Whether you're a novice or a seasoned player, these 24 lessons on gameplay and strategies will boost your skills and turn you into a more formidable chess player.
How to Play Chess: Lessons from an International Master
Make "check" and "mate" part of your everyday chess vocabulary, with help from an international master of the game.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Shijo from
Safe for 1700s
Since there will be no sequel, I finally bought this publication, expecting the first disc to be a cartoon written for children (nothing against our wonderful children who are more creative than we are), having never gone through a chess program myself. Never had a chess coach except Bobby Fischer paperbacks in the 1970s. No computers. No strong opponents. Though I learned the moves at 5, I had never learned chess as a unified whole until this course at age 60. The chess-teaching world 10 years ago was divided between some guy who wrote books teaching with chessboards, intending to raise an 1800-rated player to a 2000—and The Great Courses’ Jeremy Silman, who taught with writing, and was the best WRITER on chess teaching reaching the earliest beginners and encouraging expert play. The TTC struck this ingenious chord of putting the writer through their video process of creating a very well organized whole. I feel the same TTC editorial touches and organization as the old math courses, or the ones on ancient Greek literature. Since Mr. Silman was only a journeyman writer (the best chess had), he was unable to craft phrases from dust. He had hoarded prefabricated phrases with astonishingly strong diction. All fortissimo, in other words. Yes, some of these prefabs contain language that could offend Evangelicals. But Jeremy didn’t mean it. He didn’t know about certain jargon or code in these phrases. He certainly didn’t mean to offend anybody. Unlike most TTC professors, Jeremy was never a dynamic university professor. He spent his life grinding over the squares. In this Course, he is like a coach trying to fire us up. If there were a one-word description of Jeremy‘s character, it would be “sincere.” There’s plenty of over-the-top language in these lectures that really offended me, too, taking me completely aback, because Jeremy, like most others, had cast chess as a bloodbath, a jungle of life and death in extreme metaphors from battlefields or ICU units. To be safe, this course is rated PG, but it’s really G. There are certainly no obscenities. No disrespect. Once or twice he did reach for fire and brimstone containing the name of the Lord of the Pentateuch. Or he would use an expression like, “The gods of Thor (thunder and lightning in Norse mythology).” He didn’t mean any of this literally. All hyperbole. It would be a shame to reject valuable knowledge because he didn’t understand his audience properly. We can’t kill the messenger. Or further, it would be a tragedy to ignore the long-life lessons and information from this very highly distilled writer whose peak rating was nearly at grandmaster strength. That is a LOT of energy. If you are somebody like me who loves chess more than chess loves you, regardless of how old you are, if you have been playing by nerve for as long as 55 years and still lose every time, you and I will learn how to play chess here completely. This course will definitely be reviewed multiple times on my end, with the absolutely excellent guidebook. There are concepts I simply have never heard of and need to give a great deal of thought, even with the Internet, or decades of reading books, or finding informal chess clubs. He defines endgame, opening. His range is expansive. He takes the most critical concepts from almost everywhere, even offbeat chess books. He surveys the history of theory. Some of Jeremy‘s stray sentences in this Course are mind-blowing and just outright tell you how to play chess. This is a top-of-the-line perspective for players who are beginning or just entering “expert” territory (I can’t speak for master). Even the first lectures contain fascinating history and context. This is the kind of course we would need at least a week or two for each lecture. A lot of viewing went into this review. (My peak rating was only 1700.)
Date published: 2024-06-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ESemler from
Beginner Chess Player
Silman was married to Gwen Feldman. He died from primary progressive aphasia, a form of dementia, on September 21, 2023, at his home in West Hollywood, California; he was 69 years old.
I would recommend this course to anybody who is relatively new to chess, and wants to understand the principles of the game. Mr Silman was a gifted and knowledgeable speaker. He will be greatly missed.
Date published: 2023-11-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JSteven from
OUTSTANDING
If your interested in learning about chess or would like to improve your skill then this is the course. This is a comprehensive, easy to follow, course with great delivery. It checks all the boxes.
Date published: 2023-10-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Intermediate Chess Player from
Excellent
This course is great for stepping up your game, whether you are a beginner or a decently experienced player. This course offers the basics and more in addition to some history. Highly recommended.
I am a Christian and therefore agree that using god's name in vain is wrong, however I will rate this course based on the chess content and not whether there is cursing in it.
Date published: 2023-05-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jnoliver from
Great chess instruction.
As are most of the great courses instructors, Professor Silman is an extraordinary teacher. He breaks everything down from the beginners level all the way up to high level play. I played chess as a teenager but that was many decades ago. I’m happy I started up again and used this great course to get me going.
Date published: 2022-12-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bluetooth from
Great, if you want to take chess seriously
I bought this video 6 years ago and am still working on it. If you seriously want to become a good chess player, this will really help you. It´s good for those just learning the basic moves as well as those wanting to learn how to win every game.
Date published: 2022-10-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Avinash from
superb course , engaging , exciting n thrilling
great insights presented in engaging and easily digestible way. This is not my first chess course but it's the best so far. Instructor JS has clarity of thought and presented in a clear way. when it comes to teaching JS is better than chess legends and world champions like Gary Kasparov. Iam a big fan of Gary Kasparov I took Gary Kasparov's class aswell but this course is superior to even Kasparov's. what you know doesn't matter what you do with it matters. For ex: same concept of "Opposition explained by both instructors, JS was far clearer with illustrated examples"
Date published: 2022-10-04
Rated 3 out of
5
by
nellie22 from
I should have selected the digital version. DVD is cumbersome.
Date published: 2022-09-18
Overview
About
Jeremy Silman (1954–2023) was an International Master and a world-class chess teacher, writer, and player who won the U.S. Open (1981), the National Open (1990), and the American Open (1992).
Considered by many to have been the game's preeminent instructive writer, Mr. Silman authored or coauthored 39 books, including How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery through Chess Imbalances (winner of the Guardian Chess Book of the Year award), Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner to Master (winner of the ChessCafe.com Book of the Year award), and Pal Benko: My Life, Games and Compositions (the only chess book to have won all three of the major chess book awards). He also served as a chess consultant for television shows (Monk, Malcolm in the Middle, Criminal Minds, and HBO's Arliss) and movies (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Pawn Sacrifice).
Other writings included content for websites; a screenplay that was optioned by LMK Productions; a novel entitled Autobiography of a Goat; and hundreds of articles for a variety of chess magazines, including Chess Life, the Dutch magazine New in Chess, the British Chess Magazine, Chess Chow, and many more.
Mr. Silman also lectured and gave simultaneous exhibitions in Tokyo, Japan. His chess career took him to all of western and eastern Europe, Brazil, Argentina, India, China, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, and all over the United States (including Alaska), Canada, and Mexico.
Mr. Silman's chess website (www.jeremysilman.com) offers reviews that take an honest look at many of the significant chess books from the past and bring much-needed guidance to the avalanche of newer books on the subject.
Trailer
01: The World of Chess
Crossing lines of social class, language barriers, and national boundaries, played in family living rooms and local chess parlors and online games around the world, chess is a truly universal pastime. Discover the basics of the game and how it began; what each piece is worth and how it moves; and the mathematical notation that allows players to record games, learn from mistakes, and improve....
34 min
02: Secrets of the Pawns and Knights
Although humble, pawns are the most complex pieces on the chessboard. Meanwhile, the leaping knights are perhaps the strangest pieces. Learn how these two pieces move and what strategies to employ with them to control the board. Look at a few situations that test what you've learned....
32 min
03: Castling, Checkmate, Chess Engines, Draws
Complete your review of the basics of chess-including how to castle, the difference between checkmate and stalemate, and the etiquette of play. Then shift your attention to some astonishing aspects of the game and find out about simultaneous exhibitions, blindfolded play, and chess computers....
37 min
04: Must-Know Tactical Patterns in Chess
Build your arsenal of tactical skills by looking for winning patterns on the board. After covering three go-to punches-pins, skewers, and forks-Mr. Silman turns to decoys, double attacks, discovered attacks, and more. Armed with these patterns of play, you now have a major tactical advantage....
27 min
05: Chess Combinations and Kings in Check
Continue your study of patterns-this time with combination moves that require crafty calculations. Whether you're wondering when (and why) to sacrifice a piece, or you're looking to trap kings in tight corners, or you simply want to unleash a torrent of carnage on the board, the tactics from this lesson will help you become a more formidable player....
34 min
06: Checkmate! Back-Rank, Smothered, and More
Delve into the world of "piece collaboration" -using two or more pieces to win a checkmate. Mr. Silman shows you a number of classic mates that have delighted fans for generations. Not only are these mating patterns flashy and exciting, they will also give you a far deeper understanding of the game as a whole....
30 min
07: Checkmate against a Castled King
Castling is an excellent strategy, but a castled king is not invincible. Explore some of the patterns that can be used to checkmate a castled king-particularly using square h7. Look at when to sacrifice a bishop, how to use your queen to go on the hunt, and how pieces must work in partnership for success....
31 min
08: Legendary Attacking Greats of Chess
Famous chess players are some of the most fascinating figures in history. Enrich your understanding of tactics by learning about four of the most famous attacking players who ever lived: Paul Morphy, Alexander Alekhine, Mikhail Tal and Garry Kasparov. Examine several of their games to get a feel for their playing style....
32 min
09: A Cascade of Short, Brutal Chess Games!
Errors are common among players at all levels. We fall into traps, walk headfirst into an opponent's tactic, or simply miss a good move or hidden vulnerability. Review several ways a game can go wrong, from the quick "fool's mate" to many of the short, brutal takedowns from famous matches....
34 min
10: Chess Heroes of the Romantic Age
Step back to an era of gaslights and chess cafes in old Europe. The "romantic era of chess" of the 18th and 19th century was filled with raucous characters who employed swashbuckling tactics to please a crowd. Meet three famous players-Joseph Henry Blackburne, Adolph Anderssen, and Baron Ignatz von Kolisch-and learn what made their games so memorable....
35 min
11: Open Files and the Positional Rook
Almost everyone enjoys tactics, but tactics are not the most important element of the game. Begin the first of several lessons on positional play and chess strategy, starting with the rooks. Learn why and how to create an open file and employ your rooks to best advantage. See examples of these mighty pieces at work....
26 min
12: Pawns: The Positional Soul of Chess
In this lesson, you'll find out why "pawns are the soul of chess." Train your eye to see the pawn structures of a game and their strategic implications. After honing your ability to read a position and see patterns, study a few strategies for making the most out of the pawns-including pawn chains, the passed pawn, the Grünfeld Defense center, and more....
31 min
13: Positional Weaknesses and Targets in Chess
Continue your study of pawn movements by examining a number of potential weaknesses. Mr. Silman helps you notice and make use of vulnerabilities such as isolated pawns and doubled pawns. By sharpening your powers of observation, your chess game will take a giant leap forward....
32 min
14: Closed and Open Positions on the Chessboard
It's always important to develop your pieces as quickly as possible, but once developed, open and closed board positions require very different strategic approaches. Study these differences and find out how to use your knights, bishops, or rooks for greatest success-and how best to get those pieces into play....
31 min
15: Chess Statics vs. Dynamics: An Eternal Battle
Much of chess boils down to the tension between static play versus dynamic play. Static play encompasses the long game and positional advantage, while dynamic play is all about tactics and aggressive attacks. Find out when to rely on each approach....
35 min
16: Using Chessboard Imbalances to Create Plans
In this lesson, you'll begin putting all the pieces together from previous lessons. Learn to read the board for imbalances, and then discover how to put those imbalances to work. A wealth of examples teaches you to understand "the body language of the board"-a skill that separates successful players from their defeated opponents....
27 min
17: Legendary Teachers Who Transformed Chess
Meet several key players who advanced the game from the Romantic to the Modern era. In addition to learning about the personalities of players such as Andre Philidor, Wilhelm Steinitz, Siegbert Tarrasch, and Aron Nimzowitsch, you'll study some of their most interesting games to get a feel for how chess became much deeper than before....
35 min
18: Chess Endgames and the King's Magical Powers
While you must have tactical and positional skills to be a formidable chess player, learning the strategy behind a successful endgame is crucial to bringing your understanding of chess to the next level. This first of three lessons on oft-neglected endgame strategy introduces you to the powers of the king. Mr. Silman shows you how the kings can take over the chessboard....
31 min
19: Kings and Pawns in Next-Level Endgames
Continue your study of endgames, especially those involving the king and one or more pawns. Here you'll find out how to avoid-or create-stalemates and draws, as well as the critical techniques for getting pawns to the end of the board-or blocking those dangerous pawn advances....
26 min
20: Triangulation and Two Critical Rook Endgames
Round out your study of endgames with an examination of triangulation, a key tactic for gaining control (called "the opposition") in a king-versus-king standoff. Then turn to two common rook endgames: the Lucena Position and the Philidor Position. Mr. Silman offers several general rules for handling these situations....
31 min
21: Chess Openings: The Right and Wrong Way
Many people believe openings are the most important part of the game, but as you'll learn in this lesson, this belief is wrong on many levels. Here, you'll encounter a few simple strategies for developing your pieces and getting to the middle of the game. Learn Mr. Silman's recommended opening repertoire so you can successfully get through the opening with minimum memorization....
31 min
22: Chess Psychology and the Known Unknown
Chess is riddled with psychological traps-particularly if you find yourself playing a daunting opponent. Mr. Silman offers insight into several of these traps and helps you maintain your confidence, whether you're playing a peer on your level or one of the most sophisticated computers on the planet....
30 min
23: The Chess Amateur's Mind
See how amateur chess players tend to approach the game-giving away pieces and neglecting to defend against enemy attacks. By studying several common amateur mistakes, you'll strengthen your own chess skills and get into the mindset of thinking through your opponent's best reply to every move....
27 min
24: Picking a Chess Hero
As you've seen throughout the course, the chess greats all have a unique approach to the game, often rooted in how they understand other players. Round out the course by studying four final champions-Jose Raúl Capablanca, Vera Menchik, Bobby Fischer, and Hou Yifan-to analyze their style of play and enjoy the benefits of thinking about your own favorite chess hero....
38 min
