Which is better, tactics software or books?

I prefer software, especially the chess tactics for beginners, intermediante and advanced series, for a number of reasons

1) There is no need to go thumbing all the way in the back of a book to find the answer
2) I can play out my own variations and see why they don't work- sometimes when I'm reading a tactics book, I think "But what if I do that? Then what will he do?"
3) It gives partial hints so it's not an all or nothing situation
4) The hints actually help increase tactical ability i.e., it shows you the lines of attack
5) I can see my relative rating to see my progress
6) It times how long it takes me to solve them, which is useful.


What's your opinion? Books or software?

Software all the way for me, easier to use, store and is more enjoyable imo.

Another benefit is that it's cheaper, you don't always need to buy it if you know what I mean😀

I use books, mainly because I'm only 15 and my parents don't like ordering things off the net. With books I can just go to the bookstore and buy a book. I haven't really needed to buy tons of books: all I have is just one puzzle book and it's good for now. Junior10 just came in the mail and I think it has a tactics database so I may start using that instead now.

Books because at my age I’m not conditioned to playing chess like it’s a video game. I need to see the pieces and feel the heft of plastic. I also like the way books smell when they are new.

I like books because i can lie in bed and read them, while my wife watches Desperate Housewives. That way we don't fight about the channel.

Originally posted by buddy2
I like books because i can lie in bed and read them, while my wife watches Desperate Housewives. That way we don't fight about the channel.

CT Art......why use anything else?

Originally posted by masscat
Books because at my age I’m not conditioned to playing chess like it’s a video game. I need to see the pieces and feel the heft of plastic. I also like the way books smell when they are new.

See http://www.jlevitt.dircon.co.uk/adv.htm a combination of all is best.