Chess for the Gifted and Busy

You choose the level you want to achieve. Want to go from absolute beginner to neighborhood champ? Complete Level I in an afternoon, play some practice games-and you'll quickly be saying "checkmate"! When you're ready to become a tough tournament competitor, Level II cuts through the mysteries of strategy and tactics to show you just what you need to know. And, if you decide that you won't settle for anything less than being an Expert, near the top levels of tournament chess, Level III delivers all the essential knowledge!

Chess for the Gifted and Busy is a condensed but comprehensive summary of the entire Comprehensive Chess Course series, also available from W.W. Norton.