The Thinker’s Game – Decoding the Chess Universe – Melvin Chen

Hardback – 220 pages

Teaser The Thinker’s Game – Decoding the Chess Universe – Melvin Chen

This book is written for beginners who are interested in the game and would like to learn more about its various aspects. It covers the technical aspects of chess: the use of algebraic notation (Chapter 3), chess evaluation (Chapter 4), the opening phase (Chapter 5), the middle game (Chapter 6), the endgame (Chapter 7), and the chess rating system (Chapter 8). It introduces a number of chess problems, formulated with a chess board and chess pieces and presupposing a working knowledge of chess (Chapter 9). It offers an account of variants of chess such as Fischer random chess (Chapter 10).

It also covers the cultural aspects of chess: its history (Chapter 2) and status as an immortal game that might enable it to play a role in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (Chapter 11). Wherever possible, chess diagrams are provided to help chess beginners make sense of certain points about chess.

Algebraic notation will also guide them in understanding certain chess-based lines of reasoning. Whenever you are ready, let us begin this odyssey of chess.

“Chess is a fiercely competitive, strategic game – and so much more than that. Chess is history and a powerful metaphor with deep cultural meaning. Chess is a global language, which speaks to philosophy and education.

In his new book, Melvin Chen provides a much-needed holistic view on our beloved ancient game.”

GM Judit Polgar, August 2024.