What book?
You should always use a real board, and pieces. You want to simulate OTB tournament conditions as much as possible.
Always try and solve puzzles in your head first, on a real board.
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For example a book about the Taimanov opening, when there's many lines etc.
Yes for puzzle I also think that first solving it in head, and then OTB is good.
But is there no point at all to trying to watch a game only by reading ?
I'm still not sure what the book is...you mention an opening book, but then talk about reviewing games, and improving calculation. Regardless though, anytime I really want to dig into a book or a position I set up my board and take as much time as I need to deeply understand every single move and point the author is making, one move at a time.
On the other hand, if your goal is review a lot of games in a specific opening, then using software is best so you can quickly click through them. You can quickly review dozens of games using software in the time you could review one with a real board/pieces.
If you're trying to improve calculation, I'd setup a board, use a clock, and write out your thinking.
Aagaard's books are a good example. I tend to read them without a board and just visualize everything I can. If I get to a position or comment that doesn't make sense, I'll setup a board. If he gives a puzzle that I can't immediately solve in my head, I'll setup a board and write out my thinking, giving myself 10 mins.
Just do whatever it takes for you to really understand the position, and the specific moves.
Hey all.
I recently bought a chess book, but I've a question : How to read it.
I'm not very good in calculation (as 1400-1500 elo), and I want to know what is the best way to read the book. Should I play the inbook puzzles only with my mind, or should I put the position on a board and then move the pieces.
Does trying, even if it's very long, to play the book's game just by reading is usefull or not? Will it help me to progress in calculation etc ?
Thanks for your time