03 Dec 07
Originally posted by BrinsleleafAgreed, although I think his follow up, Chess for Zebras, is even better (and gets my vote).
I think that the book that single-handed improved my results is "The Seven Deadly Chess Sins" by Jonathan Rowson. Not only is it HUGELY entertaining book about chess psychology, but I would say that it's one of those very rare books that you can read through without a chessboard and learn a lot from just by reading the texts (and let's face it, don't we ...[text shortened]... en to be interested in (in no particular order ;-)...taoism, quantum physics, paradox...).
06 Dec 07
Originally posted by tomtom232The Guide to Good Chess is a neat little book, isn't it? I'm not sure it's my absolute favorite, but I think it is a very good one, with lots of basic positional principles. (Doesn't discuss tactics much, though.) I only skimmed it on my first reading; I intend to go through it a second time at a slower pace. Purdy's crystal-clear writing style amazes me. No wonder this book is in it's 12th edition. Too bad it's out of print, due to Thinkers' Press going out of business.
The Guide to Good Chess and On the Endgame both by C.J.S. Purdy.
I haven't read his endgame book yet, but if the writing style is as clear as his GTGC, I'd think it would also be a good one to read.