Book Advice

Hi, I'm looking for some advice for what chess books I ought to buy next.

I have "Complete idiots guide to chess" and Chessmaster and I have gone through both the book and the academy and training on the Chessmaster program.

I've read on this forum that tactics is the most important way to move forward in improving at chess, my question to you is their any need for me to buy a tactics book like "Learn Chess Tactics" by John Nunn or "Winning Chess Tactics" by Yasser Seirawan after I've learned about tactics in the book I have and Chessmaster. 

Would these book teach me anything else about tactics used in chess, or would I be better off with a book full of problems like 5334 chess problems?

I've just ordered "Logical chess move by move" after reading many good reviews and recommendations for it. I've also read that "My System" is a good book and is recommended in "Complete idiots guide to chess" as a must get book to improve your chess. Is "My System" a book a beginner like myself would benefit from?

Thanks

-Dan

Here is a link to Master Dan Heisman's page where he gives a lot of ideas for books:

http://home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Events_Books/General_Book_Guide.htm

read "win at chess" by robert curry i think.

I think once you learn the basic tactics, you are better off doing problems.  You can buy a book, but there are several good websites that have tons of free tactical exercises (such as chesstempo.com).  As for "My System" I think it's a bit too advanced for beginners

Thanks, I've already been through Heisman's recommendations, and thanks for the advice on the chesstempo website, looks interesting. Does anyone else have any views on "My System" for a relatively new player? Also does anyone think the CT ART program is worth the investment? 

Cheers

-Dan

DanielBooth,

I am relatively close to your rating level. I would recommend starting Jeremy Silman's Endgame Manual and reading Logical Chess Move by Move for help with openings and the middlegame, as well as seeing how actual games play out. I am currently reading Chernev's and Silman's books. I also own My System and plan on reading it, but at this point you would probably be better off saving it until later.

As for tactics books, I like Ward Farnsworth's Predator at the Chessboard. If you are already familiar with what forks, pins, etc. are and how you can use forcing moves to achieve them, then you might be better off with a puzzle collection like Polgar's. But, at my rating level, I still appreciate the text after each position that explains the complexities that I need to ingrain in my mind.

Bardu, thanks for the advise, Logical chess move by move arrived today and I look forward to reading it. My System also came through the post today so will put that to one side for a while until I gain more experience. Ordered Silman's endgame book, no doubt these books will keep me very busy for a while now. 

Thanks for the link to that website, will go through it and probably get some puzzle collection book sometime in the future.

Cheers

-Dan