Mastering Choices in Chess: A Review of Multiple Choice Chess 2 by Graeme Buckley

Few days ago, I wrote about Bobby Fischer: A Legacy in Chess Literature and Games - In this post I discussed and reviewed the Gary Kasparov's book. It's interesting because it's a very good book by one the best players to ever play and it focuses on his predecessors - Mainy Bobby Fischer!

Today, I'd be reviewing Another book I have in my collection - "Multiple choice chess 2 by Graeme Buckley"

About The Book

This book focuses on challenging readers to think! Just like the name multiple choices, every game in the book, the author present you with options to predict the game move by move. When I first saw this book before it was given to me by my coach, I was intrigued because it wasn't like any other chess book I have seen before. It was different, instead of just games and analysis and explanations, the book allows readers to predict different candidate moves before showing the real answers. It even scores you on every choice you make. It didn't take me so much time to fall in love with it and finish game 1.

What Makes This Book Valuable?

Unlike regular puzzles where the position requires a precise answer, this book helps your decision making in general and also makes you understand why some positions multiple moves are possible. I also like the fact that the book doesn't just help your tactical sense, it also works on general overall play. The games in the book where carefully selected and they all teach long term planning and other themes in chess

Who is the Book For?

I found it fascinating then because I wasn't aiming to beat 2000+ fide players, just club players. However, now I agree the games are predictable and easy to score points for a 2000+ player. The book is perfect for (roughly 1300-2000 Elo) players who just want to improve their game and take it beyond the intermediate level. It helps decision making and helps redefined their understanding for the game.

Buckley – Lalic, London 1999 (Bird's Opening)

[Event "London"]
[Site "London ENG"]
[Date "1999.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Graeme Buckley"]
[Black "Bogdan Lalic"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "A03"]
[Opening "Bird's Opening"]

1. f4 d5  
2. e3 g6  
3. Nf3 Bg7  
4. e2 c5  
5. O-O Nf6  
6. d3 Nc6  
7. b4 b6  
8. Be5 Bb7  
9. d2 O-O  
10. O-O Qc8  
11. d4 c4  
12. e8 e8  
13. d6 Bf8  
14. f4 f6  
15. f6 e5  
16. d5 fxe5  
17. fxe5 Qe2  
18. g3 gxf4  
19. gxf4 Nxe5  
20. fxe5 Qh5  
21. h3 Rg8+  
22. Kh1 Qg7  
23. d2 Wh3  
24. ...

(Black wins 0-1)

This game, featured in Multiple Choice Chess 2, explores themes of piece activity, bishop vs. knight dynamics, and structural weaknesses in the Bird’s Opening. It was one of the author's own game and was very interesting and instructive. It helps understand pawn structures, understanding when to attack too.

Conclusion

I like this book alot and I still went over some games before deciding to write this post. If you are looking to read a chess book, this is a great choice!

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