A complete guide to the history， techniques and tactics of chess。 Includes advice on how to lay deadly traps， plan cunning moves， launch effective attacks and defend your pieces to ensure a winning result。 Internet links allow players to play games online to test their skills。 Written in conjunction with Grand Master Jonathan Rowson。 Chess is sometimes perceived as a difficult game， but with this step-by-step guide， full of hints and tips， players will revel in their new-found skills。 Learning to play chess is great for developing skills of memory and analysis; understanding cause， consequence and planning ahead。 Also， playing games in general is important for children to learn about sharing， discipline and following rules。 Presented in an accessible and engaging way， this classic guide is just as suitable for adults as it is for children。