Thanks, it seems to make sense now I was a bit confused for a bit.

I definitely recommend getting a beginner book along the lines of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess", which is usually the most highly recommended book of its type.

--Fromper

Hmmm... Chess for idiots? Of course you know that I mean no disrespect Fromper...

Chess is not for idiots. (No offense to idiots...)

"My System" will either scintillate you in a way that you have never experienced, or it will have you considering dodge-ball as your sport of choice.

One thing is for sure, you will learn solid Chess, while creating zero bad habits...

How can someone who had to ask about algebraic notation read My System? Despite its title, The Complete Idiot's Guide doesn't insult the intelligence of the reader. It's just meant as a book to give the absolute beginner a good start, beginning with the rules of the game and working into the basics of strategy, tactics, history, etc. From what I've seen on the internet, it seems to be recommended to beginners more often by professional chess coaches than any other book. When it comes to coaching low level players, I'll take the recommendation of NM Dan Heisman every time.

--Fromper

As well you should Fromper... Best of Luck..

Though seriously, you have that little respect for me?

Anything less than "My system" at this point is a waste of time, you would waste my time Fromper?

I tried to show you respect, though you make it difficult.

Yasser Seirawan's 'Play winning chess' is a very good beginner book. You say you already know how to play, this book does cover that, but also covers some of the lesser understood moves - 'En passant' is a prime example of this.

It also covers chess notation, then goes onto what Seirawan calls the four principles- Force, time, space and pawn structure. The book is full of little self-tests and quizzes to find out how well you've learnt the material too. It rounds off with a useful glossary, and some annotated games to play through.

Another thing I find I like about this particular book is the style in which it's written- very readable, unlike some chess books which I find hard going.

There are also several other books in the series, covering everything from tactics and strategy to openings and endgames. Highly recommend for someone just getting to grips with things.

I didn't mean any disrespect. I just think that "My System" is beyond the level of most beginners, and even many intermediate level players. Obviously, "The Complete Idiot's Guide" wasn't recommended for you - it was recommended for the person who started this thread.

In response to Laughing Gravy, I haven't read any of Seirawan's books, but I've seen nothing but positive reviews of them. And they are supposedly very good for beginners. Good recommendation.

--Fromper

Yasser Seirawan's series are good primers on the respective aspects of chess. After that, I'd recommend working on some tactics.

My local library seems to carry books on openings, which would bog down a beginner.

Um, I'd have to agree that My System might be a little over the head of a beginner that asks about algebraic notation. Wait until you at least can define the concepts that My System uses as categories.

Robert Snyder's books are also well recommended.

Start with Lasker's Chess Manual, (Updated and Revised) and
his cousin's Chess Strategy -Ed Lasker.
Get a copy of Tarrasch's 300 Games, now available to all.
Also FIne's How to play the Chess Openings.
And Fine's (Benko) BCE, (Basic Chess Endings).