Five Days to Better Chess: Essential Tools teaches content and process. It advocates a process of chess improvement that begins with the endgame, works through the middlegame, and then develops openings. This process repeats over and over again as a chess player improves from beginner to tournament player, then grows into a strong tournament player, and continues to rise from there. The content of this book stresses fundamental checkmates, endgame techniques, tactics, and strategy that lift beginners to strong tournament players.
With this solid foundation, readers are able to develop and hone an effective opening repertoire. Study of miniatures and great games further strengthen skills in all aspects of the game. As a player improves, the process of study from the end of the game back to the beginning cycles through more advanced lessons. The first half of this book—building a foundation in endings and middlegames—targets players up to C Class (1400-1600). The units on openings and great games in the second half build up from there.
195 exercises with solutions supplement the instruction.