The Thinker's Game - by Melvin Chen (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book is written for beginners who are interested in the game and would like to learn more about its various aspects.

It covers the technical aspects of chess: the use of algebraic notation (Chapter 3), chess evaluation (Chapter 4), the opening phase (Chapter 5), the middle game (Chapter 6), the endgame (Chapter 7), and the chess rating system (Chapter 8). It introduces a number of chess problems, formulated with a chess board and chess pieces and presupposing a working knowledge of chess (Chapter 9).

It offers an account of variants of chess such as Fischer random chess (Chapter 10). It also covers the cultural aspects of chess: its history (Chapter 2) and status as an immortal game that might enable it to play a role in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (Chapter 11). Wherever possible, chess diagrams are provided to help chess beginners make sense of certain points about chess. Algebraic notation will also guide them in understanding certain chess-based lines of reasoning.

Whenever you are ready, let us begin this odyssey of chess!

Review Quotes

"Chess is a fiercely competitive, strategic game -- and so much more than that. Chess is history and a powerful metaphor with deep cultural meaning. Chess is a global language, which speaks to philosophy and education. In his new book, Melvin Chen provides a much-needed holistic view on our beloved ancient game."
--GM Judit Polgar, August 2024

"This book begins with chess history, gradually teaching the reader the rules and everything that comes with them. Along the way, however, it becomes so much more -- to the point that even advanced players won't be bored! That's quite an achievement for a book aimed at beginners.

"The movement of the pieces, notation, and even rating calculations all fit perfectly into a math-meets-chess book. The opening, middlegame, and endgame are all covered. It even introduces alternative forms of chess, such as giveaway chess and Fischer Random. Tablebases are also discussed, as well as Dr. Melvin Chen's ultimate statement that chess is not infinite, but that there exists a precise number representing the true size of chess. I'll keep that number hidden from you here, though -- you'll have to buy this wonderful book to find out!

"Conclusion

"Mathematics stands as a companion alongside chess in this truly remarkable book. That's why I believe it's ideal for adults who love mathematics, as well as, for example, high school students. Once again, Thinkers Publishing House has delivered with this title.

"Recently, someone asked me why I sometimes write Thinkers Publishing House instead of just Thinkers Publishing. Well, I first saw Georg Mohr do it, and I gladly adopted the habit."
--Oliver De Hert, Schaaksite, 09/2025.