04 Oct 09
What would you recommend as a decent chess book for a game improver?
Would you recommend a book on openings or endgame theory or both if there is any?
I know there's probably a thread somewhere but hey, there might be something newer that you would recommend?
Cheers Jay
04 Oct 09
Originally posted by clandarkfireI've never had a rating & only played against an old Kasparov computer!!!
Do you know what your rating was/will be? Did you have a rating when you played 20 years ago?
I dont know what to expect as far as my ratings go, I'll be very interested to know just how bad (or not so bad) I really am?
I know the rules & think I know a tiny amount on strategy so something that skips the basic fundimentals would be prefered, book wise..
04 Oct 09
Originally posted by JayDohertyThe winning Chess series by seirawan, no opening books, they aren't worth your time, as for endgames, for starters all you need is Silman's complete endgame course.
What would you recommend as a decent chess book for a game improver?
Would you recommend a book on openings or endgame theory or both if there is any?
I know there's probably a thread somewhere but hey, there might be something newer that you would recommend?
Cheers Jay
This will entertain you for some months, ask again later! good luck
04 Oct 09
Originally posted by JayDohertyyou may of course want a book with an opening repertoire, for despite the bad press that studying openings seems to get, its good not to go into a game completely cold, especially in correspondence where we can play the positions over and decide if we like them, thus i suggest 'attacking with 1.e4', by John Emms, covers every major system that the brave and intrepid 1.e4 player is likely to meet!
Thanks for that. I'll have to spend a little time on that site.
05 Oct 09
Originally posted by robbie carrobieI agree with Robbie, for a couple of reasons:
you may of course want a book with an opening repertoire, for despite the bad press that studying openings seems to get, its good not to go into a game completely cold, especially in correspondence where we can play the positions over and decide if we like them, thus i suggest 'attacking with 1.e4', by John Emms, covers every major system that the brave and intrepid 1.e4 player is likely to meet!
1) Learning an opening (the ideas behind the moves) is a great example of the application of chess theory and strategy, and you can also learn certain tactics and how they relate to the theme of an opening.
2) People often study openings because they find it fun to do so, and studying that you enjoy is studying you will stick with doing.
3) Modern opening books very often consist of master games on the opening in question, and that is valuable because
a) Master games are a great way to learn, and games related by openings give you similar themes, but different interpretations by various strong players;
b) Complete games by openings also expose you to relevant middle game and endgame themes, so you do get the whole range of chess training, even if the focus is based on a theme.
4) You will enjoy playing a little more, and actually survive to the point to use your tactics training and endgame knowledge, if you survive the first 8 to 10 moves.
Mostly, just do what is enjoyable, and when it isn't change what you are doing!
Paul Leggett
05 Oct 09
Originally posted by Paul Leggettyes, that's all true and nice, but don't you think there are other areas were you should spend your time. I'd rather spend my time studying other aspects. I'm not saying you don't need to know them, eventually you will, but it is not primary. Anyhow there is already a whole threat going about this.
I agree with Robbie, for a couple of reasons:
1) Learning an opening (the ideas behind the moves) is a great example of the application of chess theory and strategy, and you can also learn certain tactics and how they relate to the theme of an opening.
2) People often study openings because they find it fun to do so, and studying that you enjoy is ...[text shortened]... Mostly, just do what is enjoyable, and when it isn't change what you are doing!
Paul Leggett
05 Oct 09
Originally posted by heinzkatYou were responding to someone's suggesting Chess Tempo. Please tell us why you would not recommend that site. (Yours is the first negative remark on Chess Tempo, and I would like to know what it is about the site that you don't like. This is not a challenge, just an inquiry.)
I wouldn't recommend that one, I explained why in some other thread...
grit
05 Oct 09
1 edit
Thread 118904 (it's not really a good argument but what I am wanting to say is that there is a complete lack of IDEAS in the positions that you are offered)