by Christian Kongsted, 192pp. (Gambit, 2003)

Read an excerpt here

Computers have permeated almost every facet of modern chess, yet few players know how to gain the maximum benefit from working with them. Computers function as playing partners, opening study tools, endgame 'oracles', tactics trainers, sources of information on opponents and searchable game databases. Kongsted provides practical advice on how to use computers in all these ways and more. He also takes a look at the history of the chess computer, and how its 'thinking' methods have developed since the early days. The book features an investigation of human vs. machine contests, including the recent Kasparov vs. Deep Junior and Kramnik vs. Deep Fritz matches, in which honours ended even.

Christian Kongsted trained as a journalist at the Danish School of Journalism, and is an experienced chess writer. His correspondence chess rating is over 2500, and his Elo rating is over 2200. He has been interested in computer chess ever since he got his first chess computer at the age of eight. See also Beat the Grandmasters.

"...a little gem of a book that no chess player with a computer should be without." - Bill Whited, Chess Country

"Kongsted provides a thorough investigation of his subject and offers practical advice on how to use computers as a playing partner, analytical tool, and openings and endings coach." - Mark Donlan, Chess Horizons

"The book will prove very useful to those of you considering investing in software to improve your chess." - Richard Long, Georgia Chess

"However much we may deplore the introduction of computers as foreshadowing the demise of chess as we know it, we have to accept that they are here to stay and we cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend it is all a bad dream. The author is very much a pragmatist, who has learnt how to exploit the potential of the silicon monster to the full. There is a wealth of information and advice contained within the pages of the book to help you do likewise. It makes for fascinating reading." - Alan Sutton, En Passant

"This is the book if you wish to get the best out of your computer for studying and/or playing chess." - Michael Stevenson, New Zealand Chess

"What a great book! I have read this from cover to cover and have learnt so much about computers and how they are great at some things and woefully poor at others. The book is full of interesting information and experiences from a player who has used computers and writes clearly on their strengths and their weaknesses." - Michael Blake, IECG

"I found the book to be sensibly written by someone who has a good general knowledge of computers and chess software. It explains general principles well so that inexperienced users can understand." - Paul Dunn, Australian Chess

"How to use Computers to Improve your Chess by Christian Kongsted is basically for people who like chess and want to use a computer to improve their games. He explains how the computer works and gives advice for tactical improvement." - Schachmarkt

"The book is very useful for chess trainers, who can exploit the knowledge won from it in their educational activities." - Fernschach

"It was a pleasure to read the book and it is thoroughly recommended." - Helmut Conrady, Rochade