English Chess Forum

Hi,

As an average(ish) club player (ecf around 100) that would like to improve, I was wondering if someone could recommend a good book to study from? What book do you keep referring to? Which books describe openings strategy and tactics in an interesting and digestable way? Do you have a chess book that inspired you or changed your style in a way you'll never forget?! I would really like to hear your recommendations, even if it's what not to buy as there are just so many titles out there, it's tricky to know where to start.

many thanks,
Chris

Star chess by Motwani is a really cool book, those whole little series like hot chess etc, they were cool

See http://www.amazon.co.uk/Favourite-Chess ... title_full

for some timeless classics which I have enjoyed and found useful.

Hi Chris,

As it happens, yesterday I wrote a piece recommending various titles:

http://www.rjcc.org.uk/recommendations.htm

My article was aimed at kids, but I'd happily recommend any of the books to an ECF 100 player.

Hope it helps.

Peter

Two books I found useful were Better Chess for the Average Player by Tim Harding and Cool Chess by Paul Motwani.

Jonathan Rowson's 'The Seven Deadly Chess Sins' and 'Chess For Zebras'.

Both of these are I feel geared more towards improving how one plays, rather than what. The psychological and philosophical elements of the latter title are a good read irrespective of the chess elements. But they're both excellent instructive tomes.

Thanks to everyone who left their comments, I really appreciate it.

I have gone for "The Seven Deadly Chess Sins" in the end, it sounds like an interesting read and appeals to my philosophical interests too.

Perhaps I'll post a review when I end the season, hopefully with an improved performance! Who knows?

cheers.