Igor Khmelnitsky

This book offers a unique approach to chess self-evaluation and training. It will answer the two most common questions that players ask an experienced coach - what is my true rating (or strengths and weaknesses)? How do I improve?The readers will 100 diagrams & 200 total questions of various difficulty.Comprehensive answers include diagrams for easy reading away from the chessboard.Distributions of answers, percentiles and other statistical reports by rating group from unrated to 2400+.Match yourself against players of all levels, up to grandmaster and see how you stock up.Results evaluated and Rating assigned overall & by 12 distinct Opening, Middlegame, Endgame, Attack, Defense, Counterattack, Tactics, Strategy, Calculations, Standard Positions (Endgame), Sacrifices, Recognizing Threats.Comprehensive reports on each of the categories with examples, training recommendations and book/materials suggestionsThe book will be essential reading for everyone who plays chess because it a. help them to understand their current situation by identifying their strengths and weaknesses;b. give them clear explanations on how to improve, both in suggesting the appropriate training materials and in outlining the training methods;c. encourage players to establish and then follow a structured training plan;d. relieve player's anxiety by assuring that there is plenty of help available to those who are interested in understanding the game better and improve their skills;e. provide players with means of getting all their questions answered via timely advice from experienced coaches and also their peers.

The original best-selling Chess Exam and Training Guide (IamCoach Press, 2004) scored rave reviews from readers and experts alike. It won the very prestigious Cramer Best Book award from the CJA (Chess Journalists of America) and has been translated into French and Russian.In this sequel, the focus is exclusively on Tactics. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned master, this book will help you to evaluate your current level, identify your weaknesses, and get training advice.You will 60 diagrams with 120 multiple-choice questions of varied complexity.Comprehensive answers with diagrams to make reviewing easier.Distributions of answers and other statistical reports by rating.Results are evaluated and ratings are assigned Overall and by 29(!) distinct sub-categories.Comprehensive reports on each of the categories with examples, training recommendations and training material suggestions.How do you improve your Tactical ability? The best way is by improving your understanding of tactical ideas and solving tactical positions.