Learn Chess with First Steps: 1 e4 e5 - A Simple and Enjoyable Book on the King's Pawn Opening
Free textbook downloads First Steps: 1 e4 e5
Do you want to learn chess or improve your chess skills? Do you love books but hate spending money on them? If you answered yes to both questions, then you are in luck. In this article, I'm going to show you how to download one of the best chess books for beginners and intermediate players for free. The book is called First Steps: 1 e4 e5 by John Emms. It's a comprehensive guide to the most popular opening in chess, the king's pawn opening. You will learn everything you need to know about this opening, from the basic principles and ideas to the most common variations and traps. You will also learn how to apply your knowledge in practical games and how to improve your overall chess skills. By the end of this article, you will have access to this amazing book and a wealth of other resources to help you become a better chess player.
Free textbook downloads First Steps: 1 e4 e5
What is First Steps: 1 e4 e5?
First Steps: 1 e4 e5 is a chess book written by John Emms, a grandmaster and an experienced chess coach. It was published in 2016 by Everyman Chess as part of their First Steps series, which aims to provide beginners and intermediate players with a solid foundation in various aspects of chess. The book covers the king's pawn opening, which begins with the moves 1.e4 e5. This is the most common opening in chess history, played by many world champions and grandmasters. It leads to a wide range of positions, from quiet and positional to sharp and tactical. The book explains the main ideas and themes behind each move, as well as the typical plans and strategies for both sides. It also gives examples of famous games and instructive puzzles to illustrate the concepts. The book has 10 chapters, each focusing on a different variation or system within the king's pawn opening. Each chapter ends with a summary and a set of exercises to test your understanding.
Why should you read First Steps: 1 e4 e5?
There are many reasons why you should read First Steps: 1 e4 e5 if you want to learn chess or improve your chess skills. Here are some of them:
It's a comprehensive and accessible book. The book covers all the important variations and systems within the king's pawn opening, from the classical Ruy Lopez and Italian Game to the modern Petrov and Berlin Defence. It also covers some less common but interesting options, such as the Scotch Game and the King's Gambit. The book is written in a clear and simple language, with diagrams and annotations to help you follow the moves and understand the ideas. The book is suitable for players of all levels, from beginners who want to learn the basics of chess openings to intermediate players who want to deepen their knowledge and skills.
It's a practical and useful book. The book teaches you how to play the king's pawn opening in real games, not just in theory. It shows you how to handle different types of positions and situations, such as equal, better, worse, or unclear. It also shows you how to deal with common mistakes and pitfalls, such as blunders, traps, or transpositions. The book gives you tips and advice on how to choose the best moves and plans, as well as how to avoid or exploit your opponent's weaknesses. The book also helps you improve your overall chess skills, such as calculation, evaluation, decision-making, and creativity.
It's a fun and enjoyable book. The book is not only informative but also entertaining. It features many beautiful and instructive games and puzzles, from historical classics to modern masterpieces. It also includes some anecdotes and trivia about the players and the openings. The book is designed to stimulate your interest and curiosity about chess, as well as your passion and enthusiasm for learning and playing.
How to download First Steps: 1 e4 e5 for free?
Now that you know what First Steps: 1 e4 e5 is and why you should read it, you might be wondering how to get it for free. After all, buying a new chess book can be expensive, especially if you want to buy more than one. Fortunately, there are several ways to download this book legally and safely without spending a dime. Here are some of them:
Online PDFs
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to download First Steps: 1 e4 e5 for free is to find an online PDF file of the book. A PDF file is a digital format that preserves the layout and content of the original book. You can view it on any device that supports PDF readers, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones. You can also print it out if you prefer a hard copy.
There are many websites that offer free PDF downloads of chess books, including First Steps: 1 e4 e5. However, not all of them are reliable or legal. Some of them may contain viruses or malware that can harm your device or steal your personal information. Some of them may also violate the copyright laws or the terms of service of the publishers or authors. Therefore, you should be careful and selective when choosing which website to download from.
Here are some tips on how to find a safe and legal website to download First Steps: 1 e4 e5 for free:
Use a reputable search engine, such as Google or Bing, to look for keywords like "First Steps: 1 e4 e5 PDF" or "First Steps: 1 e4 e5 free download".
Check the domain name and the URL of the website. Avoid websites that have suspicious or unfamiliar domain names or extensions, such as .ru, .cn, .tk, .biz, .info, etc. Also avoid websites that have long or complicated URLs that contain random letters or numbers.
Check the reviews and ratings of the website. Look for feedback from other users who have downloaded from the website before. See if they have positive or negative comments about the quality, speed, safety, or legality of the website.
Check the file size and format of the PDF file. Make sure that it matches the original book specifications. For example, First Steps: 1 e4 e5 has 304 pages and weighs about 15 MB. If the file size is too small or too large, it may indicate that it is incomplete or corrupted. Also make sure that it is in PDF format, not in other formats like .exe, .zip, .rar, etc.
E-books
Another way to download First Steps: 1 e4 e5 for free is to find an e-book version of the book. An e-book is a digital format that can be read on various devices, such as e-book readers, tablets, or smartphones. You can also adjust the font size, brightness, or orientation of the e-book to suit your preferences.
There are many websites that offer free e-book downloads of chess books, including First Steps: 1 e4 e5. However, as with online PDFs, not all of them are trustworthy or legal. Some of them may contain viruses or malware that can harm your device or steal your personal information. Some of them may also violate the copyright laws or the terms of service of the publishers or authors. Therefore, you should be careful and selective when choosing which website to download from.
Here are some tips on how to find a safe and legal website to download First Steps: 1 e4 e5 for free:
Use a reputable search engine, such as Google or Bing, to look for keywords like "First Steps: 1 e4 e5 e-book" or "First Steps: 1 e4 e5 free download".
Check the domain name and the URL of the website. Avoid websites that have suspicious or unfamiliar domain names or extensions, such as .ru, .cn, .tk, .biz, .info, etc. Also avoid websites that have long or complicated URLs that contain random letters or numbers.
Check the reviews and ratings of the website. Look for feedback from other users who have downloaded from the website before. See if they have positive or negative comments about the quality, speed, safety, or legality of the website.
Check the file size and format of the e-book file. Make sure that it matches the original book specifications. For example, First Steps: 1 e4 e5 has 304 pages and weighs about 15 MB. If the file size is too small or too large, it may indicate that it is incomplete or corrupted. Also make sure that it is in a compatible format for your device, such as .epub, .mobi, .pdf, etc.
Scan the e-book file with an antivirus software before opening it. This will help you detect and remove any potential threats or infections.
Audiobooks
A third way to download First Steps: 1 e4 e5 for free is to find an audiobook version of the book. An audiobook is a digital format that can be listened to on various devices, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, or mp3 players. You can also adjust the volume, speed, or pitch of the audiobook to suit your preferences.
There are many websites that offer free audiobook downloads of chess books, including First Steps: 1 e4 e5. However, as with online PDFs and e-books, not all of them are reliable or legal. Some of them may contain viruses or malware that can harm your device or steal your personal information. Some of them may also violate the copyright laws or the terms of service of the publishers or authors. Therefore, you should be careful and selective when choosing which website to download from.
Here are some tips on how to find a safe and legal website to download First Steps: 1 e4 e5 for free:
Use a reputable search engine, such as Google or Bing, to look for keywords like "First Steps: 1 e4 e5 audiobook" or "First Steps: 1 e4 e5 free download".
Check the domain name and the URL of the website. Avoid websites that have suspicious or unfamiliar domain names or extensions, such as .ru, .cn, .tk, .biz, .info, etc. Also avoid websites that have long or complicated URLs that contain random letters or numbers.
speed, safety, or legality of the website.
Check the file size and format of the audiobook file. Make sure that it matches the original book specifications. For example, First Steps: 1 e4 e5 has 304 pages and weighs about 15 MB. If the file size is too small or too large, it may indicate that it is incomplete or corrupted. Also make sure that it is in a compatible format for your device, such as .mp3, .wav, .aac, etc.
Scan the audiobook file with an antivirus software before opening it. This will help you detect and remove any potential threats or infections.
How to use First Steps: 1 e4 e5 effectively?
Now that you have downloaded First Steps: 1 e4 e5 for free, you might be wondering how to use it effectively. After all, downloading a book is not enough to learn chess or improve your chess skills. You need to read it carefully, understand it deeply, and apply it practically. Here are some tips on how to use First Steps: 1 e4 e5 effectively:
Read the book carefully
The first and most important tip is to read the book carefully. Don't just skim through the pages or skip the parts that seem boring or difficult. Read every word and every sentence with attention and concentration. Try to grasp the main ideas and themes behind each move and variation. Try to visualize the board and the pieces in your mind as you follow the moves and annotations. Try to think critically and creatively as you read the book. Ask yourself questions like: Why did the author choose this move? What are the alternatives? What are the pros and cons of each move? How does this move affect the position and the plan? How would I play in this situation? What would my opponent do?
Reading the book carefully will help you improve your chess knowledge and understanding. You will learn new concepts and principles that will guide your thinking and decision-making in chess. You will also learn new techniques and tricks that will enhance your tactical and strategic skills.
Solve the exercises
The second tip is to solve the exercises at the end of each chapter. The exercises are designed to test your understanding and application of the material covered in the chapter. They are also designed to challenge your calculation and evaluation skills. The exercises range from easy to hard, from simple to complex, from direct to subtle. Some of them are based on real games or puzzles, while others are original or hypothetical situations.
Solving the exercises will help you improve your chess practice and performance. You will reinforce what you have learned from the book and discover what you still need to learn or improve. You will also train your brain to think faster and deeper in chess. You will develop your intuition and creativity in finding the best moves and plans.
Play online or offline
The third tip is to play online or offline games using the king's pawn opening. Playing games is the best way to apply what you have learned from the book and see how it works in real situations. Playing games will also help you gain experience and confidence in using this opening against different opponents and styles.
You can play online games on various websites or apps that offer chess services, such as chess.com, lichess.org, chess24.com, etc. You can choose from different time controls, modes, and ratings. You can also chat with other players, watch live games, analyze your games, and join tournaments.
You can also play offline games with your friends, family, or club members. You can use a physical board and pieces or a digital board and pieces. You can set your own rules and conditions for the game. You can also discuss your moves and thoughts with your opponent after the game.
Playing online or offline games will help you improve your chess fun and enjoyment. You will have fun playing chess with other people who share your passion and interest. You will also have fun exploring new positions and possibilities with this opening.
What are some other resources to learn chess?
the king's pawn opening. However, it is not the only resource that you can use to learn chess or improve your chess skills. There are many other resources that you can use to complement or supplement your learning from this book. Here are some of them:
Books
Books are one of the best and most traditional resources to learn chess or improve your chess skills. There are thousands of books on various topics and aspects of chess, from openings and endgames to tactics and strategy. You can find books for different levels and goals, from beginners and intermediate players to advanced and professional players. You can also find books for different formats and styles, from textbooks and manuals to biographies and stories.
Here are some of the best books that you can read to learn chess or improve your chess skills:
Title
Author
Description
The Amateur's Mind: Turning Chess Misconceptions into Chess Mastery
Jeremy Silman
A book that teaches you how to think like a master by correcting the common errors and misconceptions that plague amateur players.
Logical Chess: Move by Move: Every Move Explained
Irving Chernev
A book that explains the logic and reasoning behind every move in 33 classic games, showing you how to play simple and effective chess.
My System: 21st Century Edition
Aron Nimzowitsch
A book that introduces the modern principles and concepts of positional chess, such as prophylaxis, overprotection, blockade, and restraint.
The Art of Attack in Chess
Vladimir Vukovic
A book that teaches you how to attack the enemy king by identifying the signs, patterns, and methods of various types of attacks.
Endgame Strategy
Mikhail Shereshevsky
A book that shows you how to play the endgame by understanding the general principles and specific techniques of different endgame scenarios.
The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal
Mikhail Tal
A book that tells the story and shows the games of one of the greatest and most creative chess players of all time.
Websites
Websites are another great and modern resource to learn chess or improve your chess skills. There are hundreds of websites that offer various services and features related to chess, such as news, analysis, puzzles, games, etc. You can access these websites anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. You can also interact with other users and experts who can help you with your questions and doubts.
Here are some of the best websites that you can visit to learn chess or improve your chess skills:
Name
URL
Description
A website that offers everything you need to enjoy chess, such as articles, videos, lessons, puzzles, games, tournaments, etc.
A website that offers a free and open-source platform for playing and learning chess, with features such as analysis board, tactics trainer, study tool, etc.
A website that offers premium content and services for chess enthusiasts, such as live broadcasts, commentary, courses, banter blitzes, etc.
A website that offers a powerful database and software for chess research and analysis, as well as news, reports, interviews, etc.
A website that offers a variety of puzzles and problems for improving your tactical and endgame skills, as well as a rating system and a forum.
Videos
Videos are another excellent and popular resource to learn chess or improve your chess skills. There are thousands of videos on various topics and aspects of chess, from openings and endgames to tactics and strategy. You can watch these videos on different platforms and channels, such as YouTube, Twitch, etc. You can also choose from different formats and styles, from lectures and tutorials to games and commentary.
Here are some of the best videos that you can watch to learn chess or improve your chess skills:
Title
Channel
Description
Beginner to Chess Master
ChessNetwork
A series of videos that covers the fundamentals and essentials of chess, from the rules and notation to the basic tactics and strategy.
Climbing the Rating Ladder
John Bartholomew
A series of videos that shows how to play against different levels of opponents, from 800 to 2200, highlighting the common mistakes and themes at each level.
Chess Fundamentals
Chessbrah
A series of videos that teaches the core principles and concepts of chess, such as development, center control, king safety, etc.
Power Play Chess
Daniel King
A series of videos that analyzes the most interesting and instructive games and puzzles from recent events and history.
Chess Endgames for Beginners
thechesswebsite
A series of videos that explains the most important and common endgame scenarios and techniques, such as king and pawn endings, rook endings, etc.
The Life of a Chess Grandmaster
GothamChess
A series of videos that shows the behind-the-scenes and personal aspect