For the devoted chess player who wants to try some of the ancient (how ancient no one agrees) and regional (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Burmese, Thai, etc.) forms of chess, Mr. Gallon has assembled a great many of them. After each variation has been explained, one or two sample games are shown (which the author usually wins). Before you can play, you will have to make your own pieces and boards, but instructions are given. However, the mandarin fancier may just want to read about them.