Expert: Louis Lima - 8/14/2006

Question
Hi, I have been playing chess for about 2 years now and am looking for some good books that will improve my tactics, strategy and endgame. Please recommend some that are not too advanced. And would you examine a few losses of mine (if I sent you the scores) and tell me what mistakes were made and what I can improve upon?
Thanks  

Answer
Dear Ammar,

I would gladly examine your losses. Kindly e-mail them to TenderDragon@Optonline.net and allow me a couple of days to respond.

It is difficult to recommend a book without knowing your learning style and chess level. Perhaps I can have a better idea when I examine your games.  

In the interim, as a superficial suggestion without knowing you, I would recommend the following books which are readily available:

For Strategy:

1. The Reassess Your Chess Workbook by Jeremy Silman (Strongly recommended, and make sure it is "workbook" as it is a very hands-on and interactive book.)

2. Understanding Chess Move by Move, by John Nunn

For Endgame:

3. Pandolfini's Endgame Course, by Bruce Pandolfini

For Tactics:

4. 1001 Winning Chess Sacrifices and Combinations has spectacular and inspiring chess tactics that will get you all excited about chess.

5. You can also visit my website "Mostly Chess Tactics" at http://www.chesstactics.wordpress.com  where I have written some articles on tactics such as "Discovering Tactical Shots in Your Games" and "Inventory of Mating Nets".  I also have a list of free links to free tactical puzzles online "Free Links to Tactical Training", and other fun chess-related stuff.

I hope this helps, and look forward seeing some of your games.

Warmly,
Louis