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Starting Out: Chess Tactics and Checkmates Reviewed by Michael Jeffreys
Recently I reviewed Discovering Chess Openings by GM John Emms, which covered the basics of opening theory. Now we’ll take a look at the latest book by GM Chris Ward called, Starting Out: Chess Tactics and Checkmates, which is a primer on the basic weapons of chess. While opening theory is important, tactics and checkmates are definitely the “money skills.” I mean, what’s more satisfying (not to mention fun) than broad-siding your opponent with a tactical shot that leaves them shaking their head in utter consternation!? Or blasting open their monarch’s fortress and then systematically marching the enemy king to his demise!? On the other hand, we’ve all been on the receiving end of a tactical shot seemingly from out of nowhere. Things seem to be going along smoothly when suddenly BANG!, our opponent hits us with a “shot from the dark” and instantly our mind is sent reeling. “Oh @#$%!, what just happened!?” we think as the cruel truth on the board is suddenly revealed to us—and with it the painful realization that we’re now in a lost position. Obviously, it is far better to be the giver of these tactical blows, than to be on the receiving end. And the best way to make this happen is by staying sharp tactically. Fortunately, GM Ward has put together a fun little book that can help you do just that. In Starting Out: chess tactics and checkmates, Ward covers many basic but important tactics and checkmating patterns. He does a nice job of both breaking down (using lots of diagrams with lots of arrows) these patterns, as well giving the reader plenty of exercises to work through so that the newly learnt concepts take hold. After all, getting these ideas to “stick in the brain” so that your tactical arsenal continues to grow is going to make you that much more dangerous at the board. Let’s face it, there are few things more satisfying in chess than reading about a new tactic, i.e., one that you previously weren’t familiar with, and then successfully pulling it off in your next game! Okay, let’s see take a brief look at the book’s contents:
Chapter One: The Basics When Ward calls this opening chapter “The Basics,” he really means it; he kicks things off with an explanation of the difference between check and checkmate! However, if you’ve ever taught juniors before, you know that when starting out it often takes them a while to grasp the concept of Checkmate, as they often think they can simply take their opponent’s king! That’s why I had to smile and nod when he gave this note on page 11:
By the way, in addition to the clipboard icon above, Ward also makes good use of two other icons: the crossbones (meaning warning) and the light bulb (a tip). Here is an example of each:
I mention this because while Ward uses these icons very effectively, I have seen other chess books where these icons were promoted as one of the book’s features, yet the author’s use of them was lackluster at best. Okay, back to the meat of this first section which consists of Ward explaining and giving examples of a handful of basic tactics:
While most of the examples are elementary, here is one he gives from his own game which is a little more intricate as it involves two themes: a sacrifice and a double check: C. Ward - B. Laval, French League 2006
White to Move
Even though Ward’s queen is attacked he did not move it. Instead, he
played the line opening/decoy sacrifice 1.Rxh7+! The point
being that if 1…Kxh7, the Black king has now been “decoyed” to the h7
square. This allows the winning double check 2.Nf6+! and after 2…Kh8
3.Qh7 is mate. In the game Ward’s opponent realized he couldn’t take
the “Greek gift” and so played 1…Kg8, but ended up losing quickly anyway. Chapter Two: First Steps Towards Checkmate In this section, Ward explains several checkmating patterns and concepts including:
Taking one example from this chapter, here Ward explains the concept of eliminating a king’s escape square (see diagram)
White to move Although Black is up material, his king is vulnerable due to the weak light squares on f7, g6, and h7. Ward says that a lot of juniors would quickly give a check with their queen on h7, which would allow the king to scurry away to safety on e7 via f7. More astute juniors might play 1.Bg6, setting up 2.Qh7#. However, this too would be a mistake as Black can simply move the f8 rook away creating a flight square for the monarch on f8 (where again it could escape to e7). Also note that the Bishop on f6 does a nice defensive job of holding the g7 and e5 pawns. So what should White play?
The correct move here is 1.Bh7+!, forcing 1…Kh8.
Now White gets in Bg6 “free of charge” as Ward puts it, due to the fact that
it’s check: 2.Bg6+ Kg8 and now 3.Qh7 is mate. Chapter Three: More Practical Lessons In this section, Ward covers various tactics and mates that are bit more advanced. They include:
In the exercise section he includes this “simple” problem:
White to move and mate in one
(Bet you can’t solve this in under 60 seconds!—solution at
end of review. MJ) Chapter Four: Popular Themes and Real Life Chess Ward continues his excellent job of explaining advanced tactics, using many examples from real games. Topics covered include:
Here is an example Ward gives from one of his own games which illustrates how to attack a fianchetto structure when the h-file has been opened:
White to move: “Time to swap off the bishops” Says Ward:
White to move: “You can run, but you can’t hide!”
Chapter Five: Quick Fire Puzzles
Chris closes out the book with 100 chess puzzles that cover
checkmates, tactics, and ‘White’s best move.’ Here are three from the
checkmates section (solutions at end of review):
White to move and mate in one
White to move and mate in one
White to move and mate in two Chapters Six and Seven contain the solutions to all the exercises. The Bottom Line While only 172 pages long, I was amazed at just how much useful info GM Ward has packed into this volume. Clearly this book was not thrown together over a few weekends, but rather Chris has spent some time thinking about how best to present the material. Obviously his years coaching juniors has helped him know just how to explain/breakdown chess positions to those relatively new to the game. Additionally, the diagrams often contain arrows which make it crystal clear how the particular tactic or checkmate under discussion works. Also, practically every page contains useful tips, notes, and warnings that should prove helpful to those looking to improve their game. Ward also includes examples from his own games, which I really like as you get to see the tactic/checkmating pattern “through his eyes.” When you add to this package Chris’ friendly/chatty writing style, you have a wonderful primer on the weapons of chess. As to who specifically this book is targeted to, I would say two groups: the first section is ideal for the chess neophyte and will give him or her an excellent introduction to the world of tactics and mates. The second half of the book provides great material for the novice club player (say those rated between 1100-1500 Elo) who wants to sharpen his or her “money skills.”
On a scale of 1-10, Starting Out: Chess Tactics and Checkmates
gets a 9. Solution to puzzles
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Note:
There is no (as juniors so commonly seem to think) taking, killing, or
destroying the king. There must always be two kings on a chessboard and one
is not allowed to move a king into check.
Warning:
As always when trying to make generalizations, the truth is that
everything depends on the position. General rules and principles are useful
but there are nearly always exceptions.
Tip:
When selecting a move, always consider any checks that you may have
available. Furthermore, once you have decided on your move, before playing
it check that your opponent won’t have any good checks available.
Basically then, always check for checks!
