I am relatively new to Chess. I've known how to move the pieces since childhood, but knowing how to move the pieces and knowing how to play are two different things.

Chessmaster has a lot of great tutorials that I have been working through and it has taught me quite a bit in a short time, but I am eager to learn more.

I picked up a copy of each of Josh Waitkin's books. They are both interesting, although Attacking Chess seems a bit short to me, perhaps merely because I am so eager to learn more.

I was wondering what books (or even online material) anyone would recommend. Josh has sparked my interest in Tal, but I want to learn about other masters of this game as well.

I enjoy the tutorials in Chessmaster which show famous games with the explanations as to why each player chose certain moves in the given position. These give me a much deeper appreciation of the subject. As a beginner, I can't always see the reasoning, at least not yet, behind some of the moves of classic games; not without having them explained to me.

I am interested in learning more about fundamentals, endgame strategy, avoiding/recognizing traps, pawn structures/exchanges, and pretty much anything that can lead to a deeper understanding for this game.

What resources would be recommended for someone like me?

[Note: Edited to fix some grammatical errors.]

I have no books to suggest but you should read Novice nook's column by Dan Heisman. Try this thread http://www.chesscafe.com/archives/archives.htm

Thank you, kindly. I will definitely check it out.

By studying the endgame, you will in turn improve your tactical awareness, your depth of positional understanding and your ability to analyze concrete variations. If you struggle to find the inner secrets of a position with 3 or 4 pieces on the board it is only logical that you will become overwhelmed with more... The books I recommend to are all of an endgame persuasion.
I would start with Winning Chess Endings - Seirwan.
Silmans complete Endgame Course- Jeremy Silman
Fundamental Chess Endings Muller/Lampretch.
These three books studied thoroughly will give you a good sound endgame understanding.

Just as important as the books you read are the habits you pick up.
Always analyze your games to look for improvements, without a computer first.

When analyzing an exam position in text, only look up the answer when you are certain that you cannot get anymore from the position.

Never move the pieces when analyzing a book position,unless neccasary this will improve your board vision and calculative skills.

Generalizations are there only as a guideline i.e. rooks behind passed pawns, and not to be used in replacement for concrete analysis.

Thank you for the sound advice and the book recommendations. It is much appreciated.

I actually think "The Complete Idiots' Guide to Chess" is outstanding. The reviews on Amazon bear that out.

Also, there is near unanimous support for Silman's "The Amateur's Mind" and "Reassess Your Chess."

Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by bjonson:
I actually think "The Complete Idiots' Guide to Chess" is outstanding. The reviews on Amazon bear that out.

I've never read the book, but then again, I would never purchase a book that insults my intelligence.

I can second Krisparov suggestion of the "Winning Chess" series by Yasser Seirawan... I bought those several years ago, and they are very good for the chess neophyte.