From Square 1 to 800
Pretty much anything a new player might want to know is covered. The text is accompanied by simple diagrams and puzzles at appropriate points, which help to illustrate basic concepts such as piece movement, checkmates, and elementary tactics.
This method of learning seems ideal for adults or older children who have the patience to take their time understanding the rules and ideas presented without feeling a need to play immediately. Alternately, Let's Play Chess seems perfect for instructors who are working with students who have never played chess before. The very logical layout ensures nothing is left out, and every important point is covered before moving on to more advanced material.
Of course, this method has its limitations; some readers may feel that the material moves too slowly for them, while others might prefer a more "organic" learning style rather than the coldly logical step-by-step approach. However, this isn't so much a flaw as a design decision. Pandolfini's work teaches chess in a far different way than most instructional books; this is much more helpful to the chess community that another book for beginners that resembles the hundreds of others on the market.
Recommendation
Let's Play Chess is certainly a unique take on teaching chess basics, and covers everything a beginner needs to know to begin his or her chess journey. There are better options out there for young children, or those who enjoy learning by doing and have an experienced player to guide them. On the other hand, it may be exactly the book for those who like having things laid out logically in a step-by-step format, or for teachers who want a textbook that will make organizing early lessons for children a snap.
