Don't read an openings book. My advice is to pick a move as white. e4 d4 or c4. Then pick a response to each one of these when you play black. Play those responses every time you play for the next few months. Refer to the Game Explorer on this site when necessary. Soon you'll feel really comfortable with the moves you've chosen. Then after that if you want to look at something more specific, maybe do so.
Opening books
Sort:
I want a fast propulsion sportscar that looks good, doesn't cost a lot in fuel and that I can buy for 6k$!
... I know that comment really wasn't pertinent, but it sounds like something I've heard sooo many times, for losing weight or learning new technologies. I suppose I'd be frustrated if somebody told me "Hey, software architecture can now be learned simply by reading this single book!"
Now, something less sarcastic; I personally bought the "First Chess Openings" book by Eric Schiller, which I liked because it explained many variations of the most frequent openings while still covering a few traps and explaining why some moves may be better or worst on the long term.
http://www.amazon.com/First-Chess-Openings-Eric-Schiller/dp/1580421520/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227145250&sr=1-13
If you're a beginner such as me, you'll certainly want to read it several times, and/or unless you have a very good memory, have a chess board ready. I read it once without a chessboard though, and despite the fact that I fogot 90% of it, it really helped me improve.
Again, I wouldn't say this book goes "in depth", but it might be more than enough for your level.
(Just to break my own credibility, this is the only book on openings I've read yet! But don't worry, more are currently being shipped! I'd suggest rotating books on openings and tactics, and even some strategy books further down the road)
Nov 20, 2008
0
#4
easiest way i think - pick a couple openings you would like to learn, and buy a chessbase dvd on them!by far easier than a book. Also its useful to choose openings that are more systems rather than precise move orders and hundreds of variations, so kings indians are good in that respect. I also think its handy to learn some that force the opponent into playing along with your own lines, ie scandinavian with black.that way every time your opponent plays e4 you know whats going to happen after d5 pawn takes queen takes knightc3 etc, which wouldnt neccessarily be the case with more complex and varied openings like the sicillians.
book wise, mastering the chess openings by john watson is a very good place to start i think.
Can anyone please recommend a book to study openings? I dont want an over complicated one, just something thats a good easy read whilst still being somewhat in depth. Suggestions please.