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Chess Books for Tactics - Any Recommendations?

Chess Books for Tactics - Any Recommendations?

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Greetings all! I've recently taken up chess again after a long break and would like to ask if anybody could recommend any chess books on tactics?

The type of book I'm looking for is something with lots of puzzles and explanations separated into the various tactical motifs - the sort of book you could carry on a train and read without needing a chess board. I'd welcome any thoughts on what's available. Thanks.

(PS I would like to think I am currently playing at 1800 elo.)

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i would recommend Understanding Chess Tactics by Martin Weteschnik, it gives a real deep technique on how to spot tactics and can be read without a board. It has specific chapters for each tactical motif.
Polgar's book is great, i use it all the time, but is
1) not very portable, even in paperback form
2)has no text to accompany the puzzles
3)is mainly mates in 1/2/3 and is not broken down into motifs as you asked.

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Chess-Tactics-Martin-Weteschnik/dp/9197524425/sr=8-1/qid=1166358386/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2383684-8495850?ie=UTF8&s=books

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Paul Littlewood's 'Chess Tactics.'

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The post that was quoted here has been removed
That one may be a bit much for a returning player. I just got a book called "Killer chess tactics" by Keene, Shiller, and Shamkovich. First it covers various kinds of tactics then has exercises. 25 bucks US, I found it at Barns and Noble. It spells out a whole bunch of kinds of tactics, not just throwing things out haphazardly.

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Thanks for the suggestions. I'd better get writing to Santa. Interestingly, I have Paul Littlewood's dad's book (John Littlewood) 'How to Play the Middlegame in Chess' from way back (a prize signed by Bob Wade after a London U12 Championship).

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Winning Chess Tactics by Yasser Seirawan and Jeremy Silman

End of thread

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If this guy plays at an 1800 level I don't think he needs to learn what a pin is.

I think you should be aware of all tactical motifs at this point and you just need practice to increase your pattern recognition.

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Originally posted by tapestry
Greetings all! I've recently taken up chess again after a long break and would like to ask if anybody could recommend any chess books on tactics?

The type of book I'm looking for is something with lots of puzzles and explanations separated into the various tactical motifs - the sort of book you could carry on a train and read without needing a chess b ...[text shortened]... what's available. Thanks.

(PS I would like to think I am currently playing at 1800 elo.)
Originally posted by tapestry
Greetings all! I've recently taken up chess again after a long break and would like to ask if anybody could recommend any chess books on tactics?

I would also think you're beyond needing an explanation of the tactical motifs. Lots of tactical excercises to get your chess brain back in gear is more likely what's needed. To ths end I like Nunn's "The Ultimate Chess Puzzle Book". It's along the lines of Reinfelds "1001 Winning Chess Sacrifices..." only all the excercises come from actual relatively recent games with computer verified solutions. Polgar's classic is nice too, but it's all checkmates (I like material winning combinations thrown in) and a bit hefty to travel with.

(PS I would like to think I am currently playing at 1800 elo.)

So would I, then reality sets in 🙁

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Chess Tactics for Advanced Players(software) by convekta

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Originally posted by Skorj
Originally posted by tapestry
[b]Greetings all! I've recently taken up chess again after a long break and would like to ask if anybody could recommend any chess books on tactics?


I would also think you're beyond needing an explanation of the tactical motifs. Lots of tactical excercises to get your chess brain back in gear is more likely what' ...[text shortened]... think I am currently playing at 1800 elo.)[/b]

So would I, then reality sets in 🙁[/b]
Both of those books are too hard. Get Sharpen Your Tactics

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"Attacking Chess" by Waitzkin and Pandolfini is a good book for novices all the way to B players. I think I have recommended this before in a different thread. Also, you might try some books by Lev Alburt; they are very instructive.

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One Thousand and One Winning Chess Sacrifices and Combinations
by Fred Reinfeld

It's even free online if you look, but that can't be taken on a train very easily.

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Originally posted by Skorj
Originally posted by tapestry
[b]Greetings all! I've recently taken up chess again after a long break and would like to ask if anybody could recommend any chess books on tactics?


I would also think you're beyond needing an explanation of the tactical motifs. Lots of tactical excercises to get your chess brain back in gear is more likely what' ...[text shortened]... think I am currently playing at 1800 elo.)[/b]

So would I, then reality sets in 🙁[/b]
Yeah Nunns book is designed for an expert strength player, 1001 Chess Combinations is suited for 1800+

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CT Art 3.0 is the best thing every. No joke. 🙂 This is a cd and it's great!