First Steps: 1 e4 e5 (Everyman Chess)

Targeted to the beginner-novice chess player, this provides a highly instructive introduction and overview of the ideas, plans, tactics and strategies of all the major double king pawn openings (aka "open games"), including the Italian Game, Evans Gambit, Two Knights Defense, Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening), Four Knights Game, Scotch Game and others. If you are interested in learning these particular openings (as is generally recommended for the chess beginner), this would be an excellent book to start with. In my opinion John Emms is one of the better chess authors, particularly for books targeted to the amateur chess player.

Nice

The content of this book is mostly traditional chess teaching for novice - intermediate players. There are also some recent recent master games included. Emms describes this as a follow on to his "Discovering Chess Openings", which introduces a broader range of openings, to explain general principles. It would make good sense to buy both together if you are a beginner or just this book if you are a more experience novice.Emms books are excellent for both novices and casual players, because they are so easy to navigate. The merits of each move and possible alternatives are discussed and there are sufficient diagrams to help you find important positions easily. Emms also does not shy away from recommending particular opening lines for varying skill levels and desires.For the most part I agree with Emms recommendations. However recommending the two knights defence for black ("for experienced players") does seem to be a serious anomaly for a book entitled "First Steps" ... Even for advanced players it is of little use, because white will usually transpose into the modern italian.Overall, a smart choice as your first book in building an opening repertoire.

This is definitely one of the best chess books I've ever read. So clear, succinct, entertaining and easy to read. Emms is one of the best chess authors by far. Its not advanced level, its back to basics, but revision really. Reminds you of what you ought to already know if you're not a beginner, and it makes it exciting.I'm going through the book again with my son, as he is just at that stage of learning what to do after e4 e5. Offers guidance for both sides and illustrates how to take advantage if your opponents go astray. I wish more authors wrote in this style. A d4 d5 guide from Emms would be nice too, with advice for both sides?! 😊

Excellent

Just getting into the book and can already see a great deal of information about the start of open games.Excellent value and interesting content from John Emms and Everyman Chess.