Information Overload!

Funny...i've heard good things about Lucas and have been poking around its feature to analyze a game and output a pgn file of puzzles to be replayed through the 'find the best move'. But the documentation is a simple 'FAQ' and finding technical help around the internet seems oddly lacking. I do appreciate that it's free and works for many people's needs...but in your post I kind of share in your frustration with it. (I bought Fritz 16 too and have an even worse time with it)

Big fan of chessable myself (along with chess.com, lichess.org and now chesstempo). Hope you enjoy it too.

Thanks for the post @yakuzaronin Its helpful to know I was not crazy on the instructions on Lucas Chess. Now I have to be honest, Lucas Chess is still on my system but I have used the learning aspects of it. I really love the blunder check play through and actually its database but that part is lacking. Trying to import games etc the larger the database its the longer it takes lol. I am also using chessable again, chesstempo, and studies in Lichess. Using my software and books to "play off-line" is a must because I find myself wandering if its connected to the internet lol.

Thanks everyone for great posts.

I also wanted to provide this chess blog that I ran into many many years ago. Its actually updated regularly and love the posts : https://www.pathtochessmastery.com/

As you have an ICCF background, there are three main differences to over the board / online play

Openings matter far less. In correspondence an inaccurate opening move may lead to months of suffering with an inferior position. Over the board or online it hardly matters: if you play inaccurately in the opening, your opponent is sure to commit a more serious mistake later. An inferior opening move may even help him make a mistake, as he will be out of his preparation.

Endgames matter far more. In correspondence you have all the time and all the resources to study an endgame weeks before it occurs. In over the board or online play you have to find the win/draw yourself with the clock ticking.

Tactics matter more. In correspondence you can quietly study any tactics. Over the board or online you have the clock ticking, your nerves playing a role.

@whiteravenx :

Probably the best medicine against information overload is reduction of information. Like diet is the best (and oldest) therapy against overeat. Better than buying books might be to buy some real cool chessmen (quite expensive but a one-time investment) and probably a good chess software (quite expensive but a one-time investment - less or more) and paper and pencil (pretty cheap). And the use of your own brain is for free - not to forget. Jumping to this conclusions will probably have some unpleasant impact: loss of rating, the feeling like you start over again like a total dumb newbie etc. I decided to make it so. And i begin to discover our beloved game again. Total reset. And don't forget the tragic fate of the most chess hand libraries: They aren't read. As an alternative you might waste your money from time to time for a real good bottle of wine for further inspiration. And hey: i solved yet another puzzle ;-) Best regards.

" Jumping to this conclusions will probably have some unpleasant impact: loss of rating, the feeling like you start over again like a total dumb newbie etc."

I actually feel like this all the time playing online lol but I do agree with you on the books. Most i have sit brand new to never be opened but hey! looks impressive hehe. Maybe next goal is to find actual players that wouldnt mind hanging out playing OTB. NOT much devotion here in Richmond, VA for chess players. Most clubs closed and others" which i wouldn't play at " are in bars. Well thanks all for the updates, suggestions, and actually doing a chess reset this weekend. Building a good foundation again with tactics and Endgame. Openings will come over time but those are only for the openings i normally play. Correspondence chess is great as well for learning which i'll use that for opening study.

Thanks,
Whiteravenx

That's the curse of a chess players. Mountains upon mountains of books never to be opened.

"Chess for Zebras" by Jonathan Rowson will answer your question! It may be the last chess book you buy. Well, you can continue buying chess book after that but you should understand that they will not help you that much. That's my situation ;-)
Rowson tell the readers that chess is not about "knowing what" but about "knowing how". You want to build your chess knowledge which is not the same as "cumulating knowledge". I remember an interview from Peter Svidler who said that he had access to almost no chess material when he was young. Just getting a few games from GM tournaments was a rare thing. So he had to build his "analysis skill" which is the "know how" to become a strong player.

About Lucas Chess: I like it and use it much and must add: Lucas (the author) is extremely helpful. If you have got a problem and can't find the solution via a search machine, then go on and write a mail to him.

@Alakaluf sorry didnt mean to frown on lucas chess. again it's free, the result of the authors hard work and does a great job for alot of people.

@whiteravenx there's a small group of chessable folks socializing here on lichess and chess.com. and on chess.com we (five of us) are trying out vote chess together and open to discussing moves along the way. only on move 2 in this 1 move / 3 day game so still plenty of time to join if you're interested.

Sure .. send me a message on the group would love to join.

Whiteravenx