Test, Evaluate and Improve Your Chess: A Knowledge-based Approach

Dr Danny Kopec has a Ph.D. in Computer Science, with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence. He recently co-authored a textbook with Stephen Lucci entitled “Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century (590 pages, www.merclearning.com, 2013) . He first learned about artificial intelligence through his research in computer chess. He has published seven chess books and produced eight highly acclaimed DVD’s totaling 18.5 hours. Since 1980 he has been bridging these interests through testing of hundreds of humans and computer programs on the knowledge-based aspects of problem positions in all phases of play, at all levels. For 16 years (between 1994 and 2009) the co-authors employed these tests on human subjects of all ages helping to identify their strengths and good directions for teaching and training. Test Evaluate and Improve Your Chess (3rd edition, 2013) represents the summary of Dr. Kopec’s efforts to help chessplayers understand and acquire the knowledge necessary to achieve chess mastery. NM Hal Terrie is a Life and Correspondence Master whose tournament career spans many years, during which he has defeated and drawn a number of titled players. A well known New England chess promoter and tournament organizer, he has organized and directed scores of tournaments, including two New England Championships. He served for seven years as Associate Director of Kopec’s Chess Camp. He is also a private instructor, who twice coached scholastic teams to first place finishes. Terrie has had several students who appeared on top 50 rating lists for their age group, and one who subsequently went on to become a GM.