Hello everyone. I've been wanting to buy a chess tactics book. The only problem is that I don't know which one is the best to buy. Basically, I want a book that has lots of problems. My rating's around 1680-1720, so I don't think I need lots of pages explaining every single problem to me. I don't want a book that's for beginners; I want to be challenged. Do you know any good tactic books?

I did try doing it on CTS, but I tend to move too fast and I don't prefer playing chess on the computer. Thanks.

I don't have it but "Practical Chess Exercises:600 Lessons from Tactics to Strategy" has a good reputation. I have "The Complete Chess Workout" it's pretty good too. You might also be interested in researching "Chess Exam and Training Guide"

good luck

For pure problem/dollar value, Polgar's 5334 problems (Amazon.com: Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations, and Games: Laszlo Polgar, Bruce Pandolfini: Books) is unbeatable.

I don't own the book, but I've heard nothing but good reviews about Sierawan's Winning Chess Tactics.

IMO Polgar's 5334 problems is too basic for a 1700 player. You probably want one or more of these:

1) Sharpen Your Tactics (a red book),
2) Imagination in Chess,
3) Anthology of Chess Combinations (the "Orange Book")
4) Middlegame combinastion/sacrifices (not sure of the exact title -- it's a FIDE book from the same people who sell the informants). I think there's actually two books here, one on tactics and one on mating combinations.

If you want something a little easier than these master-level books, try the Chess Visualization Course.

Thanks so much everyone!

The best study for tactics is not a book but a website. Check out Chess Tactics

Chess Tactics and Chess Tactics Server are both good free tactics sites, but books are worth the money. Having an author choose a puzzle or position for it's educational and learning value is quite valuable.

Of course, if you don't have the money for a chess book (me!), then I would recommend either of the above sites.

BTW, welcome to ChessForums.org onegoodmove.

Huh?

I don't know. I don't find it too basic for a 2100 player.

Vladimir Drkulec