My System by Nimzowitsch is a must have in my opinion. It teaches you how to play positionally. When you don't see any tactical opportunities, you must play positionally. It's kind of like, "Ahh, I don't see any good move, so I'll see what will better my position."
For tactics, Polgar's 5334 Problems, Games, and Combinations is definitely worth the money.
There's plenty of material (including that on this site) that provides good, basic explanations of both strategy and tactics. There are endless books, videos (check out those on YouTube), and articles. I also recommend the Tactics Trainer on this site, which will guide you from the very beginning on up.
Good luck!
Well...don't feel bad...everyone here no matter how good they are started off at point zero...so how did they do it? Read, research, practice, tactic trainer, research openings/middle game/endgame, etc. No one gets good overnight...it takes time...and many lost games...always ask why? when a move is made.
Best of Luck
Strategy or tactic? The guy I usually play with online seems to always know where he's moving and why. I just kind of spontaneously decide after he's moved. Suffice to say, he always wins. I'm sick of this. I love chess. I want to improve. Anybody have suggestions for how I can improve (read book, etc. -- i found the video over my head.) Please, I can't let any man think he's superior to me. :)
I just looked at the games that you lost, you need some serious help. The opening you played was a mess... you lost alot of pieces and things in general did not go your way. You need to study the basics. If you are serious about this I could help ya out a bit. I happen to have alot of time on my hands as of late. Just send me a PM(private message) if you are interested.
Strategy or tactic? The guy I usually play with online seems to always know where he's moving and why. I just kind of spontaneously decide after he's moved. Suffice to say, he always wins. I'm sick of this. I love chess. I want to improve. Anybody have suggestions for how I can improve (read book, etc. -- i found the video over my head.) Please, I can't let any man think he's superior to me. :)