book recommendation - Chess Forums

TDF

Jan 25, 2018

0

#1

I’m getting back into chess from a long break. This go around I’m going to be diligent about recording my games, thoughts, and analyze them after the game ends. To supplement this, I’m wanting a book that will help me learn to read the board and come up with a plan. I often find myself moving pieces without a goal in mind. Pawn structure is a mystery to me as well. Can you recommend a book that suits these needs?

IMKeto

Jan 25, 2018

0

#2

Based on some of your games, stick with the basics:

Opening Principles.

Tactics.

Double Checking your moves.

Youre not following Opening Principles.

Youre missing simple tactics.

Your dropping pieces.

TDF

Jan 25, 2018

0

#3

Thanks for taking the time to look through my games. I should point out that the last game played is really the only example of how I’m playing currently. Prior to that, there was a large block of games that I lost. I had accidentally joined a tournament during a time that I had too much going on in my personal life. I didn’t devote much to those games and ended up resigning.

jambyvedar

Jan 25, 2018

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#4

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess is a good guide to you. You will learn the necessary basic things here(will improve your game).

RussBell

Jan 25, 2018

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#5

I recommend to begin with...

Weapons of Chess by Bruce Pandolfini...

very instructive on the basics of positional chess and pawn play in particular...

https://www.amazon.com/Weapons-Chess-Omnibus-Strategies-Fireside/dp/0671659723/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516930744&sr=1-1&keywords=weapons+of+chess

Then follow with more books on these topics...

Chess Books on Pawn Play and Structure - for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/chess-books-on-pawn-play-and-structure

Good Positional Chess, Planning & Strategy Books for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/introduction-to-positional-chess-planning-strategy

more good book recommendations here...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell

1e4

Jan 25, 2018

0

#6

I've been reading a couple of books simultaneously and they are helping immensely:

Chernev's Logical Chess Move by Move
Silman's Complete Endgame Course from Beginner to Master

I've also been finding this five part video series from John Bartholomew awesome (easily understandable and entertaining): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao9iOeK_jvU&index=5&list=PLl9uuRYQ-6MBwqkmwT42l1fI7Z0bYuwwO

Hope this helps, mate.

jambyvedar

Jan 25, 2018

0

#7

dntfeedthemnkys wrote:

I've been reading a couple of books simultaneously and they are helping immensely:

Chernev's Logical Chess Move by Move
Silman's Complete Endgame Course from Beginner to Master

I've also been finding this five part video series from John Bartholomew awesome (easily understandable and entertaining): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao9iOeK_jvU&index=5&list=PLl9uuRYQ-6MBwqkmwT42l1fI7Z0bYuwwO

Hope this helps, mate.

Do you also play the games on a chess board in these books?

1e4

Jan 25, 2018

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#8

jambyvedar wrote:

Do you also play the games on a chess board in these books?

I do for Silman’s. Especially for the tests. I only read this at home.

I have, but don’t always, with Chernev. I take this book out with me don’t always have a set on hand... But, I found that just using the diagram that appears every few lines has been a massive help for learning the notation, board locations and visualising next moves and threats.

I’m hunting a travel set at the moment to make study easier. (I very specifically want to study and analyse OTB).

TDF

Jan 25, 2018

0

#9

Thanks for the recommendations! It looks like there are some good books in there. It will be nice to read a chess book again. I took too long of a break.

TDF

Jan 26, 2018

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#10

thanks for the video link. That is an excellent series. I just watched the first video. Exactly what I need.

kindaspongey

Jan 26, 2018

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#11

1e4

Jan 26, 2018

0

#12

TDF wrote:

thanks for the video link. That is an excellent series. I just watched the first video. Exactly what I need.

My pleasure mate. They are really re-watchable too. New things sink in with each watch. Fins is super easy to watch and listen to. So polite as he decimates everyone too. Hahaha.

Here is another ripper series from him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2huVf1l4UE