Party Supplies Toy - Coloring Castle

Party Supplies - Coloring Castle*
From Birthday Express

Customer Reviews

It's a great party toy
We had this at our twins' second birthday party, and all of the kids loved it. They loved crawling through the doorway and being inside, and they loved scribbling all over it. It doesn't travel very easily after it's been set up, but it was a really fun thing to have at our party!

cardboard castle
this toy is very hard to put together and not very durable. however, it was fun to color and the cost was good.

Product Description

Party Supplies - A royally fun party activity for girls and boys. Kids enjoy hours of fun coloring and then playing inside and around the outside of this cardboard castle. Measures 32"H, with open-air courtyard so kids can stand up in the middle. Easy assembly.

LAZERTAG Multiplayer Battle System - Top Christmas Toys

LAZERTAG Multiplayer Battle System
From Hasbro - Freight Collect

Customer Reviews

Laser Tag
This was a Christmas present for my Grandson who is 10. He had it out of the box and was playing with it all day. He was very happy with the way it worked and had lots of fun sharing it with his cousin. Seemed very durable for the older kids if used correctly.

Excellent toy for an 11 and 15 year old.
I brought this set for my 11 year olds birthday. They have had so much fun with it. I have had to keep a supply of batteries on hand because it is his first choice of toy everyday. Either the neigbhors or cousins of my 15 year old sons plays with him everyday. They play in the basement and outside. It was a great investment. It is the only thing that got him off the sofa from playing video games.


RJones

Outdoor Fun!
The guns are well-made, simple to use, and provide a good alternative to what might be an otherwise boring workout routine! What's really nice is that they are backward compatible with earlier models of Hasbro Lazer Tag weapons. I play with a small group about once per month, and are able to use all models without compatibility issues. While having two guns is fun by itself, you may want to consider picking up two sets of these to make gameplay even more exciting. Finally, though each weapon can be set to play two teams against each other, if one places the sliding switch between team 1 and team 2, you can accommodate a third team!

Features

• Tag or be tagged in this intense, real-life lazer combat game!
• Complete two-player system lets you battle in intense real-life lazer combat with two or more players (additional taggers sold separately).
• Train your tagging skills in single player mode with the video-game attachment!ou want
• Customize you firing power with the SHOT BLAST attachment!
• Includes 2 PHOENIX LTX taggers, 2 SHOT BLAST attachments, 2 PINPOINT SIGHT targeting units and 1 video game module.

ChessCentral Timekeeper Chess Clock and Game Timer

ChessCentral Timekeeper Chess Clock and Game Timer
From ChessCentral

Customer Reviews

Wow!
I thought this was a misprint. Now that I received it, it's gotta be a misprint. This timer is so much better than the price. It's so much better than any other quartz clocks available on Amazon.

It's o.k.
Works fine and is quite durable. My only regret is that I should have bought a digital instead. The flags don't drop on the minute, instead they just kind of hang up for anywhere from 15-45 seconds after the time is up.

An adequate timer, leaves a little to be desired
This is an adequate timer, and it does its job. There were just a few things which I found disappointing. First of all, it is larger than I was expecting: 4 inches by 7 inches by 2 inches. Second, the sound made when pressing the buttons to switch the timers is not very pleasant; it is a pretty loud and plastic-sounding snap. Thirdly, if you press the buttons halfway down, instead of causing both clocks to stop (which is useful for rules challenges, for example), it causes both clocks to run -- not very useful! You have to flip the power switch on the back off to stop both clocks.

That being said, it is a reasonable clock for amateur use, and the seller was great: very prompt shipment (I placed my order on Sunday and received the product on Wednesday), and they even threw in a battery for free.

Features

• Now you can own a stylish chess clock in black at a terrific price! No more over-winding problems.
• This battery-operated Quartz analog clock is an economical chess clock which is reliable, accurate, and sturdy.
• No more guessing on time because this clock has a large, easy-to-read display.
• This clock is perfect for schools, clubs or tournament play. No more over-winding problems. Uses 1 AA battery (not included).
• You get a user friendly game timer with Quartz accuracy at an unbeatable price!

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Chess Tactics for Kids - Best Christmas Gifts

Chess Tactics for Kids
By Murray Chandler

Customer Reviews

Great Tactics Intro
This book is a very good introduction to a number of essential tactical concepts. For novice players looking to improve quickly, attention to the lessons in this book will be a big help. The lessons build from simple concepts to more complex motifs in a logical manner, which makes the material easy to grasp.

I recommend the book.

Chess tactics and combinations to make you a more powerful player quickly!
This is a great book that compliments "How to Beat Your Dad at Chess." It covers various chess tactics that come up or can be created to win material, gain positional advantages and impose checkmate.

Overall, the book is highly readable with good diagrams and easy to follow text. It is thorough in covering important and commonly used tactics, but not overwhelming for new players.

I think Chess Tactics for Kids is a misnomer in a sense since this book is appropriate for almost any adult and probably wouldn't be very useful to kids under 12 years old unless they have more than a casual interest in chess. However, younger kids could certainly grow into it as their interest peaks and they master more fundamental skills.

I've been playing chess for years and got a lot out of this book. I think it's perfect for teenagers and highly recommend it to adults who have not read seriously on chess and are somewhat intimidated or bored by move-by-move type chess books. I also recommend it to younger kids with more advanced chess skills or who are serious doing their homework to improve their skills.

I wish this book was available when I was learning to play chess. It would have saved me a lot of time learning things the hard way and wading through a lot of overly complicated move-by-move type books that I wasn't ready for.

Chess Tactics, Traps and Combination books - the best way to get better
When you are a beginner there is nothing better than studying books on Tactics, Traps and Combinations in chess. This is because the mind of a beginner can certainly understand 1 + 1 = 2. The value of the pieces is clear and coming out ahead can be calculated. This is a point that is a first step in learning chess! Tactics, at any point of the game are important to learn. Knowing what they are, how they work and recognizing them at a glance is necessary if you are going to become a good chess player. "CHESS TACTICS FOR KIDS" works on the most important starting tactics by showing you what they are and giving brief examples. This is not a tactics workbook where you will find hundreds of examples (a good book to get after this) or a traps book (a book also good to get) where you can see the tactics arise from the first move of the game. It is a book where you will learn the "mechanics" of the tactics. The brief chapter on each tactic is a great way to get started!

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New Excalibur Saber IV Electronic Chess Computer Review

New Excalibur Saber IV Electronic Chess Computer
From Excalibur Electronics

Customer Reviews

Great powerful chess computer and training tool
The Saber IV is powerful enough to beat a large majority of chess players in the world but it can also be set to low enough power level to keep the oponent interested. The estimated 1750 strength rating put this chess computer at a class A player level acording to U.S. Chess Federation, or just 2 levels below a Master level. For the beginner, you can set the play level to low enough level so you are competetive with the computer but as the player strength goes up you cna adjust the computer level upward to always have a worthy oponent and keep the game interesting. The portable size and the low price makes this the best investment in a chess set.

Ok
I had ordered this for my niece as a Christmas gift. I was confused on thinking it was one of the ones that talks to you. But It was my fault.

Educational
This Chess set is great for those who want a challenge,and for those who would like to step up there game.

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How to Beat Your Dad at Chess Book Review

How to Beat Your Dad at Chess (Gambit chess)
By Murray Chandler

Customer Reviews

Good bok, but not so much for beginners or little kids
Because my kids would like nothing more than to beat their dad at chess, I got this book for my 7 and 4 year old sons. The book does a great job explaining different types of mating patterns, but the explanations are too brief and too abstract for my kids. I learned a lot reading the book, but I'm not sure my kids did. The title makes it seem as if the book is for young children. It is really for intermediate to advanced players. For them, this is a great book. For little ones, I would not recommend it.

One of the best beginner to intermediate chess books available...
This book really improved my beginning chess. First, Chandler gives a great overview of why pattern recognition is important. Then he proceeds to show certain board set-ups to demonstrate various checkmating techniques. Don't be fooled by the title, this is a great book for all beginning chessplayers; more experienced players may already have seen this material, though probably not nearly so elegantly presented! When I began playing correspondence chess with some of my (equally matched) friends, this book did more for me than almost any other (some tactics books were also very helpful, and should be part of your learning experience). In fact, my recommendation would be to tell your friends about this book, but keep it secret from your chess enemies!

White Queen on E2 Complicates (breaks?) #8
I'm a weak player, but curious, so I set up both Chessmaster and Chess Genius with the layout shown for Damiano's Mate, the 8th Deadly Checkmate, but the first example from the introduction.

Neither engine cooperated with Chandler's script by taking 7.Kg1, because both recognized another option: While 7.Qh5 didn't change the outcome of the game, it extended it by nearly 60 moves!

It seems unlikely that this board position is (as Chandler describes) the same one where Grandmaster John Nunn recognized the winning combination in two seconds, because the white queen on e2 changes everything!

That doesn't mean the book is worthless, of course, but it does shake my faith in the author somewhat. If I were a GM, I would recognize the typo and move on; as a novice who is probably the target of this book, I find the gap between explanation and reality most confusing. Has this error been corrected in a revised edition?

Product Description

This is not just a book for kids - for 'Dad' read any opponent who beats you regularly! This book teaches the 50 Deadly Checkmates - basic attacking patterns that occur repeatedly in games between players of all standards.

Each mating motif is carefully and simply explained, and several illustrative examples are given. A final test enables the reader to grade his pattern recognition abilities, and the last chapter explains what to do if your Dad is Garry Kasparov.

Fun, instructive - and guaranteed to improve your game.

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ChessCentral's Chess Pieces - Christmas Gift for DAD

ChessCentral's Chess Pieces, Board and Tote Bag Starter Kit
From ChessCentral

Customer Reviews

Chess on the go
Another great starter package from ChessCentral, this package is good not just for weekend tournament or weekly club players, but also for people in search of a nice travel package (for business trips, family vacations, etc.). The carryall bag has ample room for the roll-up vinyl board and the "standard USCF" Staunton design plastic chess pieces. Regardless of whethre you're playing at a club, in weekend tournaments, or just want a set to carry along when you're on the run, this package offers an excellent value.

Great deal
I've bought a lot from Chesscentral thru Amazon. I lucked out when I got this one as it also came from Chesscentral. What a great product for a great price. I know you will love it.

Chess Central is amazing
I love it! The best tournament chess set at a low price. I have purchased several sets from other chess shops, but none have had the durability this set has (and all were much more expensive). The pieces are weighted, the chess board is indestructible and the bag holds it all plus a chess clock and score pad easily. Terrific!

Product Description

The Chess set- The Centurion Chess Set is a Staunton design full tournament-size and felt padded plastic chess set. Get the durability of impact resistant plastic along with the classic Staunton look. The Centurion chess set features a full 3.75" King with a stable base of 1.5" diameter. The perfect set for both club and tournament play - balanced and durable. The Board - This vinyl chess board is made to resist tears, spills, and daily abuse. The squares are blue and buff for the best contrast and visibility. You will love this lightweight, roll-up chessboard! It is easy to take to tournaments, clubs, or next door. Clear and legible algebraic notation, 20"x 20", with 2.25" square size meets all chess tournament standards. The Canvas Chess Bag - The Carry-All Chess Bag is the perfect answer for carrying and storing all of your chess equipment. The 21" x 8" carry-all chess bag is made of durable canvas and will hold a rolled-up chess board, a full set of chess pieces, scorebook, pens, and a chess clock. Very handsome and extremely durable.

25 Great Games for Friends and Family