If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for someone interested in learning chess—or someone who enjoys the game but hasn’t quite cracked the code to consistent improvement—you might have stumbled upon How to Win at Chess by Levy Rozman. But is it the right choice? Let’s dive in and see if this book makes for the perfect chess-related present.
Who Is Levy Rozman, and Why Does This Matter?
Levy Rozman, better known as GothamChess on YouTube, is one of the most popular chess educators in the world. With millions of subscribers, his teaching style is engaging, humorous, and, most importantly, easy to follow. He breaks down chess concepts in a way that feels accessible rather than intimidating—something that makes his book How to Win at Chess a great entry point for new players.
What’s Inside the Book?
This book is designed specifically for beginners and casual players, meaning it won’t be overwhelming with complex jargon or deep theoretical analysis. Instead, it focuses on the fundamentals of playing well, covering key topics like:
- Openings – How to start the game on the right foot.
- Tactics – Recognizing common tricks to gain an advantage.
- Strategy – Understanding good long-term planning.
- Endgames – How to finish a game strong and convert an advantage into a win.
One of the standout features of the book is its interactive approach. Each chapter includes QR codes that link to additional content on Rozman’s Chessly platform, allowing readers to practice concepts online. This combination of physical reading and digital learning makes it an engaging, modern way to improve at chess.
Who Will Love This Book?
This book is perfect for:
✅ Absolute beginners (someone who knows how the pieces move but not much beyond that).
✅ Casual players who have dabbled in online chess but want to improve (ideal for those rated below 1200 on Chess.com or Lichess).
✅ Fans of Levy Rozman’s YouTube channel (GothamChess).
✅ Kids, teens, and adults who want an easy-to-follow guide with humor and personality.
Who Might Not Find It as Useful?
🔴 More advanced players (if someone is already rated above 1200, they’ll likely find most of the content to be review only).
🔴 Those looking for deep, in-depth theory (this book focuses on practical early-stage improvement rather than high-level strategic concepts).
🔴 Readers who don’t like interactive, online-based learning (since the book includes QR codes for digital exercises, it might not appeal to those who prefer strictly book-based instruction).
What Do Readers Say?
The reviews for How to Win at Chess are overwhelmingly positive, with buyers praising its accessibility, engaging writing style, and clear explanations.
Many beginners and casual players have reported noticeable improvements in their games after reading it.
However, some intermediate players felt the content was too basic for their level—so if your gift recipient is already an experienced chess player, you might want to consider a more advanced book instead.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It as a Gift?
If you’re buying for someone new to chess or a casual player looking to improve, How to Win at Chess is a fantastic choice.
Levy Rozman’s teaching style is fun and engaging, making learning feel effortless rather than overwhelming. Plus, the combination of book-based learning and interactive digital exercises ensures that readers can apply what they learn in a practical way.
However, if the recipient is already a stronger chess player (1200+ rating), they may not get as much out of it. In that case, you might want to look into more advanced chess books like The Amateur’s Mind by Jeremy Silman or one of Rozman’s online courses instead.
Overall, How to Win at Chess is a great beginner-friendly book that makes chess learning both fun and effective—a perfect gift for any aspiring chess enthusiast!
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