Winner of the 2005 Fred Cramer Award (Chess Journalists of America)  for the best chess book!

Evaluation  ---->  Training Plan  ---->  Tournament Participation  ---->  Re-evaluation

I often compare a coach to a doctor. The doctor is being taught how to help with your problem, but the toughest challenge is to identify what it is. At his disposal the doctor has various tests that can compare where you stand with other people. Through the test, abnormalities will be displayed and the doctor will know what to focus on.

Well, the same idea here. I have collected answers from thousands of chess players of all levels (my students, friends, web site visitors etc...) to 100 exercises. The dataset I obtained is significant enough to provide credible answers.

You will get overall result and a breakdown into the 12 sub-reports: Opening, Middlegame, Endgame, Attack, Defense, Counterattack, Tactics, Strategy, Calculations, Standard Positions (Endgame), Sacrifices, Recognizing Threats.

Now you and/or your coach has at his fingertips the complete summary of your chess skills in the most important aspects of the game. What can you or he do next? Here are just a few options:

Ø      Identify weaknesses

Ø      Prioritize needs

Ø      Correct the problems

Ø      Check the progress

GM Jaan Ehlvest, former World Championship candidate:
"This book clearly shows what part of the game you may want to improve and then tells you how to do that. I recommend it to all my students."

GM Lev Alburt, former US Champion, Best-Selling author:
“Chess Exam and Training Guide is ideal book for chess players of all levels. Those who like the serious and scientific approach will focus on evaluating their skills via special testing. Others who prefer the lighter approach to studying chess will enjoy the no-nonsense explanations and excellent selection of problems. I am strongly recommending this book to my students.”  

GM Alex Yermolinsky, former US champion and a member of US Olympic team:
“I have often met Igor Khmelnitsky over the chess board throughout the last decade. He always impressed me with his understanding of the fine intricacies of the game. Now the secret is revealed. Read this book and learn how the different aspects of the game - strategy and tactics and knowledge of the endgame - come together to make a good all-around player. With patience and dedication you can travel down the same road.”

GM Kavalek writes in The Washington Post (02/14/2005):
"Khmelnitsky's book  is a delightful surprise...." 

GM Jonathan Rowson reviews for "New in Chess" 1, 2005: 
"I am happy to add my endorsement..."

International Master Igor Khmelnitsky is a 3-time participant in the exclusive U.S. Chess Championship, a winner of numerous tournaments in Europe and the United States. He is a very experienced chess coach and works with all levels of students.

Khmelnitsky is the author of Chess Exam Training Guide , coauthor of the curriculum Teaching Chess Step by Step (Kasparov Chess Foundation, 2006), and a contributor to the Wall Street Journal best-seller Masters of Success.