I am sure that if you actually open the books and browse through them, it will become clear to you...
John Nunn Reading Order
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justbefair wrote:
I am sure that if you actually open the books and browse through them, it will become clear to you...
Not easy to do that on amazon. I doubt book stores have them.
@se-savage -
John Nunn's books are relatively advanced. Probably the "easiest" of the books you list is "Understanding Chess Move By Move". If you find his books to be laborious to read, then you may want to check out the following list, which contains lots of instructive books, most of which, for the typical improving chess amateur, are much easier to absorb than Nunn's books...
Good Chess Books for Beginners and Beyond...
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/good-chess-books-for-beginners-and-beyond
I have most of these and really recommend them. Russ' comments notwithstanding, I think they can be enjoyed regardless of level. Secrets of Practical Chess is the shortest and is a fine intro to over the board competition, including building an opening repertoire, thinking and avoiding time.trouble. There is also a great section on useful endgame knowledge. I think this is the most basic of those you list. Chess Course is something of a misnomer as it is a detailed look.at Lasker's games which he uses as an instructive tool on middlegame themes and practical end game play. Those still developing their skills (aren't we all?) can enjoy the games. More advanced players will get much from a GM of Nunn's ability to explain Lasker's play. I think the book is something of an overlooked classic. Understanding Chess Move by Move was Nunn's response to the frustrations he felt in the advice in instruction books that hadn't changed since the 1950s. He cites the Kasparov - Kalifman
Apologies....posted before completion....In Understanding Chess Move by Move Nunn attempts to update instruction books incorporating changes since the 1950s, an approach that few books take. He cites such breaking of the 'rules' as observed in the Kasparov v Kalifman match where in Game 20 Kasparov moves his knight seven times in the first 13 moves. So he describes 30 games in detail to explain concepts such as isolated pawns, defence and positional play. The games are well explained and the games well explained. Explanations are typically descriptive though he doesn't shy away from variations when they are critical. Nunn argues that chess is a tactical as well as positional game, hence their inclusion. However you can concentrate on the explanations if that is easier. Again it is a book I recommend and.enjoyed.
To conclude, I think Russ is correct that Nunn's books generally require some concentration. However they do repay that effort. He is one of the best chess writers. Understanding Chess Move by Move and Secrets of Practical Chess are two geared towards lower rated players. Chess Course is a classic. His game collections are also worth seeking out.
John Nunn writes with clarity and depth for beginners also ! I started with chess in Jan -22 and have learnt most from Nunns Learn Chess and Chess tactics workbook for kids , the latter is great for adult beginners although it’s made for kids.
Assuming you’re Elo 1700, start with
Understanding Chess Move by Move
After you reach Elo 2200, you read this last
Secrets of Grandmaster Chess
The reading order should be:
1. John Nunn's Chess Course
His primer for beginners but hard working ones.
2. Understanding Chess Move by Move
Amazing book where he explains every single move and hence teaches as well.
3. Understanding Chess Middlegames
I do not have this but based on reviews I assume the focus is on middlegame based on Lasker’s games. Should not be a beginner book.
4. Secrets of Practical Chess
Fantastic one! Geared towards tournament players with golden hints.
5. Secrets of Grandmaster Chess
This is the first title of his trilogy. This one has his games played between 1955-1985. The second one is “John Nunn’s Best Games” for games played between 1985 and 1993x the last one is “Grandmaster Chess Move by Move” for the period between 1993 and 2003. All three contain heavy analysis so they should be the last ones on your list.
1. John Nunn's Chess Course
His primer for beginners but hard working ones.
2. Understanding Chess Move by Move
Amazing book where he explains every single move and hence teaches as well.
3. Understanding Chess Middlegames
I do not have this but based on reviews I assume the focus is on middlegame based on Lasker’s games. Should not be a beginner book.
4. Secrets of Practical Chess
Fantastic one! Geared towards tournament players with golden hints.
5. Secrets of Grandmaster Chess
This is the first title of his trilogy. This one has his games played between 1955-1985. The second one is “John Nunn’s Best Games” for games played between 1985 and 1993x the last one is “Grandmaster Chess Move by Move” for the period between 1993 and 2003. All three contain heavy analysis so they should be the last ones on your list.
“Understanding Chess Move by Move” is pretty accessible for all but beginners. But is a book that can be reread profitably over and over. As you get stronger, you will get even more out of each game
I have recently purchased the following books by John Nunn;
* Understanding Chess Move by Move
* Understanding Chess Middlegames
* Secrets of Practical Chess
* John Nunn's Chess Course
* Secrets of Practical Chess
* Secrets of Grandmaster Chess
Has anybody read all or some of these books, and if you have could you please advise a rating range and reading order? I am a bit unsure which one i should start with. Thanks.