From America s foremost chess coach and game strategist for Netflix s The Queen s Gambit comes a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of the game to improve your technique whether you are a newcomer or a longtime fan. One of America s best-known chess masters Bruce Pandolfini has helped millions learn the intricacies of chess through his acclaimed books and workshops. In this exciting volume he presents a complete overview of the entire game and its culture. Structured as a dialogue between a beginning student and an expert teacher Pandolfini s Ultimate Guide to Chess takes the student step-by-step from fundamentals to advanced highly strategic play. Combining easy-to-follow diagrams with trenchant and up-to-date analysis Pandolfini puts a new twist on accepted chess theory offering a seamless beginning-to-end approach including: - a short introductory history of the game - the moves rules and contemporary notation forms - the basic principles of chess - how to develop an opening repertoire - the art of tactical play - pattern recognition and memory aids - traps and pitfalls to be avoided - middlegame play strategy and planning - defense and counterattack - transitions to the endgame and the endgame itself - computers and the future of chess - the best websites for playing chess online With Pandolfini s expert insight into the history and modern world of chess as well as several appendices to enhance play and appreciation Pandolfini s Ultimate Guide to Chess makes the perfect gift for players of all ages and will be the benchmark title for chess players for years to come.