The Chess Match Log Book: Record Moves, Write Analysis, And Draw Key Positions For Up To 50 Games Of Chess

THE CHESS MATCH LOG BOOK by Chris McMullen just arrived in today's mail and I have not yet had a chance to put it to use but liked it so much that I immediately thought I should buy a few more before it goes out of print. It is a well thought out, 8"X10", 158 page soft-cover book that accommodates 50 games with a 3 page format for each game. It begins with 5 pages of explanations and examples of use.The first page of each game allows you to not only record basic identifying data such as what match, date and who is white and Black but, also, opening, variation, opening comments, style of game, White's strategy, Black's strategy and 12 lines for additional comments.The second page is set up for 83 numbered moves (1/2 move each for White and Black) in three vertical columns but without space to enter any commentary right next to each move for a move by move self-analysis which, for me, would have made it perfect.The third page has 6 numbered blank chess diagrams each with numbers on the left and lower case letters at the bottom and each labeled "_____ to play" and there are additional lines on this page for further notes.SUPER CLEAR!! McMullen, evidently, is sharing with us a vision of all that is missing from other such products including having sufficient space for meaningful commentary ... though greedy me would like even more. I am not sure what is the best number of moves to provide space for but 83 moves may allow more than enough moves to cover most situations without overkill (many similar products stop at 60 moves per game while some others go to 120).The space for commentary and 6 diagrams are really what makes it different from others that I have seen that allow the recording of moves and very little else (I have seen products with 1 diagram).I could easily see using it with a game against my computer or a person - casual or tournament, to facilitate working on a particular aspect of my chess play as this would help to clearly identify weaknesses and strengths and to monitor progress.A smaller size might be a better fit in some of these chess bags that have a space for a notebook but I am not sure a smaller size would allow as clear and logical a format but it is quite possible to get very good use from this book by leaving it home for post-game analysis later and copying into it after one has had time to study the game since much of the information for which it gives space really needs careful thought.The binding seems well glued but it does seem to be just glued not sewn; of course, this means there may be trouble in repeatedly trying to open it flat to write. There is no free lunch as I have found that spiral and loose leaf type books also lose pages though they do lie flat; a hardcover, sewn option might be more durable.So, a hard cover, sewn version with space for move by move commentary, everything else remaining the same, would have made it, for me, a 5 star product.As is, I like it.

The concept is good, but the layout can be better.I like the empty diagrams to record key positions during the game.What I did not like:First is you want to annotate your chess games you want to do it following standard guidelines. The book has (in every page) some pointer such as:Style of the gameWhithe's strategyBlack's strategyI rather prefer empty space to analyze the game in my own terms such as:Opening, early middle game, middlegame, transition to endgame, endgame.Second, for some reason the author put his name in every single page. I do not know what is the practical purpose of this (it is distracting)Third, on page 5 the author shows an example of how to use the book. My rating is not very high (1934) but any of my students, even a beginner annotate a game like this. if the author's intention was to suggest how to annotate a game, this was clearly a missed opportunity. This is very sad since only players that are serious about improving their chess spend time with annotations.In summary, this not a bad product, if you want pointer on how to annotate a game search online, couple of master have nice and free examples.Good luck with your chess!

Learning how to play chess

It's a great idea but:- there should have more space for game notes.- the first page of every game log starts alternately at the left and right hand side of the book. This is very annoying and confusing.

This has everything you need to record your matches. The first few pages give you a quick tutorial on how to make notations and then it sets you free into chess game heaven. Lot's of space for notes, and moves.

We bought it before the big tournament and my kid is delighted to use it. The book is not flimsy, does not loose leafs, there is plenty space for game analysis and comments.

This a very good documentation book that both my son and I enjoy for recording chess games. I highly recommend the book.

was expecting a different style

Rewriting the review as it does not seem to have been displayedExpected: chess log book that can store 50 gamesActual: Chess log book that stores 51 Games (one game is used up as an example of how to use the book)Book is a bit large (Aprox: 20cm * 24cm),this means when you open it up (& place it next to your chess board) you need at least 40cm width (next to the board) to write on

The book is large and has good sections for notes on Blacks and Whites strategy as well as lots blank boards to draw positions on.It is a little large for a chess score sheet book. I once purchased a hard back one which I liked better.

This a gift for a good friend. Having used it extensively he's clearly very happy with it! Nice idea!

Given as present, and well-received