How to Win at Chess by Levy Rozman Summary

How to Win at Chess is a beginner-friendly guide by International Master Levy Rozman (GothamChess) that teaches core chess principles, openings, endgames, tactics, and strategy. Split into two sections for 0-800 and 800-1300 Elo players, it includes 500+ instructional diagrams and QR codes linking to exclusive video lessons on Rozman’s Chessly platform, blending foundational knowledge with interactive learning.

This book is ideal for new players (0-800 Elo) learning rules and basic tactics, as well as intermediate players (800-1300 Elo) refining openings, endgame techniques, and strategic planning. Casual enthusiasts and fans of Rozman’s YouTube content will also appreciate his humor and structured approach.

Yes—it’s praised for its clear, engaging tutorials on essential concepts like checkmates, pawn promotion, and castling, paired with Rozman’s relatable teaching style. The inclusion of QR codes for bonus video lessons adds unique value, though some critique the brief opening coverage.

Key strategies include mastering endgame fundamentals (e.g., ladder mate, king-and-rook checkmates), controlling the center in openings, and tactical motifs like pins and skewers. Rozman emphasizes consistency with first moves (e.g., 1.e4 or 1.d4) and understanding why openings work rather than rote memorization.

The book provides structured lessons for incremental growth: beginners learn checkmates and basic tactics, while intermediate players study strategic planning and endgame theory. Over 500 diagrams help visualize concepts, and practice recommendations reinforce skill development.

Critical endgame skills include ladder mating (using two rooks/queens), king-and-queen checkmates, and theoretical scenarios like king-and-pawn vs. king. Rozman stresses recognizing forced wins/draws to avoid blunders in decisive late-game moments.

Yes—it introduces opening principles (control the center, develop pieces, castle early) and recommends systems like the London and Vienna for White and the Sicilian Alapin for Black. However, coverage is concise, focusing on ideas over exhaustive variations.

Rozman’s humorous tone, modern teaching methods (e.g., QR codes for video content), and focus on common beginner pitfalls set it apart. Unlike dense theoretical manuals, it prioritizes accessibility with relatable examples and minimal jargon.

Some note that advanced players (1300+ Elo) may find the content too basic, and opening explanations are brief. The reliance on QR codes for supplementary material also divides readers preferring self-contained guides.

Core tactics include forks, pins, skewers, and discovered attacks. Rozman illustrates these with clear diagrams and practical examples, teaching readers to spot and exploit weaknesses in an opponent’s position.

Rozman starts with rules, piece values, and board setup, then progresses to checkmates and simple tactics. His step-by-step method avoids overwhelming learners, using anecdotes and humor to demystify complex ideas.

While the book offers comprehensive self-study material, live coaching provides personalized feedback. However, it’s an excellent resource for building foundational skills, particularly when combined with the interactive Chessly lessons.