Chess for Tigers

Could any of you tell me if Chess for Tigers is a "must have" book?

Thanks.

stwils

no it is not a "must" have book. It is a book that provides a quasi-sarcastic look at chess with "hints" for winning. It is an enjoyable book to read and does not require a board so it is more casual but in terms of teaching or improving chess is it not necessary.  

So except for enjoyment, would it be a waste of time as far as helping me improve?

stwils

I enjoyed the book, I thought it had some useful hints.

But quoting Simon Webb in these forums incurs the wrath of almost every 2000+ player here.

Well, I am a 1300 player, so I don't think I'll feel any wrath. 

I may get it if it is fun to read and also has some useful hints.  Couldn't hurt...

stwils

Chess for Tigers is fun to read and enjoyable though not sure what useful hints it has--I am not spewing any wrath upon anyone just trying to honestly answer the question.

Also look for Simple Chess (Stean) an excellent and over looked book similar to others you had asked about in other posts.

Well, one thing that has stood out (and worked) for me :

Complicate against stronger players, simplify against weaker ones.

And that is probably the statement that upsets most strong players, lol

I've got it, and I must say I enjoyed it. It's not a terribly serious chess book but as rooperi said it has some useful hints. As its not too pricey I'd say get it.

i would like to have it..

I also endorse Chess for Tigers, it is indeed tongue in cheek in its delivery but there are some very good ideas in it in terms of analysing your games, getting to understand the types of positions you do well in and trying to capitalise on your strengths.  A lot of the advice on how to play when winning and how to play when losing I have since seen repaeted in books by top players. It gives good ideas on how to manage your time etc and I agree with streetfighter that this book could help you more than most Win with the Sicilian/Latvian Gambit etc etc type books. I'm not saying it's the best book I ever read but it's certainly in the top 10%.  So now you have at least 2  2000+ players here who's wrath hasn't been incurred. I learnt a lot more from that book or put another way my game improved more from taking his advice than it did from my studying the likes of My System etc which often goes over my head. It's cheap and easy to read so you might actually use it!

I don't know what I would class as must have books, probably Silman's Complete Endgame Course for example.

Well, I am ordering it, and also Creative Chess by Avni. I need a fresh way of looking at chess. I am bogged down in middlegames, frustrated with chess puzzles, and just need a little boost of something that is fun and different.

Thanks for all your thoughts.

stwils

You might be interested in Dan Heisman's most recent book

 Is that "The Improving Chess Thinker"? What is it like?

stwils

Chess for Tigers isn't a must have -- unless you need a little boost and want something fun and different! It's perfect for that!

I got hit by fever soon after receiving the book but the first few pages is really interesting. Good-to-Top Heisman Class, I would say!

Is it at all tedious to read. His chess cafe articles are a delight, but I have found his books to be a bit technical.

stwils

Chess For Tigers is the most underrated chess book I can think of.  It is absolutely a must have because it steers your brain in the crucial direction of observation and self-exploration which is key to rapid chess growth.

 It is always good to have your blessing, JG27Pyth. I really mean that.

stwils

I heard that Chess for Tigers got a good rating on the net. The title is cheezy but it teaches you the game around playing chess. Playing the man as you play the board. Have not read it but I think I will before I start with over the board tournaments. 

No--I ordered it with high hopes, but put it in the shelves for later perusal after a few chapters.  Its approach to teaching pertinent subject matter is too indirect for my tastes.