5 comments about The Complete Chess Workout: Train your brain with 1200 puzzles! (Everyman Chess).

1. Richard Pallisar has done a good job!! The good points and the book layout have been mentioned by another reviewer. I just want to make a few words that, to master tactics, one has to do them everyday so that those typical motifs are engraved in your memory, but the problem as mentioned in this book's editorial, is that is there enough puzzles for solving for a considerable period of time. I think this book, with Combinative motifs, Sharpen your tactics, Manual of combination 2 and 3, along with 1000 combination gems you should know, would keep you busy at least 2 - 3 years and one tactical vision as well as the rating would improve as well. I strongly recommend this book!!!



2. Yes, there are other books on chess tactics. But I like this one. The problems are not too difficult, and they feel like the sorts of positions that one might not only come across in a game, but ones in which one would actually be looking for the kinds of combinations that work here. I like the fact that the reader is not warned what the theme is of the various combinations.
   
   I recommend this book. Those who want to try other (and somewhat tougher) books as well might want to look at "Test Your Chess IQ" by Livshitz or "Perfect Your Chess" by Volokitin and Grabinsky.



3. A skilled and prolific chess writer, Richard Palliser is also an International Master with numerous tournament successes and in 2006 became the Join British Rapidplay Champion. Clearly, he brings his many years of experience and expertise to bear in writing "The Complete Chess Workout", a comprehensive training manual for chess tactics that will prove invaluable for aspiring chess players from the novice to the expert. Special note should be made that all of the featured 1200 chess puzzles designed to built chess playing skills have been checked by computer engines. Thoroughly 'player friendly', "The Complete Chess Workout is nicely organized into eight distinct chapters: Warming Up!; Attack!; Opening Tricks and Traps; Skill in the Endgame; Loose Pieces and Overloading; Fiendish Calculation; Test Yourself; and Solutions. A comprehensive course of chess instruction under one cover, "The Complete Chess Workout" truly lives up to its title and will prove to be a welcome addition to personal, academic, and community library chess instruction reference collections.



4. Two things make this book a bit unusual among books of this sort. 1) Most of the positions are from very recent tournaments and 2) Most of the players are not household names. Both of these features make it harder for me to just remember the games.
   I don't think there's anything more instructive or entertaining in chess than working through books like this one.



5. As the other reviewers have noted this is a huge collection of tactical chess problems designed to help you strengthen your chess muscles. But just like joining a "24 Hour Fitness" center, that's just the BEGINNING! You have to use the book, work the problems, understand the ones you didn't get, go back and try them again, and then when you've done all that: DO IT SOME MORE! Find more tactical situations, analyze your games, your friend's games, get more books, buy a tactics disc and so on. Chess Fitness is just like physical fitness: It's not a mountain to scale and then you're done, it's a "health habit" you build into your life-style. The pay off comes when you play a game of chess you can be proud of. THAT is what all your hard work was aiming at. And this book is the ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER of tactical problem collections.

4 comments about Tangrams: 330 Puzzles.

1. Ce livre de 334 pages est vraiment complet. Il a une introduction très instructive. Il est divisé en onze parties: Letters and numbers, Animals (tangram zoo, cats, dogs, birds, horses, bats, sea creatures...) Mankind (shoeshine boy and customer, acrobats, medieval ladies...), around the house (pipe, shoes, chairs, pistol..), boat and bridges, stories and pictures (the house that jack built, the story of cinderella, a game of billard, the orchestra), a little mathematics (! ), chinoiseries (some chinese characters, "Buddha hand"...), paradoxes and illusions, double tangrams (house, cyclist, sport car, telescope, microscope..) et the fifteen-piece puzzle (a pavillon in the moolight, a man asleep in a drifting boat..). Les solutions sont données à la fin du livre. Les illustrations et les explications sont très claires. L'auteur a écrit un livre vraiment complet sur les tangrams.



2. This book have 334 pages and it is very complete.
   The introduction is very instructive.
   There are 11 parts: Letters and numbers, Animals (tangram zoo, cats, dogs, birds, horses, bats, sea creatures...) Mankind (servants, Sam Loyd's portrait gallery, horsemen, medieval ladies...), around the house (watering can, baby carriages, stocking, pistol..), boat and bridges, stories and pictures (the house that jack built, the story of cinderella, a game of billard, the orchestra), a little mathematics (! ), chinoiseries (some chinese characters, dagger, raincot, "drinkink alone"), paradoxes and illusions, double tangrams (rocket, coach, sport car, television set, lion..) et the fifteen-piece puzzle (a pavillon in the moolight, a man asleep in a drifting boat..).
   The solutions are given in the back of the book. The illustrations and the explanations are very clear. The author wrote a book really complete about tangram



3. The tangrams themselves all have to be enlarged in order for my students to use them but I do that in Photoshop and it is working fine. I like that all the answers are there as well. Lots to pick from.



4. Tangrams are a fascinating set of puzzles, but quite frankly, the descriptions of many of the figures require a selective use of your imagination. Using seven standard pieces, (five triangles, one square and one rhomboid), you are to arrange them to create a figure. The 330 puzzles in this book will sometimes be easy to create and other times they will test your resolve. Solutions to all of the puzzles are included at the end.
   When she was two years old, I bought a set of tangrams for my daughter and we worked at them for hours, she enjoyed making figures and sometimes created credible ones of her own. We spent hours doing this and it was father-daughter time that was well spent.

5 comments about Entertaining Mathematical Puzzles.

1. Entertaining Mathematical Problems by Martin Gardner is a great book for all ages. This book has over 100 problems in sections ranging from topology to games. Some of the problems are simple to many, but there are some that require thought to do. Answers are included on the back. Any math lover will surely enjoy this book.
   Paul Raff (Northwestern_Wildcat@ibm.net




2. I give this book five stars. Though the problems and puzzles were created several years ago, it introduces or, at least, reintroduces the reader to humorous and thought-provoking examples highlighting how intuitive and counterintuitive processes can collide into one another.

   Martin Gardner's witty writing style makes this book a pleasant pathway to the realms of logic. Neat and concise with its stories and challenges throughout and with solutions at the very end, the book is a very ideal read, especially if you are a passenger with a very long trip ahead and who needs good quality entertainment that is also educational.




3. Nothing very exciting. Lot more books that are better value in this category on Amazon



4. As most of Martin Gardner's books, this is an enchanting
   collection of puzzles. No author has done a better job at popularizing and illustrating the beauty of mathematics.



5. "Entertaining mathematical puzzles" by Martin Gartner is collection of rather easy math puzzles of diverse mathematical topics. Only an elementary knowledge of math and the will to resist looking up the answers before completing the problems.
   
   Clear and concise comments at the beginning of each section explain the nature and importance of the math needed to solve each puzzle. A carefully explained solution follows each problem. In many cases, all that is needed to solve a problem is the ability to think logically and clearly, to be on the alert for surprising angles or hidden factors.
   
   Here is an example of what you can find inside this book:
   
   "If three cats catch three rats in three minutes, how many cats will catch 100 rats in 100 minutes?"
   
   If you like more challenging pure mathematical teasers and puzzles, you may want to try "Challenging mathematical teasers" by J. A. H. Hunter.

3 comments about Sudoku Variants (Sudoku).

1. I love this book. Got tired for the 9x9 boxes long ago. There's enough variety to make sure you never get bored. Most of these puzzles are not for the beginner so make sure you can handle the advanced 9x9's before working these.



2. This book has a number of different variations on Sudoku. One type, Sum Sudoku, requires a little math. The remainder are purely logic puzzles, same as standard Sudoku. I found the 'irregular Sudoku' particularly challenging the 1st time I tried it (which was not in this book). The book gives various difficulty levels so you can work up your skills at each type of variation. I'm glad I picked it up, & plan to get it as a gift for another Sudoku fan.



3. This is the best Sudoku book ever. It has a great variety of puzzles so you can see what kind you like. It never gets boring!

5 comments about Will Shortz Presents Ultimate Sudoku: 1000 Wordless Crossword Puzzles (Will Shortz Presents...).

1. Great, although I would prefer more moderate and demanding and fewer light and easy puzzels.



2. I, personally, don't care for the large size and the paper quality. However, it is nice to prop on your lap and it does have many levels of difficulty. I am a fairly new Sudoku fan, and have recently ordered a bunch of puzzle books from Amazon. This is my least favorite, but I have to say it's because of its size mainly. It is loaded with some great puzzles.



3. I knocked off a star because I don't like how the puzzles do not conform to the standards of symmetric givens and 30 or less givens (although this is really only present in the easy puzzles, some of which have 39+ givens). I also think there are too many easy puzzles (450); I just skipped the easy section entirely because I found them too easy and boring. However, this is still a pretty good sudoku book and with 1000 puzzles will definitely last you a while (even if you skip the easy ones).



4. Was surprised by how large the book is (I guess I should have guessed that 1000 puzzles would be a large book). Too large for taking for travel. Too many of the puzzles are "easy" (450 out of 1000). But it was inexpensive!!



5. I look for Sudoku books with three qualities. First, I want puzzles that have only one solution. If I find a book that includes puzzles with more than one solution I discard it. Two, I want books with grids large enough that I can enter candidates in the cells. Third, I want books with challenging puzzles. Many of the descriptions on Amazon omit such info.
   
   I prefer grids that are about 4 ½" x 4 ½". The grids in my newspaper are about 3" x 3" (which is tolerable because not many candidates are needed).
   
   Shortz's Ultimate Sudoku 1000: The puzzles have only one solution; the grids are 4 ½" x 4 1/2". There are 1,000 puzzles in this book: 450 easy; 200 moderate; 180 demanding, and 170 very challenging. I cut the pages out and put them on a clipboard. The only improvement I would suggest to the publisher is to perforate the pages. (Don't confuse this book with Shortz's The Ultimate Sudoku Challenge [100 puzzles]. I did and now have two of the latter instead of two of the former.)

5 comments about The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Book in the World (Book 2) (Greatest Dot-To-Dot Book in the World).

1. My son would due the dot to dot books from Walmart in a short period of time. I wanted something more challenging for him. This book is more challenging.



2. This is a great product for those who enjoyed doing Dot-to-Dots as a kid, but who want something a little more substantial than the typical offerings. The book has about 50 pages of great Dot-to-Dots, all of which consist of hundreds of dots. You can almost never tell what the picture is until you finish connecting the dots. I also recommend "The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge" by the same author as well. That one has a few Dot-to-Dots with over 1000 dots per page!



3. This is the third Dot-to-Dot book I have used with my students, usually after a test to fill time, and they all love them; these books are the student's favourite request. I would recommend these books to any parent or teacher; they have also been well received by university students. The books provide a useful distraction to students and adults alike plus they are wonderful for building hand-eye co-ordination in young and old. Buy the whole series, you won't regret it. D. Fraser Vancouver Island Canada



4. I loved these as a kid now they are done for adults. I got them all and when I was laid up with foot surgery has fun with them. they varried by numbers. number sequences, symbols, letters, not for little kids..a big kid toy.



5. These are a great upgrade from the dot-to-dots of my youth.They keep my mind working are are great for just killing time,plus I love to try and figure out the picture.

5 comments about Tangram Puzzles: 500 Tricky Shapes to Confound & Astound/ Includes Deluxe Wood Tangrams.

1. This Tangram set and book are very good quality. Tangrams are excellent learning tools for spatial understanding and problem solving. Because of the nature of this toy, it is much more versatile than regular puzzles. The same pieces are used over and over to solve the many different 'puzzles' which are presented in the book. (The solutions are also given at the back of the book.)
   
   I have only one criticism of this product. I wish it came with a container for the pieces.



2. I use this tangram puzzle with my junior high school students. The shapes are challenging, and offer great visual/spatial exercise for young minds. The book is big and has lots of puzzles to choose from. The puzzle pieces are nice too.



3. A very nicely made product - the wooden pieces are very smooth without any splinters or sharp edges. The puzzles are awesome - during my pass-time, I try making these - some take a few minutes to solve, but some could take a few hours. It is so interesting that my daughter was trying to put together some when she was 4. You have 501, not 500 puzzles, because you have to arrange them to form a square to put them back in the packing pouch. Some of the puzzles are un-imaginable - I could not believe that you could make many of the shapes with the wooden pieces provided. The author/creator should be honored for his creativity.
   
   I recommend this to anyone from 4 to 100+ years old - You are never too young to start training your brain, and never too old to stop. I would have bought it even if it cost twice of what it costs now.



4. The first book arrived with the binding cracked from shipping. The online return form on Amazon is very easy. I mailed the first book back, free of charge, and Amazon sent a new copy promptly. The replacement was in perfect condition. The puzzle pieces are very nice, not a dollar store item. Overall, I am very happy with the service of Amazon and also the book. This would make a beautiful special occasion present.



5. These beautiful wooden shapes allow both young and old to exercise the mind. My children enjoy them as puzzles and it is great for teaching spatial orientation (and patience) as well as creative outlet for the imagination (make up your own tangrams). The book itself has excellent images but the spiral bound nature of it is poorly executed. The wood pieces are very nice and solid with a good finish.

3 comments about Masters Kakuro: 172 Challenging Puzzles (Kakuro).

1. This book has puzzles difficult enough to be challenging without having to resort to looking up the answers. BUT! The numbers are small, skinny, and white, on a medium gray background and very hard to read. As with most kakuro books, the puzzles are way too small. Enlarge 40% and darken the background, and you're set to go. To me, it has been worth it due to the quality of the puzzles.



2. I had little difficulty reading the puzzles (per the previous reviewer), and found the puzzles themselves large enough to easily work with (compared to many others). They range from difficult to nearly impossible, but somehow I managed to make my way through the entire collection. Overall, I found the puzzles fully enjoyable; this was a collection I always enjoyed pulling out for some mental gymnastics. I wish Bumgardner would come out with a Volume II, as he has a good sense of Kakuro style--puzzles that make you think, but not necessarily (compared with, say, the Dell collections) make you have to work more than think.



3. Not a bad collection of puzzles, but as a previous reviewer said, the puzzles are very difficult to read. Mensa Kakuro is much better if you're looking for tough puzzles - better puzzles and easier to read. The Everything Kakuro Challenge Book by Timmerman is the best collection, the best puzzles I've ever done. All of them are on par with the best Dell Cross Sums, which I've been doing for over 25 years,

5 comments about How to Solve Sudoku: A Step-by-Step Guide (52 Brilliant Ideas).

1. Great book for a beginner. Would highly recommend it. Has contributed to many hours of satisfaction solving Sudoku puzzles. Definitely start with this book.



2. It demystified Sudoku. My wife says it is very helpful and she is very grateful.



3. This is the worst Sudoku book i ever tried. It's supposed to be so easy to use. A mathematician wrote it, and forgot how to write it for the average person. The rules are complicated, and the grids have the alphabet all around it supposedly to make it easier to place the numbers. It's not it's more confusing. What the author should of done was a few example puzzles step by step showing how you arrive at the correct answer as well as showing it. The grids need to be larger as well as the book itself. Format matters when you're trying to learn something or have trouble learning. I ended up throwing this book away. For me it was a waste of money and not worth it. I give this book 1 star.



4. Somewhat useful, though also disappointing; the "52 ideas" format is misleading as to the number of distinct strategies given in the book for solving Sudoku puzzles, which in fact is significantly smaller than 52.



5. I've been doing SuDoku puzzles for years and have beaten every level of the video game version Carol Vonderman's (PS2). Still, I wanted to be able to solve the really tough puzzles so I figured a book such as this would help. It's worthless unless you've never tried the game before. It has NOTHING about the advanced techniques like X-wings and Swordfish which are necessary to do the VERY hard ones. The book is very short, too; less than 100 pages. I suggest you save your money, do the easy ones, get practice, and go to the web for forums and sites which tell how to do the tough puzzles because the methods in this book aren't adequate, trust me!

No comments about Will Shortz Presents Triple Threat Sudoku: 200 Hard Puzzles (Will Shortz Presents...).