Chess Traps: Pitfalls And Swindles (Fireside Chess Library)

A classic book for chess lovers of recorded "nefarious chess crimes." Enjoy!

I had purchased this book back in the 70's when I was in High School. I bought this one for a friend that was interested in learning. The cover art has changed, but this was definitely one of the best chess books I ever bought. I highly recommend this book!

This is an older printing of a book I had when I was a kid learning to play chess almost 50 years ago. I am sure some chess teaching has moved forward, but I cannot believe that the lessons taught in this kind of book are any less valuable than they were when I read it ragged as an eager pre-teen. Hope my son finds it equally amusing and insightful.Ignore the "predictable" comment made above---Amazon requires some answer to that limited question before it allows you to write the rest of your review.

Uses old notation that I cannot understand for the life of me. some of the moves appear just plain wrong. I would avoid this purchase.

I fail to see why some reviewers think that every chess book has to be a masterpiece of instruction. Chess is a game and games are supposed to be fun. This book probably will not add many points to your rating, but it is entertainingly written and charms you with some classic examples of "the sting" among which even history's best players can be found "led down the garden path."Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if it did improve your chess. There is a good deal of psychology in chess, and it isn't always just about the objectively best move but the best move to play against the necessarily flawed human being who is your opponent.Anyway, I first read this book many years ago and it is still fun.It is a little over-priced, but, since most of us tend to buy over-priced yet less permanent things every day without concern. In the long run, it should be more economical in than that last latte.

Uses older chess reference system but one of the best books I have ever owned. Actually replaced a copy I purchased 40 years ago and is one of the best books to explain what to do as you enter the mid-game. Or snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in end games. Highly recommend this to intermediate level players.

I never will be more than a trainee chess player. But this book helped avoid so of my positional mistakes.

This was the first book I ever bought on chess. It was a joy to read, and pulled me in to the richness and complexity of the game.Highly recommended. It doesn't really require much chess sophistication to read - but will stimulate and educate the reader.Bill Parr