Getting serious about studying tactics

I've just started reading Predator at the Chessboard (Lulu press) and I think this is going to be the right book for me!

In the beginning he mentions several good books on tactics. And one that he praises highly is the Chess Tutor by Leslie Ault, pub. 1975. According to my book, Ault is more language and less notation (as is Predator at the CB.)

So I ordered it today. I was lucky that I got a used copy at Amazon for less than $20.

Have any of you seen this? Own it?

Along with Predator, I am immersing myself in Chess Tactics for Students by Bain and Seirawan's Winning Chess Tactics. And Chess Tactics for Juniors by Hays.

I think I am waking up about tactics. Somehow I thought a knight fork would just fall in my lap without any preparation. Now I finally see that you have to work at it and sacrifice and plan the fork. Maybe even three moves ahead.

I'm just beginning to taste the tip of the iceberg, but it is so challenging and beautiful. And really, if I plan  my tactics (and stay alert), that's about all the strategy I need for now.

Most of my tactics books have been too hard for me and did not help me ground myself in the nitty gritty or in the true basic understanding of what it was all about.

So enough talk from me for now. I'm in a tourney, and tomorrow another! Playing games really is the way chess comes alive.

So, if any of you know anything about Mr. Ault's The Chess Tutor, I would like to hear your comments.

stwils

Once you have read a good tactics book, one that explains forks, pins, etc, I would NOT spend my money on buying books that will just rehash the same ideas. I would suggest either a puzzle book or some software like CT-Art or Chess.com's tactics trainer. Having read Predator and Tutor would make Seirwan's book useless to you. CT for Juniors might be good, though, as it is more a collection of problems to solve.

Predator at the chessboard is the greatest tactics book I've ever seen. I mean I'm talking borderline arousal this book was so good

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I think I have some good tactics books now, and as you suggested, just need to concentrate on them and not load up on more.

stwils

seriously look into buying chessimo software program, going through the entire tactics modules will take you to another level entirely. also try chesstempo.com for even more tactics puzzles its free

I discovered Predator at the Chess Board a few ears ago and it completely changed the way I looked at Chess.  I felt like i fially "Got it".  I really need to read that book again.  The free online version is at www.chesstactics.org.

What I like most about Predator is that not only does it show you the correct moves, it also shows you how to find similar moves in your own games.  It's the best chess instruction I've ever read.  I really need to read it again.

KingAlex24,

Please tell me more about chessimo. How does it compare with chess.com's chess trainer? Does it focus on certain tactics, maybe one at a time, like forks,etc. Does it help with combination understanding or seeing 3 moves ahead? And do you have to fight with the clock (like on chess trainer?)

I have chess tactics server (free) but I can't tell when I get something right or wrong. I have not spent much time with it and have not really tried to figure it all out.

I looked up chessimo's website. It really does sound good, but rather expensive. (If I just download it and pay, can I also put it on my laptop at no extra cost?)

Sorry for so many questions, but you started me seriously considering getting Chessimo!

stwils