Chess Exam And Training Guide: Rate Yourself And Learn How To Improve

Introduction

Chess is a game of infinite possibilities, but every player hits a plateau where progress seems to stall. For Indian chess enthusiasts—whether you're a college student in Chennai, a working professional in Bengaluru, or a young prodigy in Mumbai—the question is always the same: How good am I really, and what should I do to improve? Chess Exam And Training Guide: Rate Yourself And Learn How To Improve by Igor Khmelnitsky is the definitive answer to that question. This hardbound volume from Iamcoach Publishing is not just another chess book; it's a personal coach that helps you diagnose your strengths, pinpoint your weaknesses, and chart a clear path forward.

Book Overview

This book offers a structured, exam-style approach to self-evaluation. Instead of generic advice, you get a rigorous test of 200 questions spread across 100 diagrams, designed to simulate real-game decisions. Your answers are then scored and compared against players rated from unrated all the way up to 2400+. The result? A detailed report card that assigns you a rating not only overall but across 12 distinct chess categories. From opening play to endgame technique, from tactical sharpness to strategic depth, every facet of your game is measured. The training recommendations that follow are tailored to your specific profile, making this one of the most practical chess tools available today.

Key Highlights

• 200 carefully crafted questions covering every phase of the game
• 100 full-colour diagrams for easy study away from the board
• Statistical comparisons against players of all levels, including grandmasters
• Rating evaluation in 12 distinct categories: Opening, Middlegame, Endgame, Attack, Defence, Counterattack, Tactics, Strategy, Calculations, Standard Positions (Endgame), Sacrifices, and Recognising Threats
• Comprehensive reports with examples, training drills, and curated book recommendations
• Hardcover format built to last through years of study

Inside the Book

Open the cover and you'll find a systematic journey. The book begins with clear instructions on how to take the exam—no fluff, just a straightforward test. Each question presents a diagram and a multiple-choice scenario. You record your answers, then flip to the answer key for detailed explanations. Every solution includes the distribution of answers from real players, so you see how your choice compares to a 1600-rated player versus a 2000-rated master. The final chapters break down your performance by category, offering specific training exercises and suggested reading material for each area of weakness. The book even includes a section on how to interpret your results and create a personalised study plan.

Key Topics

• Opening principles and common traps
• Middlegame planning and positional understanding
• Endgame fundamentals and standard positions
• Attacking techniques and defensive resources
• Counterattacking under pressure
• Tactical motifs and calculation methods
• Strategic concepts like pawn structure and piece activity
• Sacrificial play for initiative and mate
• Threat recognition and prophylactic thinking

Reader Benefits

By working through this book, you gain more than just a rating estimate. You learn to see your own blind spots—the kind of positions where you consistently make mistakes. The statistical data helps you understand where you stand relative to your peers. The training recommendations save you from wasting time on irrelevant drills. Instead of randomly solving puzzles, you focus on the exact areas that need improvement. The book also builds confidence: when you see your score improve on a second pass, you know your training is working. For Indian students preparing for tournaments or simply wanting to beat their friends at the local chess club, this is an invaluable resource.

Learning Outcomes

• Accurately assess your current playing strength with a verified rating
• Identify your top three weaknesses and turn them into strengths
• Understand how grandmasters think by comparing your answers to theirs
• Develop a personalised training plan using the book's category-specific recommendations
• Improve your calculation and pattern recognition through targeted exercises
• Gain a systematic approach to studying chess that works for any level

Who Should Read

This book is for every chess player who is serious about getting better. Whether you are a club player rated around 1200, an aspiring tournament competitor at 1800, or even a strong expert at 2000, the exam scales with you. Coaches and trainers will find it an excellent diagnostic tool for their students. Parents of young chess players in India will appreciate the structured feedback that takes the guesswork out of improvement. Even unrated beginners who have played for a few months can take the test and get a baseline. The only prerequisite is a basic understanding of chess rules—no advanced theory needed.

About the Author

Igor Khmelnitsky is a FIDE Master and a highly respected chess coach with decades of experience. He has trained players from beginner to master level and is known for his methodical, data-driven approach. His unique insight into how players of different ratings think comes from years of analysing thousands of games and teaching students worldwide. With this book, he distills that expertise into a self-contained system that anyone can use. His writing is clear, direct, and focused on results—no unnecessary jargon, just practical wisdom.

About the Publisher

Iamcoach Publishing is dedicated to producing high-quality chess literature that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Every title is crafted with the serious student in mind, offering actionable content rather than passive reading. Their books are used by chess federations, academies, and individual players around the world. This hardcover edition reflects their commitment to durability and premium production values, making it a lasting addition to any chess library.

Conclusion

Chess Exam And Training Guide: Rate Yourself And Learn How To Improve is more than a book—it is a mirror that shows you your chess self. For Indian players who want to stop guessing and start growing, this is the perfect companion. Pick up your copy from Bookshops.in today and take the first step toward mastering the 64 squares.