I believe that chess should be about playing and not studying, but you have to understand and practice the basics. For this I recommend Pachman's Modern Chess Strategy (single volume is fine), Vukovic's Art of Attack in Chess, and some sort of chess tactic puzzle book for the middlegame. After thoroughly going through the first two, get a book of annotated games from a chess great (pick your favorite or one thats style corresponds with yours) and self-analyze each game and take notes, then compare with the annotations. If you can think like a grandmaster you can play like a grandmaster. For endgames get Silman's Complete Endgame Course (I don't believe in most of his books, but this is a fabulous endgame "textbook"). And as for openings find some that fit your style and take minimal studying. I think you should discover openings for yourself but if you want to know I use the Bird as white and the dutch and scandinavian as black -- not perfectly sound but they fit my semi-attacking style and studying openings too much goes against how I view chess)

The most important thing is to not rush. Make sure you understand every thought that is running through the author/player's head before you move on. And don't forget to

what opens have u learned? what have u understood of the ones u learned?

December 27, 2008

Hello PenPal buddy;

I hope you have IMPROVED on your RATINGS, so you can someday play me, and teach me a lesson. As you know, I don't play much. Chess is REALLY not my main interest at all. I just play to keep my SANITY. I live in my condominium by myself and usually have nothing to do, so I play Chess.

When I want to play, I play AGAINST the computer of Chess.com  My score? Well, I usually am able to beat the computer nine games out of ten. The computer has virtually no chance to beat me.

But, if you're not careful... it'll beat you.

I just wrote to say hello to my good friend. Write back, and ask me for some tips on Chess. Usually, after about a year of playing.. if you are serious about the game.... you'll reach the 1700 amd 1800 ratings. It depends on how much interest you put on the game. But, the MORE you play... the more experience you will get.

The thing about Chess is :.... How SERIOUS you are about playing this board game.

Keep in touch.

Your friend, Slim 6744