Artur Yusupov's Nine Books

chess-evolution.com

Are these books worth reading, and if so, in what order? At what rating level would I be ready to start? I am currently only in the 1200s turn-based on this site. What should I read before and after and inbetween? Else, should I direct my efforts to other books instead?

Actually, I'm not sure if chess-evolution.com is the right site for the Yuspov books (some of which are entitled Chess Evolution). Is there a connection?

Hi Chicken,

The site chess-evolution has nothing to do with the Yusupov series.

You can read about the book series here:

http://www.qualitychess.co.uk/docs/14/artur_yusupovs_awardwinning_training_course/

and you can buy the entire pack here:

http://www.newinchess.com/Yusupov_s_award_winning_Training_Course-p-2950.html

But from what I have read, these are not books "just for fun", you would have enough material for a long time, but you would have to put a lot of effort in every chapter.

Thanks for clearing up that confustion.

Do you know anything about the books from chess-evolution.com?

They don't seem to be related to the Yusupov books.

The Yusupov ones are quite difficult, but I like them.

The Yusupov series of books are FANTASTIC but they require hours of dedicated hard work to get through.  They might prove a bit difficult for you at present but you are welcome to message me on them.  I would say that perhaps your time would be better spent on sharpening up your tactics (for now).

I've heard the easiest Yuspov book in that series of 9 is difficult for 1600 USCF.  You should wait.

Never heard of chess-evolution.com.

Chess Evolution had a book similar to informant that lasted a whopping 9 issues and failed miserably.  Quality Chess tried working together with Chess Evolution and I think 2 of the 9 volumes were published by Quality Chess, something like the 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th.

As for the Yusupov series, you should wait until you are about 1500.  Study endgames and go thru a bunch of GM games from 1950 or earlier, like Alekhine, Capablanca, Reti, etc.

When you reach about 1500, the Yusupov books should be read Orange first (all 3 of them), then Blue, then Green.

Thanks all for the advice.

I am busy working through the first book, and even though I am passing the tests after each chapter (some just barely), some of the examples (before the tests) had me throw my head back in agony, shouting: "YOU HONESTLY EXPECT ME TO CALCULATE ALL OF THESE POSSIBILITIES!?!

But I got the very painful answer to my question just the other evening when I had an equal (slightly better) position against a 1900 player at the club, just to chuck it in the bin after a serious miscalculation, losing the game in twenty moves.

Please keep us posted as to whether these books are worth the effort in your opinion, after you make more headway.

This topic has already been discussed, and I think it's worth revisiting the old threads :

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/yusupovs-award-winning-training-course?page=1

See also :

http://www.chess.com/blog/hicetnunc/resources-for-systematic-training

Here's a sample training program I came across while perusing these links. Even cutting these times in half would result in great progress I think. I need to get busy.

http://chessok.com/?p=21207

Thanks much.

Why should the GM games I go through be from 1950 or earlier, and did you have any specific books in mind with recommendations?

Usually is suggested that the way one study games, should follow the evolution of the game.

If you see old games you will see the type of mistakes that you will see in your own games.

If you check modern games, you will be seeing advanced theory for complicated lines. Perfect play for a long series of moves because of opening preparation.

And you will also see more mistakes in different stages of the game, not just the opening, so you will we know how to react when somebody makes mistakes against you.

Makes sense.

It sounds like the Yusupov series is very good, but needs supplementation before starting (for people under 1500), during reading of the series, and after reading of the series. What else would be recommended, specifically, in various area such as middle game, endgame, positional, strategy, tactics, etc?