Charles Hertan

Charles Hertan lives near Northampton, Massachusetts with his wife Rhonda and daughter Emma. His groundbreaking book Forcing Chess Moves, exploring the thought processes behind master tactics, won the prestigious 2008 Chess Café Book of the Year Award. He followed that up with three chess books for children, the acclaimed series Power Chess for Kids Vols. 1&2, which teach kids the basics of thinking ahead and winning the opponent's pieces; and Basic Chess Openings for Kids, which covers the important ideas behind starting the game right. His latest work is a beginner's book for kids, Start Playing Chess! Learn the Rules of the Royal Game. Hertan prefers a kid-friendly approach with lively humor and dialogue, and cartoon characters who act as guides and coaches. His four decades as a chess coach and professional psychotherapist give him a special interest in explaining chess concepts and analysis in a clear, entertaining, and understandable manner. Mr. Hertan wrote a regular column for New In Chess Magazine, and also has extensive editing experience, including stints as game editor for Chess Horizons, and producing and editing a book of poetry, Dream Catcher: Selected Poems by Lynn Kernan, also available on Amazon. Visit Power Chess for Kids on Facebook, and the New In Chess website, for updates on Hertan's work.