50 WAYS TO WIN AT CHESS
Author: Steve Giddins
Gambit Publications (2007)
175 pages
$24.95

Reviewed by Jeremy Silman

English FIDE Master Steve Giddins has earned a reputation as a very solid writer. His HOW TO BUILD YOUR CHESS OPENING REPERTOIRE was extremely interesting, and his 101 CHESS ENDGAME TIPS and 50 ESSENTIAL CHESS LESSONS were also well received. His latest book, 50 WAYS TO WIN AT CHESS, is in my view poorly titled, but enjoys excellent content.

The book is composed of 50 nicely annotated games, all of which are extremely instructive. But does one game show one “way to win” and another show one more way to win? No, that’s ludicrous. Many ideas and themes make up a game, and it’s usually impossible to point to one thing as a "way." No, no, no -- the title is just a "grab your attention" trick like CHESS TIPS and the many "PLAY LIKE" books. In the past I haven't gone ballistic against such titles, but lately there have been an avalanche of them and I'm getting a bit tired of it all. To me, a "50 WAYS TO whatever" title should be for players under 1400. You know, titles like 50 WAYS TO MATE or 50 WAYS TO AVOID BLUNDERS -- these are reasonable titles for basic material. Okay, I guess the 50 WAYS concept can be used for more diverse content: 50 WAYS TO CHEAT AT CHESS or 50 WAYS TO MURDER ANYONE THAT BEATS YOU or 50 WAYS TO CREATE THE STAR MANEUVER IN A QUEEN ENDGAME can all be used for a high level audience. In the present case however, the material will prove useful for players up to 2300. Certainly NOT a "50 WAYS TO WIN" candidate!

As you might have noticed, other than my personal gripe against the title, I haven't said anything negative about the book. Quite the contrary, everything I've said seems positive. The reason is simple: the book is well written, the games excellently chosen, and the notes copious and enjoyable.

Giddins gives clumps of games by theme: 8 games are under the "Attack and Defence" umbrella. 4 are "Opening Play." 16 are "Structures." 5 are "Thematic Endings." 10 are "Other Aspects of Strategy." 5 are "Endgame Themes." And 2 are "Psychology in Action." None of this sounds basic, and indeed, it's solid material that's acceptable for players from 1500 to the previously mentioned 2300.

The question of the day is whether or not one can call these instructive. It's not, if you expected a clear explanation of "ways to win." And though nicely annotated games that explain the ideas are indeed always "instructive," and always offer explanation of what is going on, that doesn't necessarily mean that there was "instruction."

I seem to be in one of my moods, don't I? Well, let's clarify by summing up: 50 WAYS TO WIN AT CHESS isn't an instruction-fest. Nor does it offer 50 individual winning strategies and teach us every aspect of them. On the other hand, if you enjoy looking at Master games, and if you love top quality annotations where the author clearly puts a lot of energy and love into each and every game, and if you realize that such games and notes are not only enjoyable to go over but will also make you a better player, then you can happily buy this book without any guilt. With 50 WAYS TO WIN AT CHESS Giddins has solidified an already excellent reputation.

Click to buy or get more information about any of these books by Steve Giddins:

50 WAYS TO WIN AT CHESS

50 ESSENTIAL CHESS LESSONS

101 CHESS ENDGAME TIPS

HOW TO BUILD YOUR CHESS OPENING REPERTOIRE