Chess Mate

Learning to play chess from a book is always a challenge but below I have highlighted two books which might help the beginner chess player at least find their feet.

1. Chess: From First Moves to Checkmate – Daniel King
With clear, engaging text written by an International Grandmaster, simple instructions, and stunning illustrations, this new flexi edition of an inspiring title is aimed at the beginner as well as the more experienced player. Players are encouraged to improve their skills with graded puzzles. A comprehensive reference section includes a full glossary and website details. With features on the great personalities of chess and awe-inspiring matches, this title will appeal not only to those new to the game but to the legions of chess players already out there.

You can buy this book online from Kalahari for R82.95 by clicking HERE or on the cover below

2. Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess – Bobby Fischer and Stuart Margulies

This is the book I first learnt to play chess with and I read it from cover to cover many times when I was 12 or 13. If I could understand it at that at age then it should be really easy for a chess player of any level.

You can order the book from Kalahari for R73.95 by clicking HERE or on the cover below:

If you have any other suggestions for our blog readers, please post in the comment section below. Look forward to hearing from you.

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Apparently there are rougly 320 MILLION different combinations for the first four opening moves in a chess game!

Wow! How many do you know?!

Another useless fact of the day supplied by this blog.

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It was interesting to see South African president Jacob Zuma endorsing chess in South Africa.

Here is the press release from the presidency around his recent attendance at the KZN event.

President Jacob Zuma today, (Tuesday 22 December), attended the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal Chess Tournament held at Nkandla Community Hall in KwaZulu-Natal.

The tournament was organized at the request of the President in order to teach the youth patience and strategic thinking, and to promote recreational activity in rural areas.
President Zuma, an ardent chess player, wants to see the game being rolled out to various remote communities of the Province as it requires minimal infrastructure.

60 youths from schools in the Nkandla and neighboring areas took part in the tournament. The group consisting of players at a learner level varied in age with players as young as 11 to players the age of 21. The tournament also included an open category for members of the public to participate.

President Zuma called on young people to take up the sport of chess as it contributes to the development of strategic thinking which is an important element of life for school going children. He said chess was the most exciting sport even though it did not rank in the same level of popularity as soccer and rugby.

President Zuma also called on the private sector to assist with corporate sponsorship in support of rural development through sponsoring the game of Chess in rural areas. This, the President believes will contribute in shaping young people to future thinkers that will lead the country in different disciplines.

President Zuma praised the organisers for bringing Chess to a rural area.

KwaZulu Chess President Sandile Xulu, said his passion for development and attachment to his place of birth, Nkandla, led him to organize the tournament and launch a development platform for the sport. Xulu who attended urban former model C schools, said his schooling helped him learn the sport.

After 10 years of playing competitive Chess, Xulu, is now focusing on developing young talent from rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. He continues to play competitive Chess through the Durban Chess Club and the Durban Metro Chess Academy.

“Chess gives young people the opportunity to compete, regardless of race or social standing. It provides a field of ideas, concepts and strategy for young growing minds”. Says Sandile Xulu, President KwaZulu Chess.

President Zuma’s final call went to school teachers, whom he said must encourage the spread and the development of the game of Chess in all schools.

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Until ChessCube came along, I had never ventured into the realm of online chess.

After my first couple of games on the platform I was completely hooked. You can’t believe how addictive it is and interactive and just I guess… slick!

Even better it is a South African developed platform so if you play on it, you’re supporting a South African company.

It costs nothing to play and their are videos and e-books to be downloaded to help you improve your game. Otherwise there are other community members who enjoy interacting and chatting to try and help you become a better player. The speed of the platform means that you can play up to 20 games an hour!

Seriously awesome stuff.

Go on, give it a shot

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ChessMate is a South African blog aimed at promoting chess in South Africa and giving average players (like me!) a chance to interact with other better players and try to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the game.

I’ve played since I was about 13 after I read the original Bobby Fischer book on chess but have never done much beyond playing it socially.

Look forward to interacting with you on the Bundublog platform and discussing strategies and just sharing stories about chess!

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