Chess Books - Tactics
Learn Chess Tactics
This is one of the best books on tactics. What makes it such a standout is a very good collection of excercises all of which come from recent GM games. The difficulty of excercises varies nicely starting from very simple one-move ones and all the way up to hard core combinations with a couple of subtle moves in the main line. Players of all levels of strength should benefit from this book. But it is ideal for intermediate level players who want to improve.
As a new player set on moving up the ranks quickly, there is no surer path to victory than a good eye for the tactical stroke, and there are few books that discuss this theme more clearly than Nunn's.
How to Beat Your Dad at Chess
Its a great book for beginner and intermediate chess players of all ages. It helps you with recognizing patterns so you can see check mates several moves before you execute them. It says that most beginner players play chess using five percent of their time recognizing a pattern and 95% of the time analyzing the situation and their moves. A master player recognizes patterns 60% of the time he's playing and only analyzes the situation about 40% of the time. Now I play trying to look ahead to see if I have been in the position before. I also try to remember positions I'm in for later use when I've won. This book helps you beat anyone who continuously defeats you. Its easy to read. More visual players should put a chessboard in front of them with the positions shown in the book so they can move the peices according to what it says instead of imagining them in their mind.
Chess Tactics for Kids
If you are not already an experienced player, this neat little book will improve your game for sure. It's all about pattern recognition: spotting familiar clusters of pieces that alert strong players to the possibility of a combination. There are 50 different motifs covered, and all win material in one way or another.
All strong players know and use these patterns frequently. Learning them is essential if you want to improve. Chandler's book is clearly intended for the lower level player (though not only juniors), but it is an intelligent read, and often fun. The author is a grandmaster, and you can be sure he knows what he is talking about. Layout is friendly and I like it that the book opens flat,a benefit of hardcover.
