Essential reading for every chess player that aspires to improve. A really important book, set out very clearly, extremely well organized. These mating patterns just vital, you need to be able to spot them quickly. GM Daniel King
Vladimir Barsky explores 1000 positions. He does that instructively by starting at the basis, the bare model, and then adding more pieces. The structure is an introduction explaining the pattern, some practical examples and then lots of exercises. An instructive book. International Master Hans Bohm, De Telegraaf
I like it that Barsky has made the effort to select games where the answer is not obvious, so it is not always the outrageous queen sacrifice that leads to checkmate. Each chapter has a discussion on mating patterns with titles such as Rook and Bishop, Queen and Knight and The Queen it is all very straightforward. The modern examples mean that there are lots familiar names compared to the popular but old Fred Reinfeld books. Another difference compared to the old puzzle classics is that these examples have been computer checked to make sure there is only one solution. A fun way to instantly improve. International Master Gary Lane, English Chess Federation Newsletter
A perfect book for those rated below 2400 who are looking to improve their abilities in this essential skill. Russian International Master Vladimir Barsky has written a first-rate guide organized around ten chapters, each dealing with different piece configurations (queen, rook and knight, rook and bishop, etc.) and how they can deliver checkmate. International Master John Donaldson