chk wrote on 02/02/17 at 09:32:21:
I am going through this series without using a board (due to practical constraints) and from my experience:
- the tactics & endgame chapters could be properly done within a couple of hours each.
- the positional, strategy and opening chapters may take some more time, as in some cases you really need to play the games with a board in order to make the most of it.
I’ve heard this sort of thing before and it’s pretty much my experience. I finished the Basic Pawn Endings chapter in 20 minutes in total. The chapter on Centralising Pieces, on the other hand, is pretty much taking me 20 mins for every test question.
Gerry1970 wrote on 02/01/17 at 23:21:40:
Jonathan, it took me many months to do a book. So your time is pretty amazing. But I don't have this energy I think to replicate what you have done.
Only possible negative? I am wondering is if you are allowing enough time for the material to sink in.
My rating is 1800+ elo and circa 1950 equivalent when you convert my ECF grade so I’m quite above the supposed target audience for the first books. That said, the elo range given is absurd. The books are much too hard for 1500s.
Anwyay, I’ve picked up a fair amount of knowledge along the way - e.g. endgame theory and I recognised certain test positions (Morphy at the Opera crops us - and there’s a position fro the first Alekhine - Capablanca game for instance). What I lack, I think, is the skill to apply this knowledge.
I don’t think Im rushing too much yet but I’ll certainly have to slow down later. What i do need is to work out how best to work with the books. I think I’m too fond of the tactics chapters. Its easy to feel you’re making progress by completing those.