Learn Chess or Chess Strategies with Chess Books
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Chess is a wonderful game and if you are not already an avid player then there are a multitude of chess books available to suit any beginner. There are chess books for children to teach them the fine art of the game of chess, or perhaps a chess book about the history of chess itself, books relating to strategy, books relating to chess boards and types of chess pieces. There are a multitude of books about how to improve your chess game and these are sought after by seasoned players. The chess books for children you will find are written in such a way that it is very easy for children to follow. The books will give information start from setting up the chess board to placement of the pieces and the starting moves of the game. There will generally be listings included of the names of each piece and their relevance to the game as well as the moves that are allowed by each piece. Then the books will follow through to the basic moves and strategies that a child can quickly and easily pick up until they are ready to move on to more advanced practices of the game. There are various studies that have been conducted in numerous countries that show that the game of chess builds various skills in children such as their concentration among many others. The game of chess for children is often initially thought to be difficult but many children get great enjoyment from the game. It is found in many cases that when they can follow a good chess book and understand the principles deployed in playing the game they find that they enjoy the game much more. The strategies they learn improve and their ability to think and plan improves as their knowledge of the game is raised. Parents of course will find that when their child does play the game of chess they often have improved thinking and planning skills. Children learn to think more logically at least in relation to the game as well as planning their game more efficiently as they gain more knowledge. Despite the fact that they are learning new skills, when they learn from a chess book they are also using their reading skills and there are many times when children do not read enough. Purchasing a good book for your child to learn chess has multiple benefits. Chess for children is a great idea as it is something that can be played anywhere and think of the fun you can have with your child if you are able to sit together and enjoy the game. There are other books designed for advanced players that will go through very specific formats for trying out new chess strategies with reference on defensive and offensive moves that are possible to attempt. As well as going through previous chess games to show strategic play that others have already found and mastered and these books offer a great insight to the player into ways they can change their game. There are of course no books that will ensure you are a winner every time but there are many chess books that give great tips and insights into the ways others may be planning their moves and this of course assists the players in planning well in advance for basic and even often not so basic strategies their opponents are playing. Some chess books are written solely in relation to the tactics that can be used in the game. When a seasoned player, who is having difficulty being the victor, can learn a new skill such as identifying frequently-occurring tactical moves they are more likely to succeed in defeating their opponent. There are many books that help in this regard and serious players find these chess books very useful in improving their overall victory count. What ever your requirement if it is for yourself or your children you will find there is a suitable chess book out there that covers the task you are trying to complete.
Watch the video related to books for children
Help answer the question about books for children
What kind of things attract young children in books? ?I'm doing a research project now about whats in children books that attract children. So far I've found out that pop up books are meant for ages 1-3 because it triggers the most activity in that age ranges minds. Does anyone know where I can find any other information on this topic?
Thanx
About Author
Michiel Van Kets writes articles for Regency Chess Company, formed in 2008 by Julian Deverell and Darren Whiteman and based in Bath, United Kingdom. Regency Chess is a specialist chess retailer that supplies high quality chess products at a reasonable price that reflects the materials and craftsmanship used to make them and presents them on the Internet in a form that customers can easily understand and compare. Find information on chess boards, chess pieces and chess books.
October 23rd, 2005 at 12:09 pm
it’s almost like a photo
great painting 
October 23rd, 2005 at 12:14 pm
dude, you own! this looks identical to a photograph
October 23rd, 2005 at 5:22 pm
i use photoshop
October 23rd, 2005 at 11:13 am
• Did you start too late?
Not necessarily. For example if you wanted to be better than anyone you've ever played and probably ever seen play then no, it's definitely not too late for that. If you want to be a grandmaster it's even not too late for that either, but if you want to be a serious contender for the world champ, it's too late
. So don't let anyone try to convince you you can't become a master (2200+) with dedication and time it's possible for almost any player.
• How to improve your strategy for mid and endgame and any recommended books? Online sources?
The best way to improve your strategy and endgame technique is to learn from books or a coach. The winning chess series by Seirawan has good books. Play, Tactics, Strategy, and Endgame are 4 of the 7 in this series. It's good that you recognize your focus should be endgames and tactics (middlegame). You should definitely get a puzzle book or use a free online resource such as http://chesstempo.com/ and always be drilling on tactics. About every serious tournament player has a book of puzzles handy.
Other very good books include:
"Logical Chess Move by Move" by Chernev for strategy (explains every move of every game — every time throughout the book, always highly recommended).
"Weapons of Chess" by Pandolfini for strategy
For other online sources, William gave you some good ones — I'll only add http://www.chessgames.com/ other than a huge free database it has daily puzzles, guess the move games, an opening explorer, player bios, free to read others annotations of games… it's a great place for chess
• Good to practice against computers?
No, it's generally not a good idea especially for beginners. You can use them to analyze your tournament games for mistakes. I also use it for _positions_ (not games) that I don't understand and will think and think for a move, then play my move and watch the evaluation for a big change. If you don't understand the computer's recommended move then keep playing till it becomes clear to you why it was bad/good. If the evaluation only changes a little that doesn't mean anything because computers don't know a lot about strategy because they know zero about endgames but that's a whole different topic (I use Rybka 3 btw). Also computers like Firtz, Shredder, Rybka etc can help you find correct moves for the opening.
• Any other good sites to play on?
FICS is the best free one, so you got it down there. Playchess.com and ICC are pay sites, but in truth unnecessary for almost anyone rated under A class or Expert because you don't need master-class competition when you're just starting out. There are correspondence type sites also if you want to get into that, they're easy to find just google them e.g. chess.com redhotpawn.com. These sites give you days to make a move and games can last 1 or more months.
You don't sound desperate you sound passionate! The most important element to improvement is passion for the game, and it sounds like you've got that. By loving the game and continuing to play you'll defiantly improve, I guarantee it!
October 23rd, 2005 at 11:31 am
Hi,
Always good to meet another chess enthusiast!
Move pawn to e4 on your first move.
Then focus on controlling the center of the board.
Always capture towards the center whenever possible.
Avoid placing knights and bishops on the edge of the board.
Use pawns to support bigger pieces, never have bigger pieces support other big pieces or pawns. This will keep stronger pieces available for attacks.
Always ask yourself, "If I were my opponent, what would be my next best move?" Then find a way to either prevent that move or plan a counter move that will make your opponent sorry for making his.
If you are even in material or slightly ahead, don't be afraid to trade off pieces evenly including queens. This will clear the board of clutter and make your lead more obvious. It will also make for a quicker game.
*Remember that a lone bishop can only capture on 50% of the board. (White squares only, or black only depending on the bishop). But a lone knight can capture on 100% of the board. (Both colored squares as he alternates on each move.) This may be important if you have to decide which one to sacrifice or trade off near the end game.
*Pawns are insignificant at first, but they become mightier as they move forward towards the eighth rank and become queens! Don't underestimate them!
Seek out a target and hit it! Whenever your opponent leaves a piece unprotected, make that your target!
Most pieces work better as a team closer together than they do apart.
Don't just watch for opportunities for forks, pins and skewers. Look for ways to create them! Entice your opponent into those situations with small sacrifices.
Free Software:
http://www.bookup.com/bookupliteintro.htm
Here you will meet Mike Leahy, a chess software programmer who is GIVING AWAY a great chess program for studying openings plus other features. You will not be disappointed with what he has to offer. You can register the software for around $30, but it remains fully functional after the 30 day trial – just without the editing feature. It's a real bargain and Mike is a very likeable guy as you will see if you click around his site and watch his tutorial videos. Be sure to open the "ECO" book with the software which is the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings. That alone makes this a great deal.
http://www.chessmentor.com/
This site offers another free demo which is a very generous sampling of what Chess Mentor has to offer. Even if you never buy the software the demo is well worth having. This software sets up a position and asks you to find the best move. Whichever move you make, the software explains thoroughly why your move was either the right or wrong move. You can even ask for 3 different hint levels. If you want to buy this software, it comes in 3 packages at different prices. I bought the deluxe package which was pricey, but any chess lover would think it is a good deal.
Good luck! I hope this helped!
Castle early!
October 24th, 2005 at 9:02 am
A-W-E-S-O-M-E your works is very awesome! cool!!!! very good
October 24th, 2005 at 7:34 am
i can't actually give you a straight answer cause i don't know any sites, but google something like "online chess" and find a website that allows you to play against real people.
The best way to learn anything is by doing it. Practice makes perfect. Play heaps of games against other people, watch what they do and learn from it. You could read all the books there are on chess but until you actually play, what you have read means nothing.
October 24th, 2005 at 3:06 pm
HOLY CRAP! Comparing this to the original picture, they’re identical!
October 24th, 2005 at 5:35 pm
Awesome work Williamsshamir
Great video.
Much love Kat
October 25th, 2005 at 2:18 am
awesome stuff man,….ama practice hard to get to yo level!
October 24th, 2005 at 8:45 pm
I have read it, Great book, BUT I think even better is his book. "The Amateur's Mind" sub titled, "Turning Chess Misconceptions Into Chess Mastery. It Has him playing through old master games and positions, and then he takes an Amateur, rated from below 1200, all the way to 2000 and makes them play the position and speak aloud about what they are thinking when they look at the board. and he criticizes and comments on everything they say and it really opens your eyes and helps out.
I found a very large stepping stone for me was when I began to study master games. After studying 3 games, my ability sky rocketed, and I am going to keep studying them and I believe that I will easily become an International Master, and hopefully a GM one day. you should try it. Try to explain every move that they make, and understand that just because they made it doesn't mean that there aren't others, but it's a real eye opener too.
October 25th, 2005 at 1:37 am
first u play with the programme in computer with your theory knowledge and keep the programme rating lesser and try to win it and after that you slowly increase the programme rating and play. I f u find difficulty at some rating do not go beyond that and with the aid of computer u try to learn where u went wrong and try to improve . u can do this in offline it self.After some time ie if you are able to beat computer in 1700 rating then you try to play online players.
Again with lesser rating players first and gradually increase the players strength .This way you defiantly improve your chess.
October 25th, 2005 at 3:49 am
Chess ability is a game that is fairly dependent on each player's own visuospatial capabilities. You seem to suffer in that particular department, and it will be particularly hard for you to get better at the game. However, that doesn't mean you can't improve and I encourage you to continue playing. The best way to improve is to play, experience is the answer. But, don't just play, record your moves through short algebraic notation (e4 Nf3 Bc4 Re1 Qe2 etc.); that was one thing that helped me to improve.
I learned to play three years ago, my junior year in high school. After one year of studying, practice, and competetive play I was the best in the school. Notation was one of those things that I feel was vey helpful. A daily chess puzzle on chessgames.com helped me develop as well. When you have no one to play against, visualize a game in your mind (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf3 and so on). When you can understand the beginings of a game without a board you should try playing a game without looking (essentially blindfolded). Trying to push yourself like that is a good way to develop.
You sound like someone interested in a challenge like improving in chess, and I think the best way to do that isn't to memorize openings that you don't understand, but improve your ability to visualize positions and recognize patterns so as to better plan attacks and exploit weaknesses. One thing to study though is endgames because what you want to do during a game of chess is manipulate the middlegame into an endgame you know you can win. Endgames you know you can win come from studying positions that have been proven advantages for a certain side. Most endgames have certain patterns that prove victorious for a specific side; these patterns are what you need to begin to recognize. The best way to recognize the patterns stem back to developing your visuospatial capacity.
October 25th, 2005 at 5:27 pm
véiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, que difuu
October 26th, 2005 at 11:14 am
wich program he is for doing this ? beside a tablet ofc
October 26th, 2005 at 1:43 pm
"How to Reassess Your Chess" and "The Amateur's Mind" are both excellent books by Jeremy Silman.
However, there's no such thing as the "best" chess learning book.
"Win at Chess" is a good all-in-one book by Ron Curry (it's "a comprehensive guide to winning chess for the intermediate player"). Excellent book, sets out a good thought process for before and after each of your moves.
Yasser Seirawan's series is excellent. The Books should be studied in the following order:
1) Play Winning Chess
2) Winning Chess Endings
3) Winning Chess Tactics
4) Winning Chess Strategies
5) Winning Chess Combinations
6) Winning Chess Brilliancies
7) Winning Chess Openings
"How to Play Good Opening Moves" (by IGM Edmar Mednis) is an excellent book. I'd recommend it for a 1400. At that level, you don't need to be studying openings yet. Class players (i.e. rated below Expert) make too many tactical errors during games for the opening to have any significance. but this book will teach you to make logical moves during the opening so that you'll arrive at the middlegame in good shape. But don't waste your time studying and memorizing openings at this point. Just learn the principles of openings, and you'll be fine. Focus on tactics and endgames.
Jeremy Siliman also has an Endgame Course book that is excellent. Bruce Pandolfini's Endgame Course book is not bad either.
You can also check out Susan Polgar's "A World Champion's Guide To Chess" and "Chess Tactics for Champions".
John Nunn has a lot of excellent books out, including "Learn Chess Tactics". Nice insights in this one.
Also, if you don't have "Logical Chess, Move by Move" by Irving Chernev, get it. It takes you through over 30 GM-level games, and explains the reason behind every move.
October 26th, 2005 at 2:04 pm
If you are tacictally sound I suggest losing to people better than you. FtF if possible at a local club or whatever. After a few months ask how they look at a guy like you as an opponent.
Then the hard part. Listen. Don't argue. You are looking into a mirror that shows all your flaws.
Oh, if you know notation, use it. Play over your own games. Especially loses.
Unless you are a GM you do not know about strategy.
October 26th, 2005 at 5:11 pm
yes we do. I have read about 6 chess books in my life.
The thing with those books is – much of the real lessons is written in standard notation, i.e. 1.) d4 d5 2.)nf4 b6…etc etc…..
Well this can be very difficult to understand without a chessboard to follow along with the moves. Of course doing so will help you immensely. But even so learning to read that stuff takes forever…
Unless you make a habit of writing down the moves of your own games…! This is huge. Figure out how that notation stuff works and write down your own moves….! I cannot express what a new dimension of chess this will open up for you. The board will suddenly become so much smaller. With just a little bit of study – you will always know what the "right" move is. Once you can see the board and instantly recognize the typically correct moves – then you are free to start becoming creative and achieving a deeper appreciation of the game… This is chess mastery 101 type stuff.
Here's another tip.
Victory is based on three elements.
Material…
Position…
Tempo…
Figure out what those three things really mean and it will improve your game.
And third – have a plan.
Look at the board and come up with your dream objective.
If you see his queen on the same row as his king – obviously you want to put a protected rook on that queen asap.
It may not be possible in one or two moves. But don't worry about that – concern yourself with what is the first move to accomplishing my goal?
Have a plan, keep your pieces protected, recognize the typical patterns, fight for space on the board, use tactics, tactics – tactics!