Looking to old games to learn

Dear all,

I have read that, aside from practicing tactics and finals, it is important to analize & memorize old games. Since I still do not have a coach, I would like to ask you for some games to study and memorize.

Have a nice day,

Daniel

Not memorize, but learn the concepts, i can suggest you logical chess move by move by chernev, for every move there is a thorough explanation, and you have only to read them and see the games, not more, it helps a lot (about 30 minutes per game)

Here's a whole list of good books from Coach Heisman:

http://danheisman.home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Events_Books/General_Book_Guide.htm#anthologies

Thanks for the answers!

I cannot find a kindle edition of Logical Chess Move by Move (Chernev), but the following: "Understanding Chess Move by Move" by John Nunn. Have you use this other book? Is the same concept? Would be as useful for me as the one by Chernev?

Thanks again,

Daniel

If you check that link I gave, you'll see that Heisman recommends it.  Here's the problem though.  Heisman lists the books in roughly ascending order of difficulty and Chernev is listed #1 as the easiest, and Nunn at #18 (of 20).  Could you work your way through it?  Sure.  Is it the best book for your level?  Probably not.  I got halfway through the second game before deciding my fundamentals just weren't strong enough to make further study worthwhile.  Your mileage may vary...

Hi Baddogno,

You are right, I did not notice the book at place 18 and not even knew the list was in ascending order of difficulty.

There I have the following options in Amazon (I need to use kindle):

- "The Art of Logical Thinking" by Neil McDonald

- "World's Most Instructive Amateur Game Book" by Dan Heisman

- "Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played" by Chernev

And others, but probably way to difficult. If I had to choose one only by the title, I would pick the "Most Instructive Game of Chess Ever Played", but since I really do not have any experience with any of them, I would really appreciate any comment from your side.

Thanks again,

Daniel

My book edition of Chernev's "Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played" is in descriptive, rather than algebraic notation.  I'd check to see what the Kindle edition is in before purchasing.  Most folks find algebraic easier to follow.  It's a good book, but it's in my "I'll get around to these some day" pile of books because of the notation.

Heisman's book is on my Amazon wish list but I haven't actually seen a copy yet.  I did hear Coach Heisman talk about it on his show and the premise that you can learn more from seeing the kind of typical amateur errors that you and I might make seems to make sense.  You might want to check out some of his Novice Nook articles (same link as before, but scroll to the top of the page for a link to the articles) to see if you like his writing.

No experience with the McDonald book.  Of course an obvious question to ask is why, as a diamond member, have you only done 4 Chess Mentor lessons?  There are dozens of great courses in an easy to follow digital format.  You're not limited to doing the whole sequential/adaptive dance.  You can choose any course that you find interesting.  Anyway, good luck, and hope I helped.

Chernev's book is a classic. I haven't played through it for 30 years or more..I will stick it on my reading list. Chernev gives you a real appreciation of the artistic side of chess IMO.

Baddogno, Ziggy,

Many thanks for your answers. And you were of great help. I will use more the mentor, you are right about it.

Have a nice day,

Daniel