Strategies, Tactics and Calculations... how to get best return on investment?

Hi all, I'm an absolute beginner in chess and trying to make sense of all the terminology in order to decide how to select and prioritize the study material.

I'm ok with opening, middlegame and endgame definitions.

When it comes to strategy, tactics and calculations I'm struggling to clearly understand their priority in my development as an amateur chess player and how I should tackle them.

There are thousands of books, dvds, apps and youtube videos on these subjects and it is very difficult for me to cherry pick what to study first in order to have the best return on time invested studying chess (not so much available unfortunately).

Thank you for your suggestions and comments!

Giuseppe

You haven't even played one game and only solved one puzzle, so no one can have any idea if you know anything.

I recommend that you take the beginner lessons here and then

play 5 or so games and see if you notice any recurring themes and if you even like the game.

There is no one way of studying and learning to maximize your return on investment.

If anyone gives you a list, it's probably what they studied.  Who knows if it would work for you?

Start at the start. For tactics, learn the basic patterns (pins, skewers, etc) then do puzzles every day. The puzzles will also develop your calculation and visualisation skills which will in turn improve your board vision so you will blunder less pieces. Give it time for the improvements to come through to your games.

However, it depends what you mean by prioritising. You should try to develop your understanding and skills in all areas rather than excluding certain subjects, so prioritise by devoting more time to areas where you are weakest and less time to you strengths. Keep this under review and adapt as you improve.

If you want to improve in the least time and money isn't a problem, hire a coach. Like Post #2 said, any advice from members are just sharing their experience. It could work or not work for you.

Dear Giuseppe,

You know, the best way to improve in strategies is analysing your own games with a coach who can expain the main ideas, plans behind the moves. Because the built-in engine on chess.com can tell if a move was good or a blunder but can explain why. I am an official, full-time chess coach and looking for new students. Let me introduce myself.

My name is Gabor Balazs. I am a Hungarian FM, fighting for the IM title. My top ELO is 2435. I have been playing chess for 21 years. I won the Hungarian Rapid Championship twice (U16 and U18).

I love teaching chess and it is very important for me that both of us enjoy the lessons beside the hard work. I have pupils almost all the levels from beginners to advanced players (1100-2200 ELO).

You can see a lot of feedbacks from my coaching services here: https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-lessons/feedbacks-from-my-services

Why should you choose me?

- I have a widespread opening repertoire (a lot of openings are analysed by strong Grand Masters).

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- I answer your messages within 1 day, I am not the type of coach who disappears for a week after the lesson.

Please, contact me (balazsgabor1991@gmail.com), if you are interested in working with me, I am looking forward to your message.