illustrated, and the student is provided with many exercises throughout. Additionally, some of the diagrams also serve as mate-in-one, -two, and -three problems for students. Why, then, has this book been given negative ratings by some? That probably has to do with who this book is not for. If you already know the rules of the game and how the pieces move, this book will be far too basic for you. Such a person would probably be frustrated by the slow pace and step-by-step instruction that is well suited to the person who knows nothing of the game. If you already know something of the game and are looking for a refresher, a book such as  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess, Third Edition  would be much better suited for you.

An excellent early learning chess guide for my 6 year old Great Grandson.