Rapid Chess Improvement (Everyman Chess) by Michael de la Maza
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Book Reviews of Rapid Chess Improvement (Everyman Chess)
Book Review: have you tried it.
Summary: 4 Stars
It is amazing that such a small book has created such a controversy. That in itself probably makes it worth taking a second look. I totally agree that the "substance" within could have easily fit in probably one chapter. My guess is that after doing the articles on the web, Mr. de la Maza got a lot of positive feedback and decided to capitalize with a book. So what. I don't have any problem with the author's personal motivation or desire to make some money. The point is whether or not this method does what it says. If you buy the book plus the recommended software you will be spending $60 or so. Would you pay $60 to improve your rating 500 points in the next two years? If you wouldn't then maybe this program is a waste of money.
I had not heard of this way to improve before so the information here is new to me. I have the book and the software and have recently started the program. I will do my best to stick to and i realize that it is going to be mind-numbing at times. Maybe most of the time.
This book is simply an example of what one guy did and the way he did it. This is no scam. I think a lot of the negative response is because people were wanting an easier way to improve and became disappointed that there is so much time and effort involved. Let me see a negative review from somebody that tried the entire program for the entire length of time and didn't get the advertised results. I have not seen that yet. That is what matters. Not how many pages of material you get for $17.
Book Review: An important book for chess amateurs...
Summary: 4 Stars
I have numerous chess books devoted to openings, middlegames, and endgames. After reading these books, my game hasn't progressed to the point where I want it to be. I've begun to implement De La Maza's training methods, and I think he is onto something, especially with the simplistic chess vision drills. I'm a talented, but very inconsistent 1400 player, and have been outplaying and defeating 1900 rated opponents on the US Chess Live site since doing these drills.
Tactics and pattern recognition are crucial to chess mastery. Following his program will drill standard combinations into your brain, so you won't be sitting at the board wondering "What do I do now?" Even better, you won't hang the queen on move 10, or drop a piece on move 12 like you normally would do.
While his program is good, I think he is a bit unfair to authors such as Silman--who also writes very good books. There is no conflict between studying tactics AND learning the rules of good play that other authors teach.
I'd advise someone who can't follow through with the complete program to emphasize tactics, but reward yourself by studying other books as well. Silman's books are great. Bronstein's 1953 chess tournament book is fun to study as well. Best of all--Jeno Ban's Tactics of Endgames. That will help your tactical ability and engame technique at the same time.
Overall, a helpful text.
Book Review: Much maligned, but good advice
Summary: 4 Stars
De la Maza's book is much maligned by established chess authors. However, in all fairness "Rapid Chess Improvement" largely fulfills the author's promise of giving weak adult players a roadmap to be more successful. If you've struggled with other chess books, you'll find de la Maza's book to be fresh and original. The essential messages are get your chess vision and tactics down cold.
The highly respected Jeremy Silman, author of "Reaccess Your Chess," which is arguably the best chess book ever written, is especially harsh in his criticism. He points out that de la Maza doesn't actually teach you anything and "EVERY chess writer/teacher begs the student to master basic tactics."
This is some truth to this. However, de la Maza's book is a totally different approach compared to the plethora of boilerplate chess improvement books on the market. De la Maza doesn't teach you how to play chess. Instead he gives you a blueprint to improvement. Following the steps is up to you. The good news is that the program works if you see it through.
Book Review: Requires dedication
Summary: 4 Stars
This book lays out a program for developing tactical strength in the chess player's repertoire. The program uses "vision drills" and problem solving. The program requires intense dedication and may not work if attempted with less intensity. De la Maza has testimonials from players that have used the method to improve their tactical play and this is demonstrated by the Fritz scores they generate in their tournaments. Prior reviewers have criticized the reliance on ratings by the author, but the Fritz scores demonstrate the soundness of the approach.To most effectively execute his training regimen, de la Maza suggests the purchase of the CT Art, so there is an extra cost associated with this effort. If you can afford the cost and the time, there seems to be considerable value to doing theses drills.
Book Review: Good Book for adult players
Summary: 4 Stars
I have the book and have found it very helpful. The book is very short and won't take you that long to get through it. Yes, it does emphasize tactics. It is more of a book on how to train. As an adult player who is trying to get better I have found that it has pointed my in the right direction and as a result my game has definitely become a lot stronger. I highly recommend this book however I would supplement this with a solid middlegame or positional chess book like, reassess your chess, and a few books of your favorite opening. And also don't neglect your endgame.