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I am on Christmas break from college and I have just decided I want to improve my game as much as possible in the next few weeks. I figure I have time to work all the way through 1 chess book, or maybe 2, but for the purposes of this question, let's assume 1. Which book should I work through? These are the very limited set of books I have to choose from:
1. Judgment and Planning in Chess by Max Euwe
2. Art of attack in Chess by Vladimir Vukovic
3. Understanding Chess Move by Move by John Nunn
4. Winning Chess Endgames - Just the Facts by Lev Alburt
5. Some various opening books

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Originally posted by UmbrageOfSnow
Agreed

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1. I read but it was that old notation so it wasn't as fun.
2. I just finished reading this month.
3. I looked at it but its not what i expected. I was hoping for something closer to logical chess move by move with little variations etc..

I would go with Judgement and planning especially if its with the new notation.

Art of Attack is great but its more for someone 1700 around.

Opening books right now are a big no no.

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Anyone else have any imput?

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Originally posted by UmbrageOfSnow
Anyone else have any imput?
No opening books. I havn't read any of the others though. I own Art of Attack, but I won't start it until I finish with Postal Chess Masterpieces by Dunne.

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Originally posted by UmbrageOfSnow
Anyone else have any imput?
This has been repeated many times in these threads.
Study Tactics!
Bring a puzzle book like Reinfelds 1001 mates or combos. Albertsons and Wilsons 303 whatevers. Chess tactics for Juinors-Lou Hays
etc, etc.
read as many puzzles as you can, but dont spend more then 5 min on each, finish the book, then re-read it. The key is to remember as many patterns as possible.
For Positional ideas. Logcal Chess by Chernev.
This is a good start. The other books you mentioned can wait until 1600 or so

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Looks like good choices - here is my rating:

1. Judgment and Planning in Chess by Max Euwe - 8-9/10 good but old...

2. Art of attack in Chess by Vladimir Vukovic - 10/10 great book!!!

3. Understanding Chess Move by Move by John Nunn - 10/10 great book!!! (this book is like the Modern version of: Logical Chess by Chernev) - read this book instead of Chernev's ancient book.

4. Winning Chess Endgames - Just the Facts by Lev Alburt - 8/10 good, but there are better endgame books.

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Originally posted by amir1
Looks like good choices - here is my rating:

1. Judgment and Planning in Chess by Max Euwe - 8-9/10 good but old...

2. Art of attack in Chess by Vladimir Vukovic - 10/10 great book!!!

3. Understanding Chess Move by Move by John Nunn - 10/10 great book!!! (this book is like the Modern version of: Logical Chess by Chernev) - read this book instead of ...[text shortened]... Chess Endgames - Just the Facts by Lev Alburt - 8/10 good, but there are better endgame books.
These may be good choices for an advanced player. but someone whos under 1400 or so might not get a good understanding of the content.
Im around 1600+ and most of those books where hard for me to grasp.
Im reading Chernevs book, and i like it a lot.
Its best to work on a gradient you can handle.
Youi might get what you need from those books, but if not, try what i sugessted earlier

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Grandmouster has some good points in his post above.
I however, still think that Nunn's 'Understanding Chess Move by Move' is a good modern replacement for Chernev's calssic.

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Originally posted by UmbrageOfSnow
I am on Christmas break from college and I have just decided I want to improve my game as much as possible in the next few weeks. I figure I have time to work all the way through 1 chess book, or maybe 2, but for the purposes of this question, let's assume 1. Which book should I work through? These are the very limited set of books I have to choose ...[text shortened]... n Nunn
4. Winning Chess Endgames - Just the Facts by Lev Alburt
5. Some various opening books
I would recommend Nunn's book, "Understanding Chess Move by Move." The important thing about this book is that it deals with the whole game as a package and begins to teach you how to think through a game. In learning chess that is the single most important thing to learn...how to think and how to plan.

Dave

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Originally posted by amir1
Grandmouster has some good points in his post above.
I however, still think that Nunn's 'Understanding Chess Move by Move' is a good modern replacement for Chernev's calssic.
I dont think that this book should be replaced.
It seems to be a good steping stone for an improving player.
Im reading the Chernev book right now, and will read The Nunn book next.
This way i will study in a level by level of understanding.
I did read the Nunn book, and found it a little over my head at the time. Hopefully it will be better this time

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I little surprised no one brought up the Play Winning series by Silman.
I've only read two of the series, but thought they were great.

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Guys I want to ask, I already have How to Reassess your Chess by Jeremy Silman, I was told to read The Amateur's Mind first. Do you really think its needed? Or can I make do with HTRYC only?

Thanks.

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Originally posted by stanloh
Guys I want to ask, I already have How to Reassess your Chess by Jeremy Silman, I was told to read The Amateur's Mind first. Do you really think its needed? Or can I make do with HTRYC only?

Thanks.
PLaying games helps

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Originally posted by Santa Drummer
PLaying games helps
Sorry I don't really get what you are saying, at least its not answering my question. I just asked someone who have read both books if they can input their opinions if its really necassary to read The Amateur's Mind before HTRYC or can I skip it altogether.

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