Chess master Bruce Pandolfini is the host for this pair of introductory guides to playing better chess. Understanding Chess assumes a basic knowledge of the game, and concentrates on five elements which Pandolfini considers crucial to the game: material (your pieces), time (the speed with which you set up your offense), space (the parts of the board you occupy), pawn structure, and king safety. Using hanging chessboards, Pandolfini walks viewers through the key concepts and demonstrates some of the classic series of plays in great chess games. The program closes with an introduction to specialized playing tactics (forks, pins, skewers, discovery, etc.). Opening Principles, which also assumes a basic knowledge of the game, concentrates on creating successful openings. Pandolfini discusses the importance of and ways to play the center of the board, which pawns to move and why, knight and bishop placement, why the Queen should "stay home" during most openings, and the importance of castling. As in the other program, several examples are shown from great chess games. A good choice for public libraries. Both titles are recommended. (Available from: Chess Resources, 150 Bennett Avenue, 6F, New York, NY 10040.)
Pandolfini On Video: Opening Principles; Pandolfini On Video: Understanding Chess
(1990) 57 m. $39.95 (or $75 for both tapes). Chess Resources. Public performance rights included. Color cover. Vol. 6, Issue 7
Pandolfini On Video: Opening Principles; Pandolfini On Video: Understanding Chess
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