Vandros wrote on 03/20/10 at 05:32:13:
Bowen wrote on 03/20/10 at 04:11:55:
My problem with endgame books is, "Which one will I study that is written in a manner that will allow me to remember how to play a specific position one or two years from now when I finally encounter it over the board?"
I have played through several endgame books, learned much, remembered some.
Study of endgames and their practical application are two different things.
So, first release the tension in your mind, that you must remember them over the board.
The exact application depends on many factors. In a sportive session you have to deal with tiredness, stress, pressure on the bladder in time-trouble etc.
Maybe it's important to get a feeling how to play endgames, and if you remember the exact order of moves it's fine, and if not, well no problem.
Completely agreed. I used to worry about memorizing everything when reading chess books, especially endgame books. Then I realized that just from repeatedly reading these types of books, I'll consciously remember a little more every time, and I'll unconsciously remember just enough to guide me in games when I don't remember every detail.
To put it another way: I realized that quantity of play and study was more important than remembering every detail of what I study.
But doing puzzles makes the material more memorable than just reading an explanation. So the next time you're reading a chess book, try to work out the solution after each diagram for yourself before reading the author's explanation. You'll understand and remember it better that way.
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Endgamebooks (Read 17287 times)
