how to progess past 1200
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May 14, 2019
0
#2
Can’t recommend many books, but tactics and basic strategies helped me to get past 1200
"How to Reassess Your Chess, 4th Edition was designed for players in the 1400 to 2100 range." - IM Jeremy Silman (2010)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708095832/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review769.pdf
https://www.silmanjamespress.com/shop/chess/how-to-reassess-your-chess-4th-edition/
https://web.archive.org/web/20140626180930/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman06.pdf
"... I'm convinced that Silman's [Complete Endgame Course] will take its place in history as one of the most popular endgame books ever. It has already caught on with the average player in a big way, confirming Silman's status as the king of instructional writers. He writes in a clear and casual style, and time and again has shown the ability to reach those who feel intimidated by the lofty approach that a grandmaster will often take. ... Silman ... defines what he thinks is necessary to know at specific rating levels. For example, the beginner or unrated player needs to know ... Silman's idea is to wait until you climb in strength before you worry about more advanced material. Then, as a Class 'E' player (that's 1000-1199), one must learn ... Silman's book emphasizes to the student that the important thing is to master the strictly limited material at hand, rather than get confused by endings that won't help your results at that level. Perhaps even more importantly, Silman is able to use his teaching experience and talk to his readers in a way that they can handle, in a friendly manner and without condescension. ... I'll also repeat the point that David Ellinger in ChessCafe makes: '[This ...] demonstrates who this book will truly serve best: anybody who coaches chess. For me, as a perpetually near-2000 player who does part-time coaching, I’ve got in my hands a great resource that will have something for every student, no matter the rating.' ..." - IM John Watson (2007)
http://theweekinchess.com/john-watson-reviews/theres-an-end-to-it-all
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708103149/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review594.pdf
https://www.silmanjamespress.com/shop/chess/silmans-complete-endgame-course/
"... for those that want to be as good as they can be, they'll have to work hard.
Play opponents who are better than you … . Learn basic endgames. Create a simple opening repertoire (understanding the moves are far more important than memorizing them). Study tactics. And pick up tons of patterns. That’s the drumbeat of success. ..." - IM Jeremy Silman (December 27, 2018)
https://www.chess.com/article/view/little-things-that-help-your-game
https://www.chess.com/article/view/how-to-start-out-in-chess
https://www.chess.com/news/view/a-new-years-resolution-improve-your-chess-with-new-lessons
"... In order to maximize the benefits of [theory and practice], these two should be approached in a balanced manner. ... Play as many slow games (60 5 or preferably slower) as possible, ... The other side of improvement is theory. ... This can be reading books, taking lessons, watching videos, doing problems on software, etc. ..." - NM Dan Heisman (2002)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140627084053/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman19.pdf
"... If it’s instruction, you look for an author that addresses players at your level (buying something that’s too advanced won’t help you at all). This means that a classic book that is revered by many people might not be useful for you. ..." - IM Jeremy Silman (2015)
https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-best-chess-books-ever
Here are some reading possibilities that I often mention:
Simple Attacking Plans by Fred Wilson (2012)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708090402/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review874.pdf
http://dev.jeremysilman.com/shop/pc/Simple-Attacking-Plans-77p3731.htm
Logical Chess: Move by Move by Irving Chernev (1957)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708104437/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/logichess.pdf
The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played by Irving Chernev (1965)
https://chessbookreviews.wordpress.com/tag/most-instructive-games-of-chess-ever-played/
Winning Chess by Irving Chernev and Fred Reinfeld (1948)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708093415/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review919.pdf
Back to Basics: Tactics by Dan Heisman (2007)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708233537/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review585.pdf
https://www.chess.com/article/view/book-review-back-to-basics-tactics
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5856bd64ff7c50433c3803db/t/5895fc0ca5790af7895297e4/1486224396755/btbtactics2excerpt.pdf
Discovering Chess Openings by GM John Emms (2006)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140627114655/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/hansen91.pdf
Openings for Amateurs by Pete Tamburro (2014)
http://kenilworthian.blogspot.com/2014/05/review-of-pete-tamburros-openings-for.html
https://chessbookreviews.wordpress.com/tag/openings-for-amateurs/
https://www.mongoosepress.com/catalog/excerpts/openings_amateurs.pdf
Chess Endgames for Kids by Karsten Müller (2015)
https://chessbookreviews.wordpress.com/tag/chess-endgames-for-kids/
http://www.gambitbooks.com/pdfs/Chess_Endgames_for_Kids.pdf
A Guide to Chess Improvement by Dan Heisman (2010)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708105628/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review781.pdf
Studying Chess Made Easy by Andrew Soltis (2009)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708090448/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review750.pdf
Seirawan stuff:
http://seagaard.dk/review/eng/bo_beginner/ev_winning_chess.asp?KATID=BO&ID=BO-Beginner
http://www.nystar.com/tamarkin/review1.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20140627132508/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/hansen173.pdf
https://www.chess.com/article/view/book-review-winning-chess-endings
https://web.archive.org/web/20140708092617/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/review560.pdf
May 14, 2019
0
#7
I think a tactics book would be better, like Heisman's "Back to Basics" book. I don't think he'll like HTRYC.
Just my two cents.
visit this thread if you are weak at tactics
https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/creative-ways-to-improve-your-tactics
May 15, 2019
0
#13
I looked at some of your games out of curiosity. This one in particular broke my heart lol
At 1200 you don't need some fancy book on planning etc, you need to work on tactics. Also i'll say focus on developing more instead of making too many pawn moves in the opening.
Silman also have a easier book The Amateur's Mind. More for 1000-1700 players. It's recommended to read that one before HTRYC. The endgame book is a must.
May 15, 2019
0
#15
That are several ways how to improve. The most important thing is to analyse your games. There you have everything you need to get a decent player. The problem is that most of us wish a kind of “key” or “shortcut” to improve, but this doesn’t exist.
Step 1
Play a game (a rapid or longer game) and after the game go again quickly through it to see if there is something obvious that you or your opponent missed. Don’t use an engine at this stage.
Step 2
Now you go again through the game and begin to analyse it with more time.
How did you control the centre? Did you castle at the right moment and at the right side?
Did you allow your opponent to get the bishop pair in an open position?
Did you allow your opponent to destroy your pawn structure? Or did you miss an opportunity to do the same?
Did you play according the opening principles or did you move the same piece several times in the opening without need?
If your opponent had the bishop pair in an open position, did you try to exchange at least one of those bishops?
Did you tread pieces without need / without a plan?
Make notes on your thoughts, as you will use them for the next analysis. The more you write and calculate, the more you will profit from the next analysis. Only a quick blunder check with the engine you should only do if you really do not have time for the analysis, but most games you should really go through seriously.
Step 3
Now you go through the game again and use the engine to check your own analysis. Only now!!!
Take your time to understand the computer’s recommendations, and if you think one or more of these moves are too enigmatic you should post your game with your analyses and ask better players to explain. Free lessons! A lot of strong players are very glad to help, but don’t post a game without your own thoughts, nobody like this. You have to prove that you are serious about the whole thing.
Check your notes with the computer recommendations. You should really be able to understand all recommendations, to formulate in words why move x is much better then move y. If you can’t explain: ask better players!
After this analysis you should make some notes about the opening phase. Check videos in YouTube about how to play this specific opening.
Of course you should make tactics, like the Rush, or a book on tactics in Chessable. After a while you will see that you begin to beat the 1200 players regularly, and your next goal will be to get the scalps of the 1300-players :)
Good luck!
Step 1
Play a game (a rapid or longer game) and after the game go again quickly through it to see if there is something obvious that you or your opponent missed. Don’t use an engine at this stage.
Step 2
Now you go again through the game and begin to analyse it with more time.
How did you control the centre? Did you castle at the right moment and at the right side?
Did you allow your opponent to get the bishop pair in an open position?
Did you allow your opponent to destroy your pawn structure? Or did you miss an opportunity to do the same?
Did you play according the opening principles or did you move the same piece several times in the opening without need?
If your opponent had the bishop pair in an open position, did you try to exchange at least one of those bishops?
Did you tread pieces without need / without a plan?
Make notes on your thoughts, as you will use them for the next analysis. The more you write and calculate, the more you will profit from the next analysis. Only a quick blunder check with the engine you should only do if you really do not have time for the analysis, but most games you should really go through seriously.
Step 3
Now you go through the game again and use the engine to check your own analysis. Only now!!!
Take your time to understand the computer’s recommendations, and if you think one or more of these moves are too enigmatic you should post your game with your analyses and ask better players to explain. Free lessons! A lot of strong players are very glad to help, but don’t post a game without your own thoughts, nobody like this. You have to prove that you are serious about the whole thing.
Check your notes with the computer recommendations. You should really be able to understand all recommendations, to formulate in words why move x is much better then move y. If you can’t explain: ask better players!
After this analysis you should make some notes about the opening phase. Check videos in YouTube about how to play this specific opening.
Of course you should make tactics, like the Rush, or a book on tactics in Chessable. After a while you will see that you begin to beat the 1200 players regularly, and your next goal will be to get the scalps of the 1300-players :)
Good luck!
May 24, 2019
0
#16
thanks for everyone's replies. I forgot I post this and just saw it. Thanks again.
"... Just because a book contains lots of information that you don’t know, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be extremely helpful in making you better at this point in your chess development. ..." - Dan Heisman (2001)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140626180930/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman06.pdf
"... The books that are most highly thought of are not necessarily the most useful. Go with those that you find to be readable. ..." - GM Nigel Davies (2010)
"... If it’s instruction, you look for an author that addresses players at your level (buying something that’s too advanced won’t help you at all). This means that a classic book that is revered by many people might not be useful for you. ..." - IM Jeremy Silman (2015)
https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-best-chess-books-ever
"... [annotated games are] infinitely more useful than bare game scores. However, annotated games vary widely in quality. Some are excellent study material. Others are poor. But the most numerous fall into a third category - good-but-wrong-for-you. ... You want games with annotations that answer the questions that baffle you the most. ..." - GM Andrew Soltis (2010)
"... The game might be divided into three parts, i.e.:- 1. The opening. 2. The middle-game. 3. The end-game. There is one thing you must strive for, to be equally efficient in the three parts. Whether you are a strong or a weak player, you should try to be of equal strength in the three parts. ..." - Capablanca
May 24, 2019
0
#18
Best thing you can do is play in a club against stronger players and kibitz with them, also play in OTB tournaments
Chess for All in #24 has written a very nice answer. Thank you.
May 24, 2019
0
#20
SchaakVoorAlles wrote:
Books?
- Essential Chess Endings (Averbakh) ... A slim book ... unlike most endgame tomes
- Mammoth Book of the World's Greatest Chess Games (Nunn, Burgess & Emms) ... to get some feel for the possibilities in the game and see what good chess is like
- Learn Chess Tactics (by John Nunn)
Those three, properly studied, will take you way past 1200
Agree strongly with Averbakh's thin introduction.
Nunn, Burgess, and Emms has several editions under several names with the later editions expanded to 125 games. Don't get caught up too much in the variations. Play through the games on your own--ideally with the book set aside (they are all on chessgames.com), then read the prose commentary and some of the variations where you yourself had some ideas for moves not played in the game.
Most of Nunn's tactics books are well beyond most 1800s, but I cannot speak about this specific one.
I recommend Capablanca, Chess Fundamentals to anyone who has not yet studied it.
I'm looking for concrete advice on how to get better. I can't find books I like. The topics are usually either too brief with tons of moves or too fast and advanced. I would like good resources mostly books and otherwise. I just don't know what to study and practice and then how to go about doing those things. thanks.