21 May 07
Originally posted by bassoI found using a database for my opening moves brought my rating up about 100 points. The thing is, for a database to truly help, when your opponent leaves book early you should analyze why that move has been deemed inferior. Usually there is a serious tactical or positional flaw open for exploiting.
OK, wormwood and Ramiri (and others): What about when you do get to 1600, what then? In general, I struggle with the middle game, and have trouble formulating a plan. Do I study strategy, middle game, pawn structure, master games...? Thanks.
For example, in Game 2818116 my opponent (then in the mid 1700s) left book on move 7, and while I missed the tactic, I should have played:
8. Bxb8 Rxb8
9. Qxa7
which wins a pawn.
Also in Game 2841392 my opponent (around 2000 strength) left book with 16.h4 and the tactic I exploited should have been enough for a victory.
Two of my in progress games feature similar mistakes right out of book, and I have a couple more examples in my completed games. So when your opponent leaves book, really try to find the tactical or positional error and formulate your middlegame plan around exploiting it in the best way possible.
21 May 07
Originally posted by caffiendbooks are okay, it's just that they're a poor substitute for actual training. you can read a hundred books without getting any better at chess. use the same time solving tactics or analysing positions, and you'll see a huge improvement.
It strikes me as odd that people are being advised to steer clear of books until they are better.
There are many books available to help out just such a player.
I would recommend "Weapons of Chess" by Pandolfini or Seirawan's "Winning Chess Tactics."
21 May 07
Originally posted by Dance Master MCDon't, it's a bad opening. 😉
I'm starting to study the game of chess extensively(and no, it's not because my rating is 850) I read reinfields book(s) and I came across the Sicilian, I didn't get a clear understanding of what the purpose of this somewhat popular opening is for, could someone please explain it?
~DMMC