Some books you need a board for, some you don't. I tend to actually use a chessboard on a computer for complex books (ones with lots of variations), and a real chessboard for simpler ones.
If you want a book you can take along with you, look for a tactics book. Not having a board makes no differance when solving tactics, since you should be solving the puzzle without moving the pieces anyways.
As an otb-er first and foremost, I recommend having a board and pieces at hand while studying, if possible. Where it is appropriate, cover up the "next move" in the book and suss it out on the board.
If you are away from a board or it is impractical to have one, perhaps a pda with a free bit of software and you can set up a position on the screen and so forth.
Sometimes you can load pgn files onto the pda.
I have a miniature board for traveling and studying
Didn't Fischer have a mini magnetic chessboard too?
Fischer had one of those leather wallet sets with slots the pieces slid into.
I don't have a solution But for years I studied from books with a board and pieces to follow along, but I found it almost impossible because of all the many tangents and side variations. Studying chess from books is a terrible method of study -- but for over a century it was all there was.
Now, I use "Chess mentor" on chess.com!
It depends a little on the book too. Logical Chess Move by Move is a popular beginner's text that is very user friendly: lots of diagrams (every few moves) and not too much going down long side-alleys.
With a book like Reassess Your Chess, however, I can't do anything without an analysis board.
I used to use a folding vinyl magnetic board, which was pretty good (and cheap). Now I use analysis mode on an iPod or Palm-based chess app to step through the moves in the text, which is excellent (although, obviously, a bit more costly).
I'd suggest that you use a board whether on the computer, on a table or on your lap in the case of a vest pocket set.
Go through the main line first. That's, usually, the one that gets played through with the book diagrams. Get an understanding of that with some of the whys & wherefores. Then go back, set up, play out and check the variations.
Okay, this might seem like a dumb question at first. But I really could use some tips on this matter.
I enjoy reading books. I enjoy studing from books. However how does one best read chess books?
I have a ebook on some chess openings. I become overwhelmed by the PGN that is used in books. Find it hard to follow.
What I did (and I think this would be best practice) is read and follow along on a board with pieces. However this is not always possible. I'd love to take a book with me on the go and learn from it without having a board along with it.
Should I stick to it without board and is it just a matter of getting skilled at reading PGN?
What are your tips? How do you all read/study books?