Expert: Chuck Kinzie - 2/16/2011

Question
Hello Chuck,

I love playing chess, but am not very good at it.  I am in my late 50's and have played off and on since a child.  About 20 years ago I played a lot of OTB tournaments and the past decade I have only played online at several sites. I don't recall my exact rating, but it was probably about 1200 or so, maybe it got up to 1400.  I did also play a lot of correspondence chess.  I was better at that, but it has the advantage of being able to take longer on each move and move the pieces around, which cannot be done in an OTB game.

I have a couple of problems.  First, since I am mostly self-taught, there are gaps in my learing.  I have quite a few chess books and have read some of them, but others are too advanced for me.  The greater problem is I sometimes miss two and three move combinations because I fail to see what a piece may be attacking and what the outcome will be a couple of moves from the present position of the board.

What would you suggest would be the best way to improve and "see" the board better.  Are there some books you would recommend? Or a good DVD that would help?  I could find a tutor or trainer perhaps, but that can get expensive.  Any online training you are familiar with that is good?

I appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Regards,

David

Answer
Hi David.  Thanks for your question.

In my opinion, the best way to become adept at tactics is to solve tactical puzzles until you're blue in the face.  :#

I would recommend that you buy, borrow or steal #okay, please don't steal) the book "303 Tricky Chess Tactics" by Fred Wilson and Bruce Albertson.  The diagrams are very easy to read, and the problems are arranged by tactical theme.

If you prefer to solve problems on your computer instead of from a book, there are a number of chess tactics programs available.  I can't recommend any one in particular from personal experience since I've never checked them out closely.  Just do a google search for "chess tactics trainer", which is a program that I've heard good things about.

Anyway, I hope that helps.  Enjoy your chess!

Your chess friend,  Chuck