Can I Take It?

Can I Take It? A Beginner's Guide to Capturing in Chess by Dan Heisman and Laura Smith is an English-language beginner chess book that focuses on one of the most important practical questions in a game: when to take a piece, and how to make the exchange work in your favour.

What this book covers

The authors explain the basics of captures and exchanges in a clear, practical way. You learn not only how to tell whether a piece can be taken, but also how to judge the capture itself and choose the right move in the position.

The book also shows how to count attackers and defenders, and why that alone is not always enough to make the best decision. It is aimed at players who already know the rules and want to improve their tactical judgement in real games.

Why it is useful

This is a hands-on guide rather than a general overview. It concentrates on situations that come up again and again at the board, helping beginners make fewer simple mistakes and handle exchanges more confidently.

If you are looking for an English chess book for someone starting to learn tactics, this title also makes a thoughtful gift for a young player, a club student, or an adult who wants to strengthen the basics.

Edition information

• Language: English
• Authors: Dan Heisman, Laura Smith
• Binding: Paperback
• Pages: 88

Key details

• Product type: beginner chess book
• Title: Can I Take It? A Beginner's Guide to Capturing in Chess
• Authors: Dan Heisman and Laura Smith
• Language: English
• Subject: captures, exchanges and basic tactical decision-making
• Binding: paperback
• Pages: 88