Which Book...

I have finally broken down and decided to buy a few chess books; however, I only have a limited amount of money to spend. Therefore, I have come to a dilemna between choosing Winning Chess Tactics or Winning Chess Strategies. Which book would you choose if you could only select one? I especially ask those of you who have read one or both of them. I am leaning torwards Winning Chess Strategies but I'm willing to try either.

Originally posted by wittywonka
I have finally broken down and decided to buy a few chess books; however, I only have a limited amount of money to spend. Therefore, I have come to a dilemna between choosing Winning Chess Tactics or Winning Chess Strategies. Which book would you choose if you could only select one? I especially ask those of you who have read one or both of them. I am leaning torwards Winning Chess Strategies but I'm willing to try either.

I have read both and would choose strategies over the other... also tactics can be found easily on the web.

your tactics are solid enough i've seen your play for quiet a while. winning chess strategies will benefit your much more. i say tactics usually help people that are usually under 1500. but you seem to know them well enough. strategies is my vote. i have it too so i know its a good book.

I have both in front of me now.
Depends where you think your strengths are I suppose.
The tactics book is probably the best one I've seen for beginner up.

Most people suggest you only worry about strategy after you have a good sound tactical basis.
The understanding where the pieces go & faulty strategy chapters are very useful indeed though.

Also, John Nunn's Learn chess tactics is very good indeed.
It has only recentish (1995 onwards) tactical game examples & works along the same method as Sierawan's book.
Nunn explains the basics, gives a few key examples then sets tests for each topic & has a big find-the-best-move random tactic section at the end.
The topics covered & learning curve are perfectly balanced also.
His description of the solutions is superb as well.

Thanks for the posts. I'll probably go for the strategy, but I won't be sure until I buy it tomorrow. Thanks again.

Originally posted by wittywonka
Thanks for the posts. I'll probably go for the strategy, but I won't be sure until I buy it tomorrow. Thanks again.

Go with Strategies. Get your Tactics online for free at Chess Tactics Server. I have the first three books from that series in my library, and although the Tactics book is good, I think you'd be much better served with a collection of puzzles to work through periodically, which as has been stated by others as well, you can get online for free.