This book is unique since it covers a wide range of topics, ranging from notation to openings to complex endgame ideas. For beginners, there is a section on how the pieces move and the basic rules. More advanced players can skip this. In addition, this book uses algebraic notation. If this is not familiar, there is also a quick section for students to review. Large sections of the book are dedicated to checkmates and tactics, the two most important parts of the game for beginners. Learning to recognize these patters is the key to improvement for players starting out. Some of the puzzles may be quite difficult, but struggling through those problems will help students improve. Also included is a solid, yet simple opening repertoire for all players. The endgame section covers basic topics, starting from converting an extra Queen to more complex endgames such as the Lucena Position. At the end, there are a few annotated games to show principles discussed in the book in action.