I was a regular poker player for a time (before i stopped and invested more time in chess). Before i coached myself (a little) i used to read a lot of poker book (and watched tons of videos). I loved it. But there were clearly some that were outdated since players don't play the same way than they used to (it changed a lot). In fact, tendencies tend to change every year or even every 6 month (depending stake you play).
I was wondering if it goes the same with chess books. I think, for instance of book like "My system" which also comes back in threads. Considered as a classic, can it be outdated? Since sooo many chess book on the same subject appeared between then and now.
Of course some things become dated. However, if you understand the concepts in "My System", you will still be able to beat 99% of the people you play.
Many people still find a lot of value in classics like "My System". There was a new translation of it published last year which in which the games can be read on a computer. (Sherwood was the translator.)
If you are unwilling to actually buy a current book, you have to take advantage of the things you can get for free, like the 100 year old versions in German and descriptive notation available online.
You said several weeks ago you hadn't read any chess books at all. You need to stop thinking about it and start reading.
I was a regular poker player for a time (before i stopped and invested more time in chess). Before i coached myself (a little) i used to read a lot of poker book (and watched tons of videos). I loved it. But there were clearly some that were outdated since players don't play the same way than they used to (it changed a lot). In fact, tendencies tend to change every year or even every 6 month (depending stake you play).
I was wondering if it goes the same with chess books. I think, for instance of book like "My system" which also comes back in threads. Considered as a classic, can it be outdated? Since sooo many chess book on the same subject appeared between then and now.