Reading chess books

Hello! I’m a beginner trying to improve my chess game and have several books I’m interested in learning from (I’m also playing a lot of games, but I typically learn best by reading so trying to do that as well). I have trouble following the diagrams in the books - especially the ones that start from mid- or end game and then tell you what might happen in the next 5-10 moves. I am not yet at the point where I can see the board that far ahead mentally, and haven’t found an easy way to set up an online board to the point where most of these diagrams start. How do others work through chess books? Do you set up a physical board and work through the examples, or are there other ways of digesting the material?

I think most use a physical board, sometimes 2 if the author goes off on a lot of sidelines.  My main analysis board is a $20 Amazon 12" folding magnetic that's been doweled, glued, and taped permanently open.  I find anything smaller to be a pain to use.  A library sized set in addition if you have the space is nice.  Way back when I used to sometimes have 3 boards so I didn't have to turn the board around to see what it looked like from the other side...LOL.  I'm sure you'll figure out your own way, but a magnetic is nice so you worry less about losing the position.  Yeah, and you can pick it up and take it to the bathroom with you too.   HAVE FUN!

I only have one board. As suggested, two is better. Often, I will play through an explanation at least twice.First time playing through the main line and skipping over sidelines. Second time going down the sidelines. I also make my own notes, often I never go back to them, but the act of simply writing out important point

Sorry...writing out important learning points in my own words, paraphrasing, helps me understand and remember stuff. You'll develop your own methods after a while.

Book, board, laptop, pen and paper.

Books are better for learning that online.  You absorb more in 3d than 2D.

Set up a board and pieces, while using a laptop.  Play through the game/book moves/lines/etc. on the board.  Play over the alternate lines/analysis/etc. with a laptop.

Notes...notes...notes...write down your thoughts, ideas, plans, what you think the players are trying to do, etc.

I use a physical board - it helps a lot. For the variations I turn it into a visualization exercise before moving the pieces on the board.

I use engine analysis. 

In reviewing my own games or GM games, engines tell you where you blundered or the idea behind the moves by following 3-5 moves deep in engines lines. 

Playing a lot of blitz and reviewing where you blundered by engines analysis is always amazing!

 

Thanks everyone! These are great tips. Time to get out my board and a notebook!

For myself, I own a Kindle Fire with a great chess application on it. I use it when playing over games in books and magazines because I can go into as many sidelines as I want and then just hit the "backup" key to return to the original position. I know not everyone can afford to purchase a Fire or an iPad or a laptop, but for me it works great. BTW, I have tried using one physical board, and two, and even three--but I get hopelessly confused and almost never finish the game.

And a cup of tea and packet of crunch creames. Whether to dunk is up to you.

My advice is that books can always give you the maximum you can get from a situation, so if you use them correctly they can be the most efficient! I suggest going over books carefully and playing the moves on a real board over and over again! I f you want to memorize chess positions, openings etc, there is nothing better than revision and reading!!!

I would agree with those suggesting using a real board with books.  I use two boards and it works well for me.  I find that using a book and real boards encourages me to really concentrate and take my time to absorb what is being taught.  I'm sensing that there is something about the 3d environment, the feel and weight of the pieces and the movement of your hand across the board and the way your eyes track it that seems to enhance the learning process.  But, each to their own...

Dear kjs28,

I am a certified, full-time chess coach and International Master, so I have seen it and tried it all.
There are so many ways to get better and I know it can be overwhelming.
You can learn from free videos on youtube, there are books at your disposal that can all help, but they are not tailored to your needs.

One of the most important things you can do is to analyze your games! You must learn from your mistakes! That is a priority. You can't really move on to a new, different topic and learn new ideas if you still make the same mistakes over and over again!

This is where a chess coach comes into the picture. A good coach can show you how to study, what to study, gives you the material YOU need. Naturally, it takes time to use everything in practice, but if you are relentless and persistent you will succeed!
You should learn the main principles in every area of the game (opening, middlegame, endgame).  Don't focus on only one part! You should improve your tactical vision as well as it is part of all areas!  
This how I built my training program for my students. We discuss more than one topic during a lesson so it's always interesting and they can improve constantly. I give homework too and the right tools to make practicing enjoyable and effective!
Don't worry about your rating and the ups and downs! Just keep on playing and practicing!

I hope this helps.  I wish you good games and 100+ extra ratings

Make a study on Lichess with the chapter, game, position, and move the pieces. It also allows you to put it on the sidelines. You can check my French Study and my Queen's Gambit study for references

i dont know any good books but i do know a chess club it is called chess magic

https://www.chess.com/club/chess-magic-1