Thanks so much, tonydal. Actually last night right after I posted, my husband handed me I. A. Horowitz Chess for Beginners, and I read the openings section. For some reason his simple advice just helped things click into place so I am doing better now. I'll concentrate on the middle and end games as you suggest. If I do pick up a newer book, do you recommend a particular openings book?
Thanks again, especially for going through such a long post. No more posting for me after a double shift and no sleep!
Hi everyone, I'm new to chess, I always knew how to move the pieces but am now trying to learn how to play. Please tell me if you think I am on the right track with my reading material, thanks in advance!
I really struggle right now on everything, but my worst problem I think is the opening game. I really have no idea what to do or how to do it. I can't really "see ahead". Once the game gets moving and a few pieces are off the board, I can start to form some strategy and can execute when playing another beginning player. I still make big blunders like forgetting to look at half the board but I enjoy it more I think because I have some idea of what I am supposed to be doing, and I think I can recognize mistakes. I know I take to long to execute my end game, but again it is more enjoyable, at least I know my goal and I can recognize that I am missing some opportunities.
Anyway, my current reading material is a downloaded copy of The Big Blue Book of Chess by Howard Staunton, a used copy of Modern Chess Stategy by Edward Lasker and a downloaded copy of 121 Chess Problems by J. W. Abbott. My reading style is to browse a couple of source books at a time, that is why I have three.
With all the great knowledge and experience you all have, do you think these books will help me? I know they are old, but since I know nothing, I thought that might not matter. Are there any other books or any advice you might offer based on what I described as my weaknesses?
Sorry for the book, but I have been lurking and this seemed to be the way to get the best feedback, is to let you all know my level and what I am looking for. Thanks for anyone who takes the time to read all this and offer their advice.
Here are the links for the two downloaded books if anyone is interested:
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=16377
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/browse?type=lcsubc&key=Chess%20problems