Secrets of Practical Chess

What is the best way to improve your chess results? Memorizing an opening encyclopaedia, learning endgame theory, solving puzzle positions ... there must be an easier way. How about making the most of your existing talent?

In a new and enlarged edition of a highly popular work, John Nunn helps you to do precisely that. Drawing upon more than three decades of experience, he provides advice that will help players of all standards, playing styles and temperaments to achieve improved results.

His methods take into account psychological factors and are firmly based on good common sense and the objectivity that has made John Nunn one of the world's favourite writers on chess.

This new enlarged edition contains 45% more material than the first edition, published nine years ago. It includes a greatly expanded section on chess computers, and how their use can assist over-the-board players in opening preparation.

The following excerpts from Nunn's introduction give an idea of the contents of this book:"By the time anyone gets around to reading this book, the 'natural talent' factor will probably be immutable, which brings us to other factors which are more under one's control..

It is my belief that most players never get anywhere near their natural ceiling, and that considerable improvement is possible with appropriate education, training and practice"."...the main focus of this book is the efficiency with which one applies the first two factors (i.e. 'non-chess-specific factors like general intelligence and memory' and 'interrelated chess factors') while actually sitting at the board".

"My aim has been merely to start the reader along the upward path of self-improvement".     The original edition of Secrets of Practical Chess was published in 1998. The main changes are in the chapter that deals with computer usage, and a new chapter on the use of literature.

"Delightfully illustrated by game and game fragments ... one of the best books for the aspiring player that I have seen" - Ivor Annetts, EN PASSANT

"The tips Nunn has in store will definitely prove helpful in improving the aspiring student's chess results. Fans of the Latvian Gambit: watch out" - NEW IN CHESS

"Never before has Dr. John shared so much of his great chess experience for the benefit of club players" - CHESS MAGAZINE

"An invaluable primer for any player seeking to improve his competitive results ... highly recommended" - John Hurley, SUNDAY TRIBUNE

"Destined to become a classic of its kind" - Philip Trussler, WESTWARD HO

"Literally thousands of fascinating ideas and very practical tips that will greatly increase one's knowledge and reasoning powers" - Paul Motwani, THE SCOTSMAN

"Most informative...shows how any player can improve" - Ken Bloodworth, WESTERN MORNING NEWS

"I'm sure I would have done better as a player with the benefit of Nunn's advice on avoiding time pressure" - Leonard Barden, THE GUARDIAN

"It is still the likes of Dr John "The Swot" Nunn who produce the finest works... his latest offering is no exception" - David Norwood, DAILY TELEGRAPH

"An extremely sensible and pragmatic book from one of the World's most popular writers" - Adam Raoof, CEEFAX

"Teaches how to correct bad habits...the remedies come in very useful, clear-cut writing" - Lubosh Kavalek, WASHINGTON POST

"Yet another winner...an excellent book" - Patrick Foley, BUSINESS DAY (South Africa)

"Identifies a number of typical problems facing the competitive player and offers many pragmatic tips on how to overcome them." - Jon Levitt, OXFORD TODAY