about to start study of chess...guidance needed

I wanted to add that I think the Amateur's Mind by Silman should be read first before the "Reasses your Chess".  I own both, and started with the Amateur's mind but quickly jumped to Reassess when it arrived shortly thereafter.  Where I enjoy "Reassess" I think the Amatuer's mind is a bit simpler for the beginner, or lower rated player.  They both teach similar concepts.  I remember reading in the Reassess book, that he means it for the1400 and above player I believe... I am certainly not there.

If you had both books, you would have a ton of info to keep you going for a long time.

Also, a book that I like that is VERY basic, but good for entry level things, is "The Chess Player's Bible" by Eade. 

How To Beat Your Dad at Chess is also good showing the most common and deadly checkmates.   Very simple, easy and for beginners but it is loaded with a lot of end game thoughts.

There are so many good books out there, but I am finding that playing games here against other players really brings out my weaknesses, which allows me to go find what to study in the books and tactics.

Re: chesstempo subscription

The paid features are nice but definitely not necessary.  Having said that, it's cheap and it probably wouldn't hurt to support their effort.

Do all the Chessmaster tutorials. While Fritz is designed for more advanced players, you don't have to invest in Fritz for a while. Be careful playing the computer only. Computers do not play with the same positional dynamics that humans play with. Many programs come close but there us no substitute for playing with other oxygen breathing bipedal beings. You should study the game, especially (in Chessmaster) the games of Josh Waitzkin. His commentary is great, especially when describing some of his losses and the reasons for them. Find a chess mentor here if you can to help you with your studies. Just don't burn out. When my rating hit 2046, I had to walk away from the game for 8 months because I was hitting a wall. If you need any help or suggestions, message me. I'm teaching chess professionally this year and can help you find a good (free) chess mentor. Enjoy the world's greatest game.

I think the free sites you posted look good, but I don't know much about chess at all.

Please beware Pawn Power in Chess is a difficult read the author makes up his own names for concepts through out the book that make it hard for a reader to follow also it's in the old descriptive notation.

It's an excellent book but it may take you about 6-8 reads to really understand it, you need patience to get through this book.

Thanks for telling me.  Descriptive is no problem for me, because all of the books I used to learn chess used descriptive. 

Lastimpression,

It takes a lifetime to become a master chess player, and this assumes complete dedication, the raw talent, and many hours of training, playing, and studying.

This being understood, we then need to be objective in what we want to achieve, and put a plan in place to accomplish our goals.

The road to improvement is long and hard, and you cannot escape the "price" you have to pay...so you must begin with small steps, before you can run full out.

I would suggest the following plan-

1. Evaluate your current position wrt chess ability, time, budget, goals, etc.

2. Schedule time for studying the game (openings, middle game, endgames, tactics, strategies etc), playing, analyzing your played games, tournaments.

3. Invest in books, software, coaches, videos, join a club etc.

Most importantly, have fun with the game.

All the Best.

 Normally, I post and forget about it, but since I was attacked for my post by JG27Pyth, I should have the right to reply. 

First of all, Lastimpression states that he has been playing chess for a couple of months and he is at the 1200-1300 level.  To me, a beginner is someone who has been playing for less than a month and is rated less than 1000.  He further states that he has fallen in love with the game of chess, wishes to take his game further and has decided that he will dedicate himself into studying the game.  Then in the next paragraph he says he has about 16 hours a week for chess study and playing.  That sounds like Lastimpression wants to stick with chess!  GREAT!  THAT'S A LOT OF TIME!  HE HAS A REAL POSSIBILITY TO ADVANCE!

I am not an expert on all chess databases, but I am quite familiar with Chessbase 10.  It is an excellent program and will enable Lastimpression to advance in chess at a rate that will be two to three times faster than with just books and a board.  It is one of the strongest and most versatile pieces of chess software on the market.  You can agree or disagree, it makes no difference to me.  Lastimpression has freewill and can decide whether he wants to spend the money or not.  Most hobbies involve spending some money.  I simply wanted him to be aware that there is a great database program out there.  He can talk with other chessplayers, get their opinions and MAKE UP HIS OWN MIND.

As for Fritztrainer opening DVD's, I have some and they are excellent.  I would rather learn an opening from a GM or strong IM that from PETE THE PAWNPUSHER at my local chess club.  It's better to learn the right way than learn the wrong way and have to UNLEARN what weak players have told you. 

Anyway, that's my reply.  By the way, I am available for PSYCHO-OVERKILL on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.  Good chess to you all and sometimes you can nip the b2 pawn and get away with it!

Whatever you read stick to it and finish it, one book at a time...

I'm currently going through Logical Chess and Pandolfini's endgame course while doing about 20-30 minutes work of tactics everyday. I think everything is going fine. I'm starting to get used to spotting tactics, hopefully the results can translate over the board.

I suggest jeremy silman's how to reaccess your chess fourth edition

I think I already have enough books atm though...

THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS ENOUGH CHESS BOOKS!!!

I mean, I don't think I can read more than a couple of books at the same time while fully comprehending what they're trying to say. You probably can, but for me I've seen that I learn better when I don't try to cram as many things at the same time.

I can always get more books later when I'm done with these.

 I agree with poster #6. I'll try it myself if I can work up the gumption.

Most important is to keep it about having fun...

Hello everyone, at this point would it be wise to go through Grandmaster games (mostly by myself), in addition to analysing my own games?

See here, excellent 3 parts articles  by Silman

http://www.chess.com/article/view/the-point-of-studying-master-games-part-one

thanks for the wonderful resource!