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‘Chess steps’ method?

#1

Any opinions on the ‘chess steps’ method? Are the workbooks worth it? Would you get much out of it without a coach/teacher?

Any opinions on the ‘chess steps’ method? Are the workbooks worth it? Would you get much out of it without a coach/teacher?
#2

I've heard great reviews and bought them. The problems are indeed very interesting. I've only been working thru Step 2. Some problems are very different from a typical puzzle format. I can't say that it has helped me yet - but I'm early into it.

For example, you are given a position, then 2 moves are written down. You're supposed to find a tactic after the 2nd move - so it requires you to visualize.

Another type of problem is: a move is given - and you're supposed to say: yes or no --> does this move work or not? That's more realistic and comparable to a typical game, where you have to evaluate possible defenses and refutations.

Another type of problem is - route planning. You are given positions of black pieces and one white piece with a target square. But no position diagram - again you have to visualize. Your goal is to find a safe route to the target square.

You probably can't go wrong with purchasing these. The workbooks are very skinny, but contain lots and lots of problems - several hundred each. The problems have been selected with very good care - by humans and not an algorithm.

I've heard great reviews and bought them. The problems are indeed very interesting. I've only been working thru Step 2. Some problems are very different from a typical puzzle format. I can't say that it has helped me yet - but I'm early into it. For example, you are given a position, then 2 moves are written down. You're supposed to find a tactic after the 2nd move - so it requires you to visualize. Another type of problem is: a move is given - and you're supposed to say: yes or no --> does this move work or not? That's more realistic and comparable to a typical game, where you have to evaluate possible defenses and refutations. Another type of problem is - route planning. You are given positions of black pieces and one white piece with a target square. But no position diagram - again you have to visualize. Your goal is to find a safe route to the target square. You probably can't go wrong with purchasing these. The workbooks are very skinny, but contain lots and lots of problems - several hundred each. The problems have been selected with very good care - by humans and not an algorithm.
#3

Thanks! Do you think I can skip ‘step 1’ , or is it useful for someone like me (i.e.1450-1550 range in 15|10)?

Thanks! Do you think I can skip ‘step 1’ , or is it useful for someone like me (i.e.1450-1550 range in 15|10)?
#5

@Akbar2thegreat said in #4:

What's 'chess steps'?
A book?
It’s a chess teaching technique:
https://www.chess-steps.com/home.php

Developed by folks in the Netherlands to teach kids, but I guess it works for adults as well.

I’ve heard good things about it, so I am curious.

@Akbar2thegreat said in #4: > What's 'chess steps'? > A book? It’s a chess teaching technique: https://www.chess-steps.com/home.php Developed by folks in the Netherlands to teach kids, but I guess it works for adults as well. I’ve heard good things about it, so I am curious.
#6

The chess steps method is one of the best ways to improve your chess. Each step consists of thematic lessons followed by exercises. As an adult improver you could work through step 1 and 2 easily by yourself and probably step 3. However, there is way more to the method than just doing the puzzles. You need to be playing a lot of longer time control games and then analysing them through the eye of the steps method - this is where a coach who is familiar with the steps can be invaluable - they can spot the "step 2 mistakes" for example and advise that you remain on the step instead of advancing. You would get a lot out of it with self study but the method itself is in the teaching not the puzzles. Try Step 1and see how you get on.

The chess steps method is one of the best ways to improve your chess. Each step consists of thematic lessons followed by exercises. As an adult improver you could work through step 1 and 2 easily by yourself and probably step 3. However, there is way more to the method than just doing the puzzles. You need to be playing a lot of longer time control games and then analysing them through the eye of the steps method - this is where a coach who is familiar with the steps can be invaluable - they can spot the "step 2 mistakes" for example and advise that you remain on the step instead of advancing. You would get a lot out of it with self study but the method itself is in the teaching not the puzzles. Try Step 1and see how you get on.
#7

@CortoMaltese80 said in #3:

Thanks! Do you think I can skip ‘step 1’ , or is it useful for someone like me (i.e.1450-1550 range in 15|10)?

I bought one Step 1 book, I think Step 1 Mix - those problems are more advanced. The very first Step 1 book is mostly just teaching you chess, from what I understand, I think at your level you can skip it.

@CortoMaltese80 said in #3: > Thanks! Do you think I can skip ‘step 1’ , or is it useful for someone like me (i.e.1450-1550 range in 15|10)? I bought one Step 1 book, I think Step 1 Mix - those problems are more advanced. The very first Step 1 book is mostly just teaching you chess, from what I understand, I think at your level you can skip it.
#8

The site says 'world's leading' while being active in only 17 countries!

The site says 'world's leading' while being active in only 17 countries!
#9

@Akbar2thegreat said in #8:

The site says 'world's leading' while being active in only 17 countries!
Ya the website generally looks like it was designed in 1999.

@Akbar2thegreat said in #8: > The site says 'world's leading' while being active in only 17 countries! Ya the website generally looks like it was designed in 1999.

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