Book

Boydell, Oliver, author.

How a king plays : 64 chess tips from a kid champion / Oliver Boydell.

First edition.

New York : Random House, 2021.

xi, 83 pages ; 19 cm

"Whether you're new to chess or a Grandmaster, there's something for everyone in chess phenom Oliver Boydell's new book of 64 chess tips, How a King Plays. At only 11-years-old, Boydell has already been both a National Chess Champion and a New York City Chess Champion who's competed at numerous major scholastic chess events since he started playing at the age of 5. Now, Boydell is lending his talents to the page as he shares some of his best tips that helped him become a star. Written in his signature concise and witty voice, Boydell offers players of all levels--from beginners to advanced--a different, creative tip on every page. An introduction from the author, inspirational quotes from chess greats, and a glossary of terms help round out this comprehensive and informative, fun guide. Jam-packed with wisdom and imaginative gameplay, this compact and portable reference book can easily be taken on the go to a tournament, to the park, or anywhere you're traveling. How a King Plays is the ideal companion for anyone whose passion for chess can't be contained."--Provided by publisher.

Chess -- Juvenile literature.

A few words from Oliver -- Play for the center -- Develop all the pieces -- Castle early -- Prevent your opponent from castling -- Avoid moving castled pawns -- Don't overuse the queen -- Don't give pointless checks -- Remove the defender -- Seize open files -- Get fully set up -- Look for rook lifts -- Pin and win! -- Avoid getting pinned -- Avoid unnecessary pawn moves -- Play with a plan -- Ask helpful questions -- Know your options -- Chose reasonable plans -- Don't play hope chess -- Don't rely on shaky defense -- Don't block bishops with pawns -- A knight on the rim is dim -- Keep your fianchettoed bishop -- Play for two bishops -- Keep the right minor piece -- Mobilize pawn majorities -- Put rooks on the seventh rank -- Capture the right way -- Take toward the center -- Avoid pawn weaknesses -- Set up your tactics -- Look far enough ahead -- Understand relative values -- Trade when ahead -- Don't trade pieces when behind -- Don't be afraid to trade queens -- Don't sacrifice foolishly -- Accept unsound sacrifices -- Don't be afraid to move the king -- Eliminate problems -- Keep your rooks active -- Accumulate small advantages -- Don't ignore enemy invaders -- Avoid pawn grabbing -- Blockade enemy pawns -- Occupy your strongpoints -- Turn problems into solutions -- Combine defense with counterattack -- Don't overextend yourself -- Make your opponent overextend -- Don't automatically make a queen -- Passed pawns must be pushed -- Rooks belong behind passed pawns -- Decoy with the outside passed pawn -- Push the right pawns -- Play for protected passed pawns -- Keep enough to win -- The king is a strong piece -- Keep out the enemy king -- Take the opposition -- Open a second front -- Minimize your losses -- Repeat the position -- Fight to the end -- Glossary -- Acknowledgments -- About the author.

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