Chess Books

Some time ago, I posted a topic called "Learning chess" I explained how I was discoraged because I wanted to study the game but the books that I was reading didnt paint a clear picture of the things I should be doing on the board. It seemed like the books that were recommended showed some promise and I have browsed through them But unfortunately I seem to be getting that "lost" feeling again. I hope this doesnt sound totally brain dead of me but are there any books that help train the thinking one should have or "Schools of thought" I guess I feel like I now the rules, I know how to play, now I want to know how to play better. I would like to go back to the basics with my thinking and planning. Can anyone suggest any books that are light on the notation and heavy on training the thought process? Please help.  Thanks.

Eugenics wrote:

Some time ago, I posted a topic called "Learning chess" I explained how I was discoraged because I wanted to study the game but the books that I was reading didnt paint a clear picture of the things I should be doing on the board. It seemed like the books that were recommended showed some promise and I have browsed through them But unfortunately I seem to be getting that "lost" feeling again. I hope this doesnt sound totally brain dead of me but are there any books that help train the thinking one should have or "Schools of thought" I guess I feel like I now the rules, I know how to play, now I want to know how to play better. I would like to go back to the basics with my thinking and planning. Can anyone suggest any books that are light on the notation and heavy on training the thought process? Please help.  Thanks.

I think a real good one is "Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess". It doesn't have any notation at all, just very clear, simple problems and explanations. It's a beginners tactics book, and you MUST be able to see simple tactics before any "system of thinking" will be of benefit to you. I've seen people saying good things about "Idiot's Guide to Chess" (not Chess For Dummies), though I've not read it myself.

There have been many posts on this subject recently so I'd recommend going back and reading them.

Logical Chess - Irving Chernev

Some one once said that it is good to own only a few books (good ones obviously), but to read, read and reread them until you know the concepts backwards and forwards.  Browsing won't do you much good.

I feel you! I have had the same worries. I think Tactics Training is essential. You need to squeeze in a daily dose of tactics. It will  be a great help reading any chess book and developing your chess skills.

Also, consider interactive software such as Chess Mentor and/or the tutorials in Chessmaster.

Tho it isn't a book by any means the Chessmaster software with the tutorials by Josh Waitzkin are very good. An audio track along with the text helps to reinforce concepts.

I'd also recommend watching instructional videos, other then that are here there is free games of the day at ICC (chessclub.com) and chessvideos.tv

Jeremy Silman discusses a thinking process in his series of books. Alas, to get the full value you need two to begin: The Amateur's Mind and How to Reassess Your Chess.

Silman's recommended sequence:

"My recommended order (though all stand alone):

1) Read Reassess Your Chess through page 52. Then put it away!
2) Read all of The Amateur's Mind.
3) Read the rest of How to Reassess Your Chess.
4) Read The Workbook.
And yes, you have to start people out with tactics and the basic mates else they will get shredded instantly.”

- IM Jeremy Silman in an e-mail to Dan Heisman, 11/16/2001.

 

Follow your heart and feelings!

Follow your heart and feelings!