I'm a beginner, is my choice of chess books right for my level

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onamissionto2000

I would rate myself as a mid 1200 player at chess.com

These are the following 2 books im reading (read)

1.Bobby Ficsher teaches chess(finished)

2. Chess Fundamentals by capablanca (1/3 through)

I was wondering if what im reading is suitable for me, and some reccomendations for  chess books to read after this.

One more thing, what is it specifically that I need to be working on to improve: tactics, strategy,edgame, opening, middlegame?

 

Thank's to those of  you who took the time to answer

Zavodovski

I'd recommend the 'Winning Chess' series by GM Yasser Seirawan. In addition to the first primer book 'Play Winning Chess' he's also written separate volumes on the openings, endgame, strategy and tactics to name a few, so you can explore the various elements of the game more in depth with each book as you see fit.

Amazon link to the first volume below for you if you want to check them out. Smile

http://www.amazon.com/Play-Winning-Chess-Yasser-Seirawan/dp/1857443314/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343928450&sr=1-3&keywords=winning+chess

As far as the most important thing to work on to begin with - probably tactics. You can't be competitive without developing a good eye for all the tactical possibilities that are going on.

Good luck!

Lucidish_Lux

Silman's Complete Endgame Course by Jeremy Silman will be your basic endgame book for a long time to come. It's organized by player strength so you learn what's relevant for your level, put it down for awhile, and come back when you're stronger enough that it's worth learning more endgames. Highly recommended.

onamissionto2000

So it seems like tactics are my focus, thanks 

2200ismygoal

You can skip over Fischer's book, just do tactics at your level don't even worry about strategy for now

johnmusacha

Yeah, I second that comment about the "Winning Chess" Series.  At your level, you should read "Play winning chess" first, and then next, you should read "Winning Chess Tactics," the updated 2003 edition.  Also, be sure to set up a chessboard either physically or on your computer and follow the examples along step by step on your board.  Don't just do it in your head.

onamissionto2000

Winning Chess Series it is