Raising my skill level

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Avatar of stepheng98

Hello all.

I am trying to raise my skill level from beginner (900 ELO) to 1200+ or at least to the point where my chess software doesn't snicker at me all the time Laughing.  While I have several book on chess, I do not get the time to study openings etc.  I am however used to consuming and acting upon very complex manuals in my day job.  Is there a book or set of books out there that may be helpful to me - I realise I won't get to a high standard without lots of studying but just want to raise my level.

Regards

Stephen Gray

Avatar of JohnODowd

"My System" - Aron Nimzowitsch

 

Google it.

Avatar of nuclearturkey
JohnODowd wrote:

"My System" - Aron Nimzowitsch

 

Google it.


I didn't read any books when I was a beginner, so can't put in a recommendation, but I can say with certainty that My System is way too advanced...

Avatar of ElDude56

Hi Stepheng98 - read the following in any order you like:

a) a book on tactics

b) a book on tactics

c) a book on tactics

Avatar of MM78

I agree that My System is too advanced for this level. 

 I recommend Silman's Complete Endgame Course (it's graded chapter by chapter according to your ELO level so you only progress as your skil level increases, therefore not wasting time on endings beyond your level).

For general books on how to play there are many, it's so long since I read beginner's books take my recommendation with a grain of salt but there is Logical Chess Move by Move (Chernev).  The Mammoth Book of Chess by Graham Burgess is entertaining and instructive.

Don't spend much time on openings at this stage. The Chess Mentor and Tactics Trainer here are good tools as well if you prefer interactive than just reading.