Build Up Your Chess

I just finished part one "The fundamentals" of "Build up your chess" by Artur Yusupov. This is the first of 9 (!) books in the series. Each book have 24 chapters, each chapter dealing with one topic. Most topics are tactical, but also endgames and opening principles and general principles are covered.

Each chapter starts with an introduction to the topic explained by examples followed by 12 exercises. For each exercise you get points depending on how difficult the exercise is, and if you get enough points you have passed the test.

I managed to pass all tests in part one. But part one is for players rated up to 1500, so this should not be to hard for me, as my Fide ELO is just below 1800. The next book is intended for players rated 1500-1800, so this I expect to be harder!

However even though part one is for players below 1500 still some exercises were hard for me and others were easy. No doubt for me, and I suppose for most amateurs, in some areas of the game you are strong and in others weak, so some areas you need to study the basics while in other areas you understand more advanced material. Therefore I also think that it is a good idea to start with studying the fundamentals before you move on to more advanced stuff, to be sure you have the fundamentals right, for this is the foundation for understanding more advanced material.

I did think it was great practise to do the exercise in part one, and hopefully I have improved some of my weak spots before I move on to the next book.

I am looking forward to study part 2 "Beyond the Basics". I very much recommend the books for improving players!

I am currently studying the fundamentals.So far I have covered 7 chapters.But the eight one is too hard.Can you provide some insights to that chapter.Thanks.