• 04/09/08 Convekta, publisher of various software products I use and recommend, is raising the prices on average approx. 10%. You can still buy at their old prices until 4/15/08. My prices already reflect the increase, but,  if you pay via PayPal, you will get a refund. If you are planning to send the check, e-mail me your order and I'll tell you the cost. Must be ordered before the end of 4/15 to qualify. Still, free insured shipping on 2 or more products (US only, non-US, please e-mail before ordering)! Find out more
  • 02/25/08 Update on my training offers: Several items to share with you 

(A) I have now video capabilities via Skype as well as  via ICC ( http://www.chessclub.com; no typing required! We talk on the phone and view the board/move pieces too). The latter is especially great for discussing your games. Also, can be done for a group of students or even entire chess club.

(B) Improvement Process - Success In Simple Steps

(C) The following extensive report based on your answers to my original award-winning Chess Exam (2004) is now available as a stand alone item (here), whereas in the past it was a part of the Initial Assessment session. 

(D) The Initial Assessment session is still strongly recommended as it provides the best possible feedback for you and gives you a clear guidance on your training for 3-12 months. Also, games review can often highlight some easy to fix issues not shown in the Chess Exam. Here is an unsolicited feedback from a recent session with Greg (1700 USCF), who describes himself as "middle aged education professional who has returned to chess after a few decades of going to school, working, and raising a family" 
  • 02/02/08 Chess Training: Improve your Chess via Active Learning - Find out more. 
  • 02/01/08 Breaking news: another great review of my Chess Exam and Training Guide Tactics. This one is by Michael Jeffreys for Chessville.com. "... The thing that makes his books so good, as I mentioned above, is his eye for great material.  All of the positions he selects are interesting and usually the obvious try is not the best.  Also, he mixes up his problems so that each turn of the page brings a new adventure, i.e. they are not in any type of “thematic order” like most puzzle books." Read the entire review here. View a YouTube video clip here.
  • 01/29/08 Busy Times: it has been a busy time for me from the mid December through now. Writing, coaching, presenting, just to name a few things. E-mails from satisfied readers are always fun to get. I also welcome constructive criticism as it only helps make my work so much better. I got a lot of e-mails over the holidays and tried to respond to everyone. The best way to contact me if via this form. Was sorry to see Fischer passed away. I always admired him as player. He could have done so much more, but chose not to. I enjoyed scanning through jubilee 100th issue of the famous Chess Informant (see below). I am collaborating on some very interesting projects for www.Chess.com. I suggest you give the website a try. I've setup Skype account and mastered ICC lessons; this might interest those who can't see me in my office or don't come to Philadelphia for our major events. I am planning to visit USATE at Parsippany, NJ on 2/16. There might be a small lecture and book signing between the rounds. Also, on the schedule is a stop in Carlisle at the PA Scholastics Champ in March. Might even play in the action tournament there. Please check my partners mentioned on my happy holidays page. 

  • 01/28/08 Chess Informant, released issue #100!! .

    If you are serious about your opening preparation, this book is very helpful. I always like to review 10 best game and then go immediately to the sections with the openings I play. This is not for beginners! 

     

    Chess Informant 96 contains contains 451 annotated games and 489 variations, and features events held between May 1st, 2007 and August 31st, 2007. Read more...

 
  • 12/12/07 New and Hot! Fritz 11 and other ChessBase products at 15-20% off and free shipping (on some orders) - Find out more. 
  • 12/03/07 Breaking news: very nice comments from former US Champion GM Joel Benjamin in December '07 Chess Life and US Chess Online - "...With innovative methodology Chess Exam and Training Guide: Tactics, aspires to rise a cut above other books in this genre...I love the creative and novel approach to quizzing, but the greatest strength of the book is the selection of positions. The variations of themes is impressive... The selections of positions and posing of questions is skillfully done that every page is a learning experience..." Read the entire review here.
  • 12/02/07 Chess Training: Improve your Chess via Active Learning - Find out more. 
  • 10/29/07 Chess Training: Happy Birthday Coach Foygel! (Test yourself)  - Find out more. 
  • 10/01/07 'House cleaning' continues - new items Books/CDs/DVDs added. Details here. Unique / rare collectables here

To view my older articles and news - click here

 

 

 

 

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