The New Mahjong 
  by D B Pritchard

The game of mahjong (sparrow), also known as the game of Four Winds, is derived from traditional Chinese card games. Lacking any international authority, it has up to the present been played in scores of different ways throughout the world.

In 1998 the Chinese government declared mahjong to be an official sport and published a unique set of rules, defining 81 scoring hands and designed to standardize the game throughout the country. In 2002 these rules were adopted in the first World Championship, held in Tokyo, which attracted players from many countries and they were formally declared to be the official rules for all future international events.

Previous forms of the game will in time inevitably be replaced by the new mahjong. This book explains the 81 scoring hands and the rules governing them. It is, therefore, as well as being ideal for beginners, essential reading for mahjong players everywhere.

  Pick of the Best Chess Problems
  by B P Barnes

These problems obey explicitly the rules of chess and, if you know the moves of the pieces, solving them will be well within your capabilities. That is not to say they are easy to solve - they vary. The pleasure of problem chess lies not in the difficulty of solution, but in an appreciation of how White wins. There are no dull draws here, only exciting mate finishes!

The author, Barry Barnes, is an international Master and Judge of the FIDE for Chess Composition, its ex-1st Vice president and Honorary Life Member. He edited the two-move problems in the specialist magazine The Problemist for 34 years.

  The Right Way to Play Chess
  by D B Pritchard

Chess is the most popular indoor game in the world, and The Right Way to Play Chess has now served as tutor to generations of readers.

In this tenth revised version, D B Pritchard draws new inspiration from the latest developments in the game. Yet, because the basics remain invariable, Pritchard's teaching method retains its unique pre-eminence and authority.

The book is now established as the Standard Work on the subject. It is planned to take the complete beginner to the grade expected of a good club player. The journey is a pleasant one!

Some reviews which hailed earlier editions:
Sunday Times " . . . remarkable"
The Observer " . . . easy"
Yorkshire Post "Chess without tears . . . "

  Begin Chess
  by D B Pritchard

Begin Chess is no ordinary book. It is a bombshell of brilliant ideas which the author has developed over many years of teaching chess to the young and not so young. It delves right to the heart of every problem that confronts the beginner, and explains each difficulty with relentless clarity.

The book is simple enough to be understood by children. It is clear, authoritative - and revolutionary. No insight is needed to understand why it has been acclaimed as a classic and published all over the English-speaking world as well as being translated into many languages.

David Pritchard is acknowledged as one of Britain's top chess writers, and as a player he has held many titles.

  Begin Backgammon
  by J du C Vere Molyneux

This book is for the complete beginner at backgammon. In simple language, and illustrated with plenty of diagrams, it introduces this exciting, popular game at all its levels.

Whether you are looking for a pleasant family pastime or a competitive gambling game, backgammon can supply the answer.

The combination of skill and luck that is at its heart enables players of differing skill and aptitude to play together without boredom or one-sided results.

Covering the rules of the game, elementary tactics and overall strategy (including dice probabilities and gambling aspects such as the right use of the doubling cube), sample games are used to show the theory in practice.

Alternative games that can be played on the backgammon board are also included.