can you read a chess book by visualization?
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AtaChess68
Jan 1, 2021
0
#1
Or do you need an actual board and pieces?
Jan 1, 2021
0
#2
As in, should I learn to read Sillman’s complete endgame course without a board? As Beth Harmon does in the series. Or is that something for high end players?
Not usually, but some endgame books are an exception. Pandolfini's and Chernev's are anyway.
Read a preview and see how you get on is the best bet.
Silman without a board? Are you mad? My suggestion is study with a board if you are trying to learn technique, ideas, etc. Keep visualisation practise separate. If you try to learn and visualise at the same time one or both will suffer.
Jan 1, 2021
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#5
AtaChess68 wrote:
As in, should I learn to read Sillman’s complete endgame course without a board? As Beth Harmon does in the series. Or is that something for high end players?
That’s what I do. Can’t say it helped me understand the deeper meaning behind moves, but reading some is better than reading none
shrug
Jan 1, 2021
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#6
I made master without ever learning how to visualize like that. I couldn't possibly play a blindfold game, I'd be making massive blunders and illegal moves about five moves in.
If I learned to visualize like that, I think my rating would instantly go up 200+ points. I also believe that sort of thing is trainable. But I lack the drive and motivation to put in the work required. I play chess for fun, and I'd likely quit playing if it started feeling like work. I already quit playing once, for 20 years. 
Jan 1, 2021
0
#7
AtaChess68 wrote:
Or do you need an actual board and pieces?
Nope. You can read a chess book by smelling it.
Jan 2, 2021
0
#8
Thx, this is very helpful.
1. Yes, I should read with an actual board on the side;
2. Yes, trying to visualize the first moves is useful;
3. And this is how it is done, also on the higher levels.
1. Yes, I should read with an actual board on the side;
2. Yes, trying to visualize the first moves is useful;
3. And this is how it is done, also on the higher levels.
I use a board. I'd probably make a mistake in my head.
