I love my DGT North American clock.
Mindset: Go for blood. Win or lose, there will always be another game.
Chess clocks and book recs
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I usualy am really aggresive, but i want to learn new strategies, my play is simply blind with a little intelligence, i practically know nothing lol. and i was considering the dgt xl, with your north american do you ever hit it aggresively when playing fast games, does it wear down at all if you do?
You probably want to see a folding set in person before you buy it. My old folding set has the hinges slightly mis-aligned so the board doesn't sit flat, kind of like one of those restaurant tables that wobbles and drives you nuts the whole meal. Finally bought a solid board and I'm much happier with it.
I would recommend a chronos clock. The most expensive brand, but also the best.
As for books, I would recommend a tactics book. The one I used was Ward Farnsworth's Predator at the Chessboard. He goes through each type of tactic thouroughly, explaining each position in words, so you learn what to look for and how to think. You can read it online at chesstactics.org. Or read another book like it that explains basic patterns. Then work on tactics trainer or chess tempo. Also a book on basic endgames would be good. I have silmans, and although I am not a huge fan of his style, the material is well presented and comprehensive.
Okay so the chronos looks like a good option, what is better the button or the touch? I like the idea of hitting buttons but i dont want to buy it if it's going to wear down after a year or two of use. I also was thinking about the DGT xl. I like the design of the chronos more. but the lever action on the dgt is neat. Also heres the set im ordering http://www.wholesalechess.com/chess/chess_sets/wood_chess_sets/20_traditional_folding_sheesham_chess_set
The chronos will last a long time, regardless of if you get hte touch or button version. The big difference I see:
1) the 'touch' requires contact with skin. if you are the kind of person who will use a captured piece to push the button, the touch sensor can cost you a second or more which can matter in blitz. You'll only do this once or twice though.
2) the 'touch' will theoretically last longer. since I've never seena chronos clock break, I'm not sure if that really matters.
3) the buttons give a postive feedback that the button has been correctly pushed. the touch does not and you might find yourself having to double check visually that you've hit the clock correctly.
4) the touch has a certain 'cool' factor to it.
Feb 9, 2012
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#9
One of the first chess clock. The clock rocked over to start the other clock.
Fischer's Teaches chess and Howrowits Chess Traps.
These 4 book series by Lev Alburt will cover everything. Easy readable.
If you use iPad. I think you can try my chess clock : iChessClock+ for iPad
http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/ichessclock-for-ipad-now-on-app-store
Pretty new to real chess, I used to play for fun but never really used good tactics or openings. Im going to buy a nice folding wood set and im looking for a good clock, i like the idea of an analog clock but they usually have bad reviews, i would get either an analog or digital but most importantly i want one that has a nice feel (like in the lever or buttons) and definitely a nice look. Im not to worried about price range, i have some extra cash and birthday is in a couple weeks. Also I'm interested in getting a book or even a few about tactics, openings etc to develop my game and mindset, if you could recommend anything that really helps initiate a tactical mindest it would be greatly appreciated.