New to Chess

So I've recently become interested in learning a bit more about Chess, I know the basics.

I was hoping some people would be kind enough to point me in the right direction as to What to read, and if there are any good training/practice software.

Im sure there is a lot of stuff out there, so anything is appreciated.

Lev Alburts comprehensive chess course.

Use the Tactics Trainer on Chess.com. Also check out Chess Mentor.

Chess Master Grandmaster edition is a great learning tool. Josh Waitskin's lessons humanize the learning experience and will get you up and running fairly quickly. I'd highly reccomend it.

I think it depends on your definition of "learning a bit more".  ChessMaster has pretty much cornered the beginner end of the chess software spectrum and does a fine job of it.  If you can find the 10th edition, it has all but one of Josh's courses in it and is much cheaper.  If by "learning a bit more", you mean you really want to get into it (and are being modest), then a diamond membership on this site will give you all the resources you need to become expert.  Lots of good chess books out there.  Most people like Silman's books, but again how deep do you want to go? I'd recommend searching the forum archives for more book recommendations (that little box in the upper right hand corner that reads  "search the forums").  Best of luck.

Chess Master isn't just for beginners, there's a lot of advanced content in the later courses, also it's definitely worth the bit extra for the new ''Art of Learning course, as it's highly interactive and shows games from various IM's and GM's he's played over the years.

All the videos on Chess Master have voice commentary from Josh, and are highly interactive, not just 'sit and watch'.

Difference of opinion.  I got burned by Grandmaster's  2 installation limit so I'm probably not real objective about its' merits (Your computer dies and you end up reinstalling all your software.  When you reinstall Grandmaster, you get a message that a file is corrupt and so you decide to do it again.  Guess what?  Now Grandmaster is gone forever.  Thanks a lot Ubisoft.  And yes, years ago I read a review that warned not to buy it for that very reason, but I forgot.)

Sure there is advanced material on Chess Master, but it is still considered a beginner's program.  Compare it to Fritz 12 or 13, for example (a program whose interface I hate, btw).  Please note that I said Chess Master does a fine job of what it does.  I just don't think the Grandmaster edition is worth the extra cash.

Show me where it's considered a beginners program, as I'd be real interested, I must admit, the installation process was slow and tedious, along with the product updates, but that's all really. I'm not saying Chess Master is the strongest engine out there, far from it, but it's probably one of the best places to learn key Chess principles.

It is worth the extra cash, like I said if you play through the Art of Learning course you will see what I mean. He can't go wrong by trying Chess Master, he will learn a great deal, as I have..

Let's not argue over semantics, okay?  Remember I recommended ChessMaster also and will again.  It is a fine program, and like you I learned much from it.

 Is it as good as chess mentor?

Well, in an interactive sense, yes, however you don't have the option for showing key squares and key pieces ect, it's more 'vocal' and doesn't really require such things, you will be explained everything you need to know to go from A - B, so to speak.

One of my favorite games from the adademy was Morphy vs Porges, where we get to play as Morphy and go through the game, making strong logical moves. With a little guidance along the way, it's like your playing through a Masters eyes.

Having said that, there's a ton of awesome courses on Chess Mentor, with some really advanced lessons which you should invest in. I'm currently doing Chess Mentor, with a healthy dose of Chess Master thrown in, to try to keep the learning varied and fun.

baddogno wrote:

Let's not argue over semantics, okay?  Remember I recommended ChessMaster also and will again.  It is a fine program, like you I learned much from it.

 I quit.

So I got Chessmaster: Grandmaster Edition, and I've learned a few things.

Chess Mentor 3, looks like it has a lot more advanced lessons and such, however I find the $200 price tag a bit much, might have to wait a bit if I want to get it.

That's great, how much of the academy have you completed?