CHESS FOR TIGERS

Author: Simon Webb

Batsford (2005)

www.chrysalisbooks.co.uk

152 pages

$21.95

Reviewed by John Donaldson

The first edition of International Master Simon Webb’s classic CHESS FOR TIGERS was published to critical acclaim in 1978. This edition, the third, was updated by Webb shortly before his tragic death earlier this year. CHESS FOR TIGERS is not the book for you if you want to win on style points. Webb is very practical. The aim of this book is simply to score more points with the ability you have. There are suggestions on how to play better players, improve your opening repertoire, handle drawn positions and so forth. Practical stuff.

Ever the optimist, Webb even offers advice where it seems there is none to be had. For example, in a team match where you are out-rated on every board, what strategy could possibly be successful? Webb admits quite frankly that the odds are stacked against your team but suggests there might be a chance. Try to scrape together as many draws as possible and hope for a lucky break on a remaining board is his plan.

CHESS FOR TIGERS is required reading for all players under 2200 and even those with titles would benefit from some of his advice on how to deal with higher rated players. 

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