Hi all,
I've purchased a few books in the past and read through them (Karpov's 'Find the Right Strategy' which went mostly over my head but at least made me understand the value of pawns, Fischer's 'Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess' which has helped me out greatly) and I just picked up Silman's 'The Complete Book of Chess Strategy and immediately the book has made me question most of my assumptions about chess (I've really only looked at the section on Openings so far but that's actually wonderful and the advise / recommendations given seem really helpful).
So, I'm wondering, what's everyone (who has read it) impression on the book and what companion books for Opening Theory would you recommend for a player just starting to think about chess strategy for the first time?
Read "My System" - Nimzovich
No opening books at all
That book might be a bit too advanced for you. How about 'Chess Fundamentals' by Capablanca?
My opinion is that at the start one should study openings by something that stresses connection to middlegame ideas [so strategy] with one of the books like 'Ideas behind the openings'. I'd suggest getting the thinnest one with good reviews. Many swear by "My System" for strategy. I read first Rheinfeld's thin books, then 'Point Count Chess' [likely I'd dislike it if I reread it but, as a math person, attaching a number to every positional aspect was appealing back then] , then Znosko-Borovsky 'The Middle game in chess', then whatever I could find by Pachman on strategy. The last 2 were really good. Plus I played over GM games.
When I had the time and money and energy to study from a book, and found it enjoyable, but I believe its easier just to play and analise your game right here on Lichess using the engine, as well as the opening book. I would acquaint yourself with the free features of this site before investing actual money. Once you know what your doing you can quickly find your mistakes, as well as many other things at the click of a button, instead of a cumbersome book with mass and weight, and turning pages. Books are nice if your computer isn't available.
Thanks for the advise, everyone. I found a free version of Capablanca's book on kindle (and the diagrams and everything look like they've transferred over via the digital format very well) so I might just start with that book. The Fischer book wasn't bad but most of the stuff in it and the puzzles I had little difficulty solving. I think that in terms of an introduction to the game (which is basically what I used it as), it serves a really good purpose.
I've looked a little more at the Silman book since posting this and have started reading some of the middle game stuff, and it seems like a really good reference book that'll be useful. The Nimzovich book I'll add at some point in the future and look into those two books SwimmerBill has also recommended.
Thanks for the suggested reading :)
@Arcus-Aemulus I just saw your comment and that's so really sound advice. I think why I'm drawn to books right now is more so to get away from constantly being on my computer or phone and playing otb while learning how to get better (it also gives me a chance to practice notation and analysis otb games by importing to the engine here)