Author: Chris Bray
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119996740
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 295
Book Description
A comprehensive and fun guide to Backgammon! Backgammon is one of the oldest games in the world, the origins of which date back some 5000 years – and it's still going strong. It enjoyed a huge resurgence in the 1970s, and then again in the 1990s with the popularity of the Internet, where millions of people play tournaments online every day. Today, backgammon's following in the UK is huge, with a dedicated British Isles Backgammon Association, and hundreds of face-to-face tournaments taking place across the UK every year. In this book, backgammon expert Chris Bray walks you through the basics of setting up a board, opening strategies, middle and end-game tactics, and tips on when to make key moves. You'll also get to grips with basic probabilities, the doubling cube and the 25% rule. And if you want to take your gaming further, there's plenty of advice to get you started in tournament backgammon, as well as playing online. Suitable for both beginners and experienced player looking for more tips and techniques, Backgammon For Dummies includes coverage on: Starting and Playing the Game Handling the Middle Game Bearing Off (The Last Lap) Varying the Play About the author
Backgammon For Dummies
Author: Chris Bray
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119996740
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 295
Book Description
A comprehensive and fun guide to Backgammon! Backgammon is one of the oldest games in the world, the origins of which date back some 5000 years – and it's still going strong. It enjoyed a huge resurgence in the 1970s, and then again in the 1990s with the popularity of the Internet, where millions of people play tournaments online every day. Today, backgammon's following in the UK is huge, with a dedicated British Isles Backgammon Association, and hundreds of face-to-face tournaments taking place across the UK every year. In this book, backgammon expert Chris Bray walks you through the basics of setting up a board, opening strategies, middle and end-game tactics, and tips on when to make key moves. You'll also get to grips with basic probabilities, the doubling cube and the 25% rule. And if you want to take your gaming further, there's plenty of advice to get you started in tournament backgammon, as well as playing online. Suitable for both beginners and experienced player looking for more tips and techniques, Backgammon For Dummies includes coverage on: Starting and Playing the Game Handling the Middle Game Bearing Off (The Last Lap) Varying the Play About the author
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119996740
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 295
Book Description
A comprehensive and fun guide to Backgammon! Backgammon is one of the oldest games in the world, the origins of which date back some 5000 years – and it's still going strong. It enjoyed a huge resurgence in the 1970s, and then again in the 1990s with the popularity of the Internet, where millions of people play tournaments online every day. Today, backgammon's following in the UK is huge, with a dedicated British Isles Backgammon Association, and hundreds of face-to-face tournaments taking place across the UK every year. In this book, backgammon expert Chris Bray walks you through the basics of setting up a board, opening strategies, middle and end-game tactics, and tips on when to make key moves. You'll also get to grips with basic probabilities, the doubling cube and the 25% rule. And if you want to take your gaming further, there's plenty of advice to get you started in tournament backgammon, as well as playing online. Suitable for both beginners and experienced player looking for more tips and techniques, Backgammon For Dummies includes coverage on: Starting and Playing the Game Handling the Middle Game Bearing Off (The Last Lap) Varying the Play About the author
How to Play Backgammon
Author: Chad Bomberger
Publisher: CRB Publishing
ISBN: 1641869143
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 32
Book Description
Learn How to Play Backgammon! Did you know backgammon is one of the oldest games ever invented – and it’s even older than chess? In this fascinating guide, you’ll discover the 5,000-year history of backgammon – and how you can enjoy this popular and compelling game. You’ll discover the uniquely geometric backgammon board, how to set up the pieces, and how to make your first moves. As you increase your mastery of this ancient game, you’ll learn a vast array of game concepts and winning tactics. You’ll discover how to “hit” your opponents’ pieces and remove them from the board – forcing your opponent to start these pieces over from the beginning. You’ll learn how to “bear-off” your own pieces from the board and prepare for a victory. This book even explains how gamblers use a doubling cube (a new twist U.S. players added to the game in the 1920s) to raise the stakes! Learn the 5 Basic Backgammon Strategies Every Player Should Know: The Running Game The Holding Game The Priming Game The Backgammon Blitz The Back Game You’ll even learn additional rules for backgammon variants – and the pro tips you need to take your game to the next level!
Publisher: CRB Publishing
ISBN: 1641869143
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 32
Book Description
Learn How to Play Backgammon! Did you know backgammon is one of the oldest games ever invented – and it’s even older than chess? In this fascinating guide, you’ll discover the 5,000-year history of backgammon – and how you can enjoy this popular and compelling game. You’ll discover the uniquely geometric backgammon board, how to set up the pieces, and how to make your first moves. As you increase your mastery of this ancient game, you’ll learn a vast array of game concepts and winning tactics. You’ll discover how to “hit” your opponents’ pieces and remove them from the board – forcing your opponent to start these pieces over from the beginning. You’ll learn how to “bear-off” your own pieces from the board and prepare for a victory. This book even explains how gamblers use a doubling cube (a new twist U.S. players added to the game in the 1920s) to raise the stakes! Learn the 5 Basic Backgammon Strategies Every Player Should Know: The Running Game The Holding Game The Priming Game The Backgammon Blitz The Back Game You’ll even learn additional rules for backgammon variants – and the pro tips you need to take your game to the next level!
Backgammon
Author: Marc Brockmann Olsen
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781512200447
Category : Backgammon
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
"Backgammon - From basics to badass" is the cutting edge, modern backgammon book, which teaches you all the basic concepts and principles in the game. It beats the older backgammon theory books by a mile. It starts out softly, but don't let this fool you! The book is full of insights from a true expert. The philosophy is a thorough and well structured learning, which leaves you no gaps in your game comprehension, as well asbringing new theory to the backgammon literature, for instance "the value-equation" and probability tables on jumping primes. It is very easy to read even for beginners. The purpose of the book is to connect the basic theory with the advanced theory. All earlier backgammon books tends to focus on just one of these categories. Since publication in Denmark early 2013, this book is now owned by roughly half of the members of the Danish Backgammon Federation, the worlds largest backgammon federation. When writing this book, Marc was ranked frst in the Danish rating system. In 2014 Marc won his frst "Grand Slam", the prestigious international tournament: Nordic Open in Copenhagen. Reviews: "It's my humble opinion, that this is a must-read for everyone who wants to take his game to another level. The book is highly informative, easy to read and packed with educational positions. I've been privileged to know Marc for many years, and he is currently the best backgammon tutor in the world. Don't waste this formidable chance, buy this book right away!"- Sander Lylloff, the best backgammon player in the world. "Tremendous all-round book which suits backgammon players of all levels. It presents the concepts in a sharp but still educational way. The book has numerous new approaches to the facets of the game, that can be very complex. It appeals to new, as well as more experienced players. I'm positive that everybody can obtain new knowledge and inspiration. Read it!"- Karsten Bredahl, Super Grand Master and double winner of Nordic Open. "Marc has truly succeeded in writing a book, which starts from the bottom and ends on a very high level, without the usual gaps you can encounter. It is a solid book that everybody can beneft from, regardless of experience. The examples and explanations are top notch."- Peter Hallberg, backgammon world champion 2004.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781512200447
Category : Backgammon
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
"Backgammon - From basics to badass" is the cutting edge, modern backgammon book, which teaches you all the basic concepts and principles in the game. It beats the older backgammon theory books by a mile. It starts out softly, but don't let this fool you! The book is full of insights from a true expert. The philosophy is a thorough and well structured learning, which leaves you no gaps in your game comprehension, as well asbringing new theory to the backgammon literature, for instance "the value-equation" and probability tables on jumping primes. It is very easy to read even for beginners. The purpose of the book is to connect the basic theory with the advanced theory. All earlier backgammon books tends to focus on just one of these categories. Since publication in Denmark early 2013, this book is now owned by roughly half of the members of the Danish Backgammon Federation, the worlds largest backgammon federation. When writing this book, Marc was ranked frst in the Danish rating system. In 2014 Marc won his frst "Grand Slam", the prestigious international tournament: Nordic Open in Copenhagen. Reviews: "It's my humble opinion, that this is a must-read for everyone who wants to take his game to another level. The book is highly informative, easy to read and packed with educational positions. I've been privileged to know Marc for many years, and he is currently the best backgammon tutor in the world. Don't waste this formidable chance, buy this book right away!"- Sander Lylloff, the best backgammon player in the world. "Tremendous all-round book which suits backgammon players of all levels. It presents the concepts in a sharp but still educational way. The book has numerous new approaches to the facets of the game, that can be very complex. It appeals to new, as well as more experienced players. I'm positive that everybody can obtain new knowledge and inspiration. Read it!"- Karsten Bredahl, Super Grand Master and double winner of Nordic Open. "Marc has truly succeeded in writing a book, which starts from the bottom and ends on a very high level, without the usual gaps you can encounter. It is a solid book that everybody can beneft from, regardless of experience. The examples and explanations are top notch."- Peter Hallberg, backgammon world champion 2004.
Chess For Dummies
Author: James Eade
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111928001X
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 423
Book Description
Want to play chess like a champ? Dummies can help. From Netflix's “The Queen’s Gambit” to podcasts, virtual and mobile gaming, and beyond, chess is back in a big way. But, with all those kings, queens, and knights, chess can be a royal pain to grasp. Chess For Dummies is here to help beginners wrap their minds around the rules of the game, make sense of those puzzling pieces, and sharpen their chess strategy such that even Paul Morphy would be impressed. You’ll learn the laws of chess, its lingo, and engage in the art of the attack with the easy-to-follow, step-by-step explanations found in the latest edition of Chess For Dummies. Whether you’re playing chess online, in a tournament, or across the dining room table with a family member or friend, this hands-on guide is sure to capture your interest (and your opponent's queen), getting you up to speed on the game and its components and giving you the know-how you need to put the principles of play into action from the opening to the endgame. Grasp the rules of play and the nuances of each phase of the game Familiarize yourself with the pieces and the board Pick the perfect chess set and chessboard for you Get to know each of the pieces and their powers If you feel like you’re in a stalemate before you even begin a game, Chess For Dummies is your guide to forcing moves, raking bishops, and skewering your opponents like a true champion.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111928001X
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 423
Book Description
Want to play chess like a champ? Dummies can help. From Netflix's “The Queen’s Gambit” to podcasts, virtual and mobile gaming, and beyond, chess is back in a big way. But, with all those kings, queens, and knights, chess can be a royal pain to grasp. Chess For Dummies is here to help beginners wrap their minds around the rules of the game, make sense of those puzzling pieces, and sharpen their chess strategy such that even Paul Morphy would be impressed. You’ll learn the laws of chess, its lingo, and engage in the art of the attack with the easy-to-follow, step-by-step explanations found in the latest edition of Chess For Dummies. Whether you’re playing chess online, in a tournament, or across the dining room table with a family member or friend, this hands-on guide is sure to capture your interest (and your opponent's queen), getting you up to speed on the game and its components and giving you the know-how you need to put the principles of play into action from the opening to the endgame. Grasp the rules of play and the nuances of each phase of the game Familiarize yourself with the pieces and the board Pick the perfect chess set and chessboard for you Get to know each of the pieces and their powers If you feel like you’re in a stalemate before you even begin a game, Chess For Dummies is your guide to forcing moves, raking bishops, and skewering your opponents like a true champion.
Backgammon for Losers
Author: Simon Hill
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780993405402
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
Packed with examples, photos and anecdotes, and written by a UK team member, this book combines professional experience with humour to offer the backgammon 'loser' an accessible guide to winning at backgammon. No other game combines luck and skill so deliciously, and by following some simple guidelines and strategies - which are covered in this book - you'll be able to win against most players most of the time. ''The best book on the market for the novice both in terms of its informative content and its style. There has for a long time been a need for a clear book for basic players to understand better how to become consistently good at backgammon. At last, here is a definitive and entertaining guide to playing and winning at backgammon.'' Michael Crane, British Isles Backgammon Association
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780993405402
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
Packed with examples, photos and anecdotes, and written by a UK team member, this book combines professional experience with humour to offer the backgammon 'loser' an accessible guide to winning at backgammon. No other game combines luck and skill so deliciously, and by following some simple guidelines and strategies - which are covered in this book - you'll be able to win against most players most of the time. ''The best book on the market for the novice both in terms of its informative content and its style. There has for a long time been a need for a clear book for basic players to understand better how to become consistently good at backgammon. At last, here is a definitive and entertaining guide to playing and winning at backgammon.'' Michael Crane, British Isles Backgammon Association
Backgammon to Win
Author: Chris Bray
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781291019650
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Backgammon is the ultimate board game - an action-packed race to the finish with an addictive mix of luck and skill. It is easy to pick up the basics, but this is a game that continually surprises - there's always something new to learn, and the Internet has opened up a whole new world of gaming opportunities. In Backgammon to Win Chris Bray, backgammon columnist for The Independent, reveals tips and tricks needed to help you play the game like a professional, whether you want to make serious money in online tournaments or just play for fun with friends. The 2018 edition has new diagrams, a new font and has corrected some errors in the previous two versions. A couple of chapters have been updated to reflect the changes in the game since the last edition in 2012.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781291019650
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Backgammon is the ultimate board game - an action-packed race to the finish with an addictive mix of luck and skill. It is easy to pick up the basics, but this is a game that continually surprises - there's always something new to learn, and the Internet has opened up a whole new world of gaming opportunities. In Backgammon to Win Chris Bray, backgammon columnist for The Independent, reveals tips and tricks needed to help you play the game like a professional, whether you want to make serious money in online tournaments or just play for fun with friends. The 2018 edition has new diagrams, a new font and has corrected some errors in the previous two versions. A couple of chapters have been updated to reflect the changes in the game since the last edition in 2012.
Coaching Football For Dummies
Author: The National Alliance For Youth Sports
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118052935
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
Few experiences are more rewarding than coaching a youth football team. Your journey through the season will be packed with moments that make you smile and that you and your players will remember for the rest of your lives. But what if you’ve never coached before? No worries! Coaching Football For Dummies is the fun and easy way to tackle the basics of coaching youth football. This friendly guide shows you how to teach your players effectively, regardless of their age or skill level, and lead your team to victory—even if you’re a first-time coach. You’ll discover how to: Develop a coaching philosophy Teach football fundamentals Encourage good sportsmanship Improve your team’s skills Ensure safety on the field Communicate effectively with parents Packed with valuable information on preparing your game plan before you even step on the field, this hands-on resource gives you expert guidance in building your coaching skills, from evaluating your players and running enjoyable, productive practices to working with all types of kids—uncoordinated, shy, highly talented—at once. You’ll find a variety of fun-filled drills for teaching everything from tackling and blocking to running and catching, as well as advanced drills to take your players’ skills up a notch. You’ll also see how to: Conduct a preseason parents’ meeting—an often overlooked aspect of coaching Gather the necessary gear and fit the equipment to your players Raise the level of play on offense, defense, and special teams Take steps to avoid injuries Deal with discipline issues and problem parents Make critical half-time adjustments Transition to coaching an All-Star Team Complete with tips for working with parents, keeping your players healthy, and leading your team effectively on game days, Coaching Football For Dummies is all you need—besides a whistle and a clipboard—to navigate your players through a safe, fun, rewarding season!
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118052935
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
Few experiences are more rewarding than coaching a youth football team. Your journey through the season will be packed with moments that make you smile and that you and your players will remember for the rest of your lives. But what if you’ve never coached before? No worries! Coaching Football For Dummies is the fun and easy way to tackle the basics of coaching youth football. This friendly guide shows you how to teach your players effectively, regardless of their age or skill level, and lead your team to victory—even if you’re a first-time coach. You’ll discover how to: Develop a coaching philosophy Teach football fundamentals Encourage good sportsmanship Improve your team’s skills Ensure safety on the field Communicate effectively with parents Packed with valuable information on preparing your game plan before you even step on the field, this hands-on resource gives you expert guidance in building your coaching skills, from evaluating your players and running enjoyable, productive practices to working with all types of kids—uncoordinated, shy, highly talented—at once. You’ll find a variety of fun-filled drills for teaching everything from tackling and blocking to running and catching, as well as advanced drills to take your players’ skills up a notch. You’ll also see how to: Conduct a preseason parents’ meeting—an often overlooked aspect of coaching Gather the necessary gear and fit the equipment to your players Raise the level of play on offense, defense, and special teams Take steps to avoid injuries Deal with discipline issues and problem parents Make critical half-time adjustments Transition to coaching an All-Star Team Complete with tips for working with parents, keeping your players healthy, and leading your team effectively on game days, Coaching Football For Dummies is all you need—besides a whistle and a clipboard—to navigate your players through a safe, fun, rewarding season!
Backgammon For Winners
Author: Bill Robertie
Publisher: Cardoza Publishing
ISBN: 1580425658
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 157
Book Description
table { }.font5 { color: black; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; }.font6 { color: black; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; }td { padding: 0px; color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; vertical-align: bottom; border: medium none; white-space: nowrap; }.xl66 { font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }.xl67 { font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; vertical-align: middle; } The world's best backgammon player (and two-time champion) provides easy-to-understand advice on the basics of playing and winning at backgammon. Ten fast-reading chapters show the basics of setting up a board, how to move, the opening strategies and replies, middle and end game tactics, basic probabilities, plus back game and doubling strategy. Two sample games are included with move-by-move insights so players learn the winning concepts of play at all stages of the game. A great first book for beginning and somewhat experienced players.
Publisher: Cardoza Publishing
ISBN: 1580425658
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 157
Book Description
table { }.font5 { color: black; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; }.font6 { color: black; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; }td { padding: 0px; color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; vertical-align: bottom; border: medium none; white-space: nowrap; }.xl66 { font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }.xl67 { font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; vertical-align: middle; } The world's best backgammon player (and two-time champion) provides easy-to-understand advice on the basics of playing and winning at backgammon. Ten fast-reading chapters show the basics of setting up a board, how to move, the opening strategies and replies, middle and end game tactics, basic probabilities, plus back game and doubling strategy. Two sample games are included with move-by-move insights so players learn the winning concepts of play at all stages of the game. A great first book for beginning and somewhat experienced players.
Poker For Dummies
Author: Richard D. Harroch
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118053583
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 349
Book Description
Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em Poker is America’s national card game, and its popularity continues to grow. Nationwide, you can find a game in progress everywhere. If you want to play, you can find poker games on replicas of 19th century riverboats or on Native American tribal lands. You can play poker at home with the family or online with opponents from around the world. Like bowling and billiards before it, poker has moved out from under the seedier side of its roots and is flowering in the sunshine. Maybe you’ve never played poker before and you don’t even know what a full house is. Poker For Dummies covers the basics. Or perhaps you've played for years, but you just don’t know how to win. This handy guide will help you walk away from the poker table with winnings, not lint, in your pockets. If you’re a poker expert, you still can benefit – some of the suggestions may surprise you, and you can certainly learn from the anecdotes from professional players like T.J. Cloutier and Stu Unger. Know what it takes to start winning hand after hand by exploring strategy; getting to know antes and betting structure; knowing your opponents, and understanding the odds. Poker For Dummies also covers the following topics and more: Poker games such as Seven-Card Stud, Omaha, and Texas Hold'em Setting up a game at home Playing in a casino: Do's and don'ts Improving your play with Internet and video poker Deciphering poker sayings and slang Ten ways to read your opponent's body language Playing in poker tournaments Money management and recordkeeping Knowing when and how to bluff Poker looks like such a simple game. Anyone, it seems, can play it well – but that's far from the truth. Learning the rules can be quick work, but becoming a winning player takes considerably longer. Still, anyone willing to make the effort can become a good player. You can succeed in poker the way you succeed in life: by facing it squarely, getting up earlier than the next person, and working harder and smarter than the competition. Foreword by Chris Moneymaker, 2003 World Series of Poker Champion.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118053583
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 349
Book Description
Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em Poker is America’s national card game, and its popularity continues to grow. Nationwide, you can find a game in progress everywhere. If you want to play, you can find poker games on replicas of 19th century riverboats or on Native American tribal lands. You can play poker at home with the family or online with opponents from around the world. Like bowling and billiards before it, poker has moved out from under the seedier side of its roots and is flowering in the sunshine. Maybe you’ve never played poker before and you don’t even know what a full house is. Poker For Dummies covers the basics. Or perhaps you've played for years, but you just don’t know how to win. This handy guide will help you walk away from the poker table with winnings, not lint, in your pockets. If you’re a poker expert, you still can benefit – some of the suggestions may surprise you, and you can certainly learn from the anecdotes from professional players like T.J. Cloutier and Stu Unger. Know what it takes to start winning hand after hand by exploring strategy; getting to know antes and betting structure; knowing your opponents, and understanding the odds. Poker For Dummies also covers the following topics and more: Poker games such as Seven-Card Stud, Omaha, and Texas Hold'em Setting up a game at home Playing in a casino: Do's and don'ts Improving your play with Internet and video poker Deciphering poker sayings and slang Ten ways to read your opponent's body language Playing in poker tournaments Money management and recordkeeping Knowing when and how to bluff Poker looks like such a simple game. Anyone, it seems, can play it well – but that's far from the truth. Learning the rules can be quick work, but becoming a winning player takes considerably longer. Still, anyone willing to make the effort can become a good player. You can succeed in poker the way you succeed in life: by facing it squarely, getting up earlier than the next person, and working harder and smarter than the competition. Foreword by Chris Moneymaker, 2003 World Series of Poker Champion.
The Immortal Game
Author: David Shenk
Publisher: Anchor Canada
ISBN: 0385673787
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
A surprising, charming, and ever-fascinating history of the seemingly simple game that has had a profound effect on societies the world over. Why has one game, alone among the thousands of games invented and played throughout human history, not only survived but thrived within every culture it has touched? What is it about its thirty-two figurative pieces, moving about its sixty-four black and white squares according to very simple rules, that has captivated people for nearly 1,500 years? Why has it driven some of its greatest players into paranoia and madness, and yet is hailed as a remarkably powerful intellectual tool? Nearly everyone has played chess at some point in their lives. Its rules and pieces have served as a metaphor for society, influencing military strategy, mathematics, artificial intelligence, and literature and the arts. It has been condemned as the devil’s game by popes, rabbis, and imams, and lauded as a guide to proper living by other popes, rabbis, and imams. Marcel Duchamp was so absorbed in the game that he ignored his wife on their honeymoon. Caliph Muhammad al-Amin lost his throne (and his head) trying to checkmate a courtier. Ben Franklin used the game as a cover for secret diplomacy.In his wide-ranging and ever-fascinating examination of chess, David Shenk gleefully unearths the hidden history of a game that seems so simple yet contains infinity. From its invention somewhere in India around 500 A.D., to its enthusiastic adoption by the Persians and its spread by Islamic warriors, to its remarkable use as a moral guide in the Middle Ages and its political utility in the Enlightenment, to its crucial importance in the birth of cognitive science and its key role in the aesthetic of modernism in twentieth-century art, to its twenty-first-century importance in the development of artificial intelligence and use as a teaching tool in inner-city America, chess has been a remarkably omnipresent factor in the development of civilization. Indeed, as Shenk shows, some neuroscientists believe that playing chess may actually alter the structure of the brain, that it may be for individuals what it has been for civilization: a virus that makes us smarter.
Publisher: Anchor Canada
ISBN: 0385673787
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
A surprising, charming, and ever-fascinating history of the seemingly simple game that has had a profound effect on societies the world over. Why has one game, alone among the thousands of games invented and played throughout human history, not only survived but thrived within every culture it has touched? What is it about its thirty-two figurative pieces, moving about its sixty-four black and white squares according to very simple rules, that has captivated people for nearly 1,500 years? Why has it driven some of its greatest players into paranoia and madness, and yet is hailed as a remarkably powerful intellectual tool? Nearly everyone has played chess at some point in their lives. Its rules and pieces have served as a metaphor for society, influencing military strategy, mathematics, artificial intelligence, and literature and the arts. It has been condemned as the devil’s game by popes, rabbis, and imams, and lauded as a guide to proper living by other popes, rabbis, and imams. Marcel Duchamp was so absorbed in the game that he ignored his wife on their honeymoon. Caliph Muhammad al-Amin lost his throne (and his head) trying to checkmate a courtier. Ben Franklin used the game as a cover for secret diplomacy.In his wide-ranging and ever-fascinating examination of chess, David Shenk gleefully unearths the hidden history of a game that seems so simple yet contains infinity. From its invention somewhere in India around 500 A.D., to its enthusiastic adoption by the Persians and its spread by Islamic warriors, to its remarkable use as a moral guide in the Middle Ages and its political utility in the Enlightenment, to its crucial importance in the birth of cognitive science and its key role in the aesthetic of modernism in twentieth-century art, to its twenty-first-century importance in the development of artificial intelligence and use as a teaching tool in inner-city America, chess has been a remarkably omnipresent factor in the development of civilization. Indeed, as Shenk shows, some neuroscientists believe that playing chess may actually alter the structure of the brain, that it may be for individuals what it has been for civilization: a virus that makes us smarter.