Only Chess
08 Jan 06
08 Jan 06
Originally posted by HomerJSimpsonYes I do. 'Killer Chess Tactics' by Raymond Keene, Eric Schiller and Leonid Shamkovitch. It cost me $55 Australian Dollars. It takes you through all the tactics and most of them are so complicated that you have to play through the examples on a chess board. It also has advanced chess problems to solve. That is the first half of the book. The second half is about combinations.
Im currently reading Winning Chess Tactics by Yasser Seirawan, its a good book, Im almost done reading, does anyone know of anything thats a little more advanced?
pythagoras.
04 Feb 06
Originally posted by pythagorasdoes anyone else have anything else in mind? I looked on amazon and two people gave it horrible reviews
Yes I do. 'Killer Chess Tactics' by Raymond Keene, Eric Schiller and Leonid Shamkovitch. It cost me $55 Australian Dollars. It takes you through all the tactics and most of them are so complicated that you have to play through the examples on a chess board. It also has advanced chess problems to solve. That is the first half of the book. The second half is about combinations.
pythagoras.
04 Feb 06
Originally posted by HomerJSimpsonSeirawan's book is intended to explain the fundamental tactical themes every chess player must know if they hope to become better players, and it does a darn good job of it. It does little (some, but not much) to directly develop the tactical ability that will directly benefit you when actually playing. If I could relate it to someone who is trying to learn piano, it is like a theory book that explains the notes, scales and whatnot which you'll need to know, but does little to develop your ability to actually play. For that you'll need to practice. The most efficient way to apply this to chess tactics is to start doing problems regularly. It's not a more advanced book that you need right now, it's a different kind of book (or software if you prefer). To learn chess tactics simply by moving from an explanation of the basic themes to something more advanced would be like trying to learn piano by moving from basic to advanced theory without ever touching the keyboard. Advanced tactics are just more complex combinations of the basic themes explained in WCT. Until recognizing those themes becomes like second nature to you there is little point attempting advanced tactics. Before you move on to Mozart you should have "Mary Had a Little Lamb" nailed.
Im currently reading Winning Chess Tactics by Yasser Seirawan, its a good book, Im almost done reading, does anyone know of anything thats a little more advanced?
04 Feb 06
Originally posted by SkorjGood Posting, so you suggest just doing more problems? And thanks for the other poster for the Neil McDonald book.
Seirawan's book is intended to explain the fundamental tactical themes every chess player must know if they hope to become better players, and it does a darn good job of it. It does little (some, but not much) to directly develop the tactical ability that will directly benefit you when actually playing. If I could relate it to someone who is trying to learn pi ...[text shortened]... ed tactics. Before you move on to Mozart you should have "Mary Had a Little Lamb" nailed.
04 Feb 06
I did the lamaza thing to practise my tactics better. I'm sure everyone on here has heard about it and been tired with it being mentioned over and over.
I don't suggest anyone to go through this. Instead find a nice collection of tactic puzzles, Ct-art 3.0 is great $35 I believe with 1200 problems it's a cd.
Anyways take this collection and do 10 problem everyday in your head and then check the answer after and use a board if you have to.
04 Feb 06
Originally posted by HomerJSimpsonYes, and I agree with RahimK's post before this one. If you'd like a book instead of software I am using "The Ultimate Chess Puzzle Book" by Emms. It starts basic and gradually gets harder as you go through the 1000 problems. Dan Heisman recommends a book which I believe is called "Chess Tactics for Students". I'm unfamiliar with it, but usually like what Dan has to say.
Good Posting, so you suggest just doing more problems? And thanks for the other poster for the Neil McDonald book.
BTW, if you're interested in the de la Maza thing you can find his article "400 Points in 400 Days" for free at
http://www.masschess.org/Chess_Horizons/Articles/2001-01_Sample_400_Points_Part_1.pdf
It contains all the essential ideas in his book. If you stick with the basic idea of practicing by doing lots of puzzles, though, you can't go wrong.
07 Feb 06
Originally posted by RahimKI have the BIG book "CHESS: 5,334 Problems, Combinations, and Games" by Polgar. Would any of you recommend that as a solution to what RahimK's recommended? Or is it no good for whatever reason(s)?
I did the lamaza thing to practise my tactics better...
I don't suggest anyone to go through this. Instead find a nice collection of tactic puzzles...
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Brent
07 Feb 06
Originally posted by magnublmPolgar's book is good, but the problems are mostly composed, and nearly all end in checkmate. The section featuring games of the Polgar sisters is the exception.
I have the BIG book "CHESS: 5,334 Problems, Combinations, and Games" by Polgar. Would any of you recommend that as a solution to what RahimK's recommended? Or is it no good for whatever reason(s)?
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Brent
Tactics collections from real games that use checkmate threats and other tactical motifs to reach a winning endgame may be more practical.
Most knowledgeable chess readers recommend avoiding all books by Eric Schiller and Raymond Keene