Do I really need chess books?

Originally posted by wormwood
I seriously doubt people study the books seriously enough to give them anything but superficial knowledge, which is almost useless in a real game. at best they'll give you some vague ideas, which you most likely misunderstand. I'll vote 'no' for book knowledge, and a big 'yes' for actual training. books are mostly procrastination and entertainment.

playing chess is a skill. you can't develop a skill by reading about it.

i actually agree with the above's statement. you learn best by playing and studying your games. very few will study very hard over a chess book. and as we all know, hardly do we ever complete a chess book from cover to cover.