Books, videos, and music - all free from your public library!

TELEVISION

How to Play Chess: Lessons from an International Master

Series: Great Courses

4.7

(364)

Episodes

Rating

TVPG

Year

2015

Language

English

Publisher

The Great Courses

About

Chess is a sport, a science, and an art. The fun of the game is that anyone can play, and there is always something more to learn-especially with the right guide. From the basics of the game to advanced strategy and tactics, and everything in between, How to Play Chess: Lessons from an International Master is any chess enthusiast's opportunity to enhance your understanding of the game.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. The World of Chess

30m

From kings and queens to ordinary workers, from family living rooms and local chess parlors to online gamers around the world, chess is a truly universal pastime. Discover the basics of the game, what each piece is worth and how it moves, and the mathematical notation that allows people to connect across social class, language barriers, and national boundaries.

2. Secrets of the Pawns and Knights

30m

Although humble, pawns are the most complex pieces on the chessboard. Meanwhile, the leaping knights are perhaps the strangest pieces. Learn how these two pieces move and what strategies to employ with them to control the board. Look at a few situations that test what you've learned.

3. Castling, Checkmate, Chess Engines, Draws

30m

Complete your review of the basics of chess-including how to castle, the difference between checkmate and stalemate, and the etiquette of play. Then shift your attention to the mythic side of the game and find out about simultaneous exhibitions, blindfolded play, and chess computers.

4. Must-Know Tactical Patterns in Chess

30m

Build your arsenal of tactical skills by looking for winning patterns on the board. After covering three go-to punches-pins, skewers, and forks-Mr. Silman turns to decoys, double attacks, discovered attacks, and more. Armed with these patterns of play, you now have a major tactical advantage.

5. Chess Combinations and Kings in Check

30m

Continue your study of patterns-this time with combination moves that require crafty calculations. Whether you're wondering when (and why) to sacrifice a piece, or you're looking to trap kings in tight corners, or you simply want to unleash a torrent of carnage on the board, the tactics from this lesson will help you become a more formidable player.

6. Checkmate! Back-Rank, Smothered, and More

30m

Delve into the world of "piece collaboration" -using two or more pieces to win a checkmate. Mr. Silman shows you a number of classic mates that have delighted fans for generations. Not only are these mating patterns flashy and exciting, they will also give you a far deeper understanding of the game as a whole.

7. Checkmate against a Castled King

30m

Castling is an excellent strategy, but a castled king is not invincible. Explore some of the patterns that can be used to checkmate a castled king-particularly using square H7. Look at when to sacrifice a bishop, how to use your queen to go on the hunt, and how pieces must work in partnership for success.

8. Legendary Attacking Greats of Chess

30m

Famous chess players are some of the most fascinating figures in history. Pause from the tactics of the game to learn about four of the most famous players who ever lived: Paul Morphy, Alexander Alekhine, Mikhail Tal and Garry Kasparov. Examine several of their games to get a feel for their playing style.

9. A Cascade of Short, Brutal Chess Games!

30m

Errors are common among players at all levels. We fall into traps, walk headfirst into an opponent's tactic, or simply miss a good move or hidden vulnerability. Review several ways a game can go wrong, from the quick "fool's mate" to many of the short, brutal takedowns from famous matches.

10. Chess Heroes of the Romantic Age

30m

Step back to an era of gaslights and chess cafes in old Europe. The "romantic era of chess" of the 18th and 19th century was filled with raucous characters who employed swashbuckling tactics to please a crowd. Meet three famous players-Joseph Henry Blackburne, Adolph Anderssen, and Baron Ignatz von Kolisch-and study their games.

Extended Details

SeriesGreat Courses

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Jeremy SilmanWriter

Jeremy SilmanActor

Similar Artists

Nathan Rose