Chess - The Crowood PressSports Guides is the perfect tool for anyone wanting to improve their performance, from beginners learning the basic skills to more experienced participants working on advanced techniques. Standard chess rules and basic notation is covered as well as how to use each piece effectively; tactics and strategy; how to plan for success; the three phases - openings, middlegames and endgames; advanced techniques - analysing a position, opening repertoires, when to sacrifice, key endgame principles; hints and tips for developing chess further and finally using computers for analysis and preparation. An instructional and practical guide aimed at beginners and improving chess players.