Recommend a chess book for beginners.

@AlexiHarvey said in #20:
> It's just my advice to split your time between learning and entertainment. This is hard to do on the same platform and the idea of an old dedicated computer is merely to provide a distinct alternative - otherwise there is a danger that all you actually do is entertainment with the illusion/delusion that you are learning/improving - play to improve doesn't really work imo. Stockfish is extremely strong and it is actually very hard to weaken for beginner's as a result players can become disillusioned, give up and just play people. The old computers start off at a much lower level and can be weaken further - you really want something you can individually tune to beat with difficulty and subsequently step up when needed. At your level pretty much any old dedicated computer would do and there are plenty going for peanuts on sites like eBay etc - go for the cheapest WITH instructions.
>
> Don't however consider a chess computer a must-have, it's just a (novel) suggestion which might appeal to you or not. I just think people have overlooked this possibly and I have seen a lot of people get nowhere by sticking on-line - including myself!
>
> Regards books the best thing to do is get yourself into a public library or bookshop and pick the beginner's book you most like the look of - the one you would be excited to own. That way you're more likely to invest the time and effort needed.

Thanks, but I really can't afford a chess computer unless it costs 20 usd. What are the alternatives? Preferably online since im flat broke and can barley afford to live haha even my 10 usd chess set was a big deal to me. But I've been gifted a wooden chess set so i consider myself very lucky.

@WatchMeBeBadAtChess Logical Chess Move by Move by i Chernev is a FREE Download . Search for/the Internet Library ... You should be done in about Two -Three Weeks with this Book @WatchMeBeBadAtChess

How to reassess your chess

You know, I'm not usually good at chess, but I'm one of those "chess-kinda apprentices" of my past P.Ed. coach on school. I like using lichess.com.
Don't learn anything by a book, use a tutor to learn a new skill.

Simple Checkmates - A.J. Gilliam

@WatchMeBeBadAtChess said in #21:
> Thanks, but I really can't afford a chess computer unless it costs 20 usd. What are the alternatives? Preferably online since im flat broke and can barley afford to live haha even my 10 usd chess set was a big deal to me. But I've been gifted a wooden chess set so i consider myself very lucky.

Well in that case I wouldn't risk a purchase.

As an alternative you could try the LiChess' Bots: Community --> Players --> On-line Bots. There are a few weak bots there, Sargon-1ply maybe the best choice. I have never played the Bots so no idea of the value - have tried chess.com low-level bots but they are pretty poor, imo. I am also not sure playing the bots would aid learning in the way I have suggested.

If you play via a PC then LucasChess (freebie downloadable) allows you to play handicapped computers and has a vast range of training material. However I have not assessed the playing experience. That said, LucasChess is a very powerful training application - for example it allows you to create a set of chess problems based on your own poor moves from games you have played. There are also other sites more directed to learning/improvement than say LiChess but most are just tactics trainers and you can get that here.

@WatchMeBeBadAtChess ... This Post was 3 Three days ago' ... In 8 days & we could be on the topic SUGGEST my second Chess Book ' ... Start with logical Chess move by Move by I Chernev . You may download free as it is out of copyright at The Internet Archive

@WatchMeBeBadAtChess ... No response to the many who have recommended Logical Chess Move By Move ?

@ThunderClap said in #28:
> @WatchMeBeBadAtChess ... No response to the many who have recommended Logical Chess Move By Move ?

Sorry i was busy. I will make sure to read it, i think i'll start with logical chess by move and then transition to the Soviet chess primer.

@ThunderClap said in #22:
> @WatchMeBeBadAtChess Logical Chess Move by Move by i Chernev is a FREE Download . Search for/the Internet Library ... You should be done in about Two -Three Weeks with this Book @WatchMeBeBadAtChess
@ThunderClap said in #28:
> @WatchMeBeBadAtChess ... No response to the many who have recommended Logical Chess Move By Move ?

Just returned here to thank you (and others here) for the recommendation. I have been enjoying it a lot. Every night i go thru a game. The commentary is entertaining and illuminating, as are the games!