I've told my parents that a couple of chess books would be welcome this Christmas.
As a player here on Chess.com, my rating is a shade north of 1400 (currently, 1429) and via introspection, I've deduced that my biggest weakness in the game of chess is the middlegame. More specifically, I have a bit of trouble with coordinating attacks, keeping position, and maintaining material or a material edge. In short, tactics and position are the areas in which I need to improve. (Actually I could use help in more than just that area but those are the biggest weaknesses in my game as of now -- I'm pretty good in endgame and my openings aren't too bad either.)
Any good suggestions?
http://www.chess.com/eq/chess+books/sharpen-your-tactics2
That one was already on my list.
Actually, let me put down the current list I have so nobody accidentally mentions a book I've noted already:
Understanding Chess: Move by Move -- John NunnMy System: 21st Century Edition -- Aron Nimzowitsch, Lou Hays, Yasser SeirawanChess Exam And Training Guide: Rate Yourself And Learn How To Improve -- Igor KhmelnitskyRocking the Ramparts: A Guide to Attacking Chess -- Larry ChristiansenThe Art of the Middle Game -- Paul Keres, Alexander Kotov, H. GolombekSharpen Your Tactics -- Anatoly Lein, Boris Archangelsky, Lou Hays
Simple Chess by Michael Stean
Amateur's Mind by Jeremy Silman
I don't know if it's available in algebraic notation or if there's a modern edition but the best book ever on tactics is Attack and Defence in Modern Chess Tactics by Ludek Pachman. It organises tactics by themelike attack on the king, attacking the castled position, attack and defence etc
These two books above came to mind as I was reading through first post.
One book that helped me the MOST when I started studying chess seriously was "Amateur's Mind".
Simple Chess is a just a bit more advanced but it's also a great book!
um, im just trying to help, but most books on your list are too advanced for you.
Understading chess by john nunn is for people over 1600.
so is my system and the art of middlegame.
if your weakness is in the middlegame, i suggest increasing your tactics such as reading sharpen your tactics(on your list), back to basics:tactics, and even some basic tactic books such as Nunn's Learn chess tactics.
However, if you think you really need some middlegame knowledge,
the only book you need is the one by ludek pachman called "modern chess strategy". Don't read Euwe's 2 volume series yet.
I hope this helps! (YES this is not some noobie's information. I dont play on chess.com anymore))
um, im just trying to help, but I think most books on your list are too advanced for you.
Bolded part added since you haven't a clue who I am. Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.
Im reading euwe now. He can explain very well, he used to be a teacher.But it's an old book and I dont think its around anymore, chess for the advanced player, translated to english. I could suggest it to most people.Dont know if it helps though, good luck
Very few chess books are successfully read cover-to-cover. This is one of those few: http://www.amazon.com/Positional-Ideas-Chess-John-Love/dp/0713655232 It is very readable and packed with useful topics. Get one if you can!
They should be available. Paperback, algebraic editions from Hays Publishing.
Volume 1 ISBN: 1-880673-95-9
Volume 2 ISBN: 1-880673-96-7
Given your response to jwLtc73, I wonder if you're actually interested in improving.
Given what you mention your percieved weaknesses to be I would recommend the following 5 books:
I'd also recommend you read the Novice Nook articles by NM Dan Heisman, they're available for free online.
Actually he does have a clue since you yourself pointed out your chess.com turn-based rating. He is just pointing out the fact that some books may be more helpful to you at this point in your development than others. I doubt that jwLtc73 meant any sleight by it.
Join Chess.com for free to add your comment! Already a member? Then login now to comment.