"... for those that want to be as good as they can be, they'll have to work hard.
Play opponents who are better than you … . Learn basic endgames. Create a simple opening repertoire (understanding the moves are far more important than memorizing them). Study tactics. And pick up tons of patterns. That’s the drumbeat of success. ..." - IM Jeremy Silman (December 27, 2018)
https://www.chess.com/article/view/little-things-that-help-your-game
Seems like openings are important
Sort:
gf3 wrote:
openings don't matter
not hanging pieces matters
I've certainly done my fair share of hanging pieces.
Ashvapathi wrote:
Beginner Chess (upto 1200) =
15% opening + 40% speed + 40% tactics + 2% endgame + 3% strategy.
Intermediate Chess (1200 - 1800) =
30% opening + 30% speed + 30% tactics + 5% endgame + 5% strategy.
Advanced Chess (1800 - 2400) =
30% opening + 25% speed + 25% tactics + 10% endgame + 10% strategy.
Professional Chess (2400+) =
30% opening + 15% speed + 15% tactics + 20% endgame + 20% strategy.
Note: Speed means executing moves without blunders (dropping material).
This is an interesting breakdown. Is this anecdotal or an actual statistically significant sample of games at these various levels?
It might be of interest to look at the table of contents of A COMPLETE CHESS COURSE by Antonio Gude: "... 3 Openings and Basic Principles 33 ... 4 Putting Your Pieces to Work 52 ... 5 Strategy and Tactics 76 ... 6 Endgame Play and Further Openings 106 … 7 Combinations and Tactical Themes 128 ... 8 Attacking Play 163 ... 9 Your First Opening Repertoire 194 …"
http://www.gambitbooks.com/pdfs/A_Complete_Chess_Course.pdf
UndeservedGrace wrote:
Ashvapathi wrote:
Beginner Chess (upto 1200) =
15% opening + 40% speed + 40% tactics + 2% endgame + 3% strategy.
Intermediate Chess (1200 - 1800) =
30% opening + 30% speed + 30% tactics + 5% endgame + 5% strategy.
Advanced Chess (1800 - 2400) =
30% opening + 25% speed + 25% tactics + 10% endgame + 10% strategy.
Professional Chess (2400+) =
30% opening + 15% speed + 15% tactics + 20% endgame + 20% strategy.
Note: Speed means executing moves without blunders (dropping material).
This is an interesting breakdown. Is this anecdotal or an actual statistically significant sample of games at these various levels?
Anecdotal.
UndeservedGrace wrote:
So if I was to study, would it be better to study something like this:
https://www.chessable.com/smithys-opening-fundamentals/course/21302/
There is a book for dummies and there is a book that is educational. Which book should I buy?
Now say you a teacher....do you buy the book for dummies for your class, or a proper book?
Dec 12, 2019
0
#28
UndeservedGrace wrote:
I've heard the party line that someone of my skill should not study openings but it seems if I can make it through the first 10 moves without catastrophe, I have a pretty good chance of winning - except for when I blunder a piece. The openings totally stress me out. I am constantly in fear that I'm going to get smoked. Any thoughts?
Depends on what you mean by "studying openings"
If by studying you mean how titled players study? Then no.
If by studying you mean, gain some understanding of pawn structure, and piece placement? Then yes.
"... If the book contains illustrative games, it is worth playing these over first ..." - GM John Nunn (2006)
Many 21st century opening books are largely collections of games, explained for the near-beginner.
Dec 12, 2019
0
#30
Every chess stage is important. But on beginner level you shouldn't learn opening. Under 1500 or so you can play openings based on basic chess principles very-very decently.
ghost_of_pushwood wrote:
I would of course buy the proper book for dummies!
I just happen to have a Christmas sale going on. Chess for puppets.
Includes the South Beach plan ....order now and receive a K Pop song as well as a Tony Robbins ad!
Dec 12, 2019
0
#32
nighteyes1234 wrote:
ghost_of_pushwood wrote:
I would of course buy the proper book for dummies!
I just happen to have a Christmas sale going on. Chess for puppets.
Includes the South Beach plan ....order now and receive a K Pop song as well as a Tony Robbins ad!
I asked for Betty Davis eyes, but got Tony Robbins teeth.
IMBacon wrote:
nighteyes1234 wrote:
ghost_of_pushwood wrote:
I would of course buy the proper book for dummies!
I just happen to have a Christmas sale going on. Chess for puppets.
Includes the South Beach plan ....order now and receive a K Pop song as well as a Tony Robbins ad!
I asked for Betty Davis eyes, but got Tony Robbins teeth.
Don’t feel bad. I got Snoopy ears.
Dec 12, 2019
0
#34
OldPatzerMike wrote:
IMBacon wrote:
nighteyes1234 wrote:
ghost_of_pushwood wrote:
I would of course buy the proper book for dummies!
I just happen to have a Christmas sale going on. Chess for puppets.
Includes the South Beach plan ....order now and receive a K Pop song as well as a Tony Robbins ad!
I asked for Betty Davis eyes, but got Tony Robbins teeth.
Don’t feel bad. I got Snoopy ears.
At least you didnt get snoop dog eyes.
Beginners should concentrate on opening traps & tactics.