Random House Children's Books
How a King Plays
How a King Plays
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ABOUT
Whether you're new to chess or a Grandmaster, there's something for everyone in chess phenom Oliver Boydell's new book of 64 chess tips, How a King Plays.
At only 11-years-old, Boydell has already been both a National Chess Champion and a New York City Chess Champion who's competed at numerous major scholastic chess events since he started playing at the age of 5.
Now, Boydell is lending his talents to the page as he shares some of his best tips that helped him become a star. Written in his signature concise and witty voice, Boydell offers players of all levels—from beginners to advanced—a different, creative tip on every page. An introduction from the author, inspirational quotes from chess greats, and a glossary of terms help round out this comprehensive and informative, fun guide.
Jam-packed with wisdom and imaginative gameplay, this compact and portable reference book can easily be taken on the go to a tournament, to the park, or anywhere you're traveling. How a King Plays is the ideal companion for anyone whose passion for chess can't be contained.
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STANDARD, PRIMARY, DM AND VARIANT COVERS
Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.
In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.
The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.
PRODUCT TYPES
Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:
Omnibus
- Large, hardcover collections
- Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
- Typically 800-1000+ pages
- Higher price point, often €100-€150
Oversized Hardcover (OHC)
- Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
- Collect shorter runs or story arcs
- Usually 300-600 pages
- Priced between €30-€50
Hardcover (HC)
- Standard-sized hardcover books
- Collect 6-12 issues typically
- Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
- Priced around €25-€35
Trade Paperback (TP)
- Softcover collections
- Standard comic book size
- Usually collect 4-6 issues
- Most affordable option, typically €15-€25
Other Formats
- Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
- Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
- Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues
The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs