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Questions tagged [recommendations]

For questions about recommendations for chess books, software, etc. **NOT** for move recommendations, use the [analysis] tag instead. Note that recommendation questions can easily be closed for being too broad or opinion-based.

For questions about recommendations for chess books, software, etc. NOT for move recommendations, use the tag instead. Note that recommendation questions can easily be closed for being too broad or opinion-based; see the Help Center article What types of questions should I avoid asking?.

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What openings are recommendable for beginners to study?

I am a beginner. With reference to opening theory, which opening should I start learning? My friends are suggesting the Ruy Lopez.
Smith A B
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What are some good books for chess openings?

I am not new to chess, I have been playing for around 6 years. But I don't know much about chess openings technically. What are some of the very good books to learn important opening moves?
Chethan N
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High-quality (not bitmap) diagram software

I'm looking for software that can take FEN and generate a high-quality diagram, in PDF, Postscript, Windows metafile, or something else that will look good at 1200x1200 dpi or better. I thought the various chess engines would do it, but their…
Andrew Lazarus
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How to play as adult attacking Chess player against young chess prodigies

I'm an expert-level chess player, who enjoys playing dynamic chess, but I am struggling against young chess players (ages between 8-16), who have lower ratings. How can I improve my score against this type of player? Playing positional chess?…
Tolga Ulusoy
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What are the best chess blogs?

I enjoy reading about chess and there is a number of blogs that I follow. And I do toy with the idea of starting a chess blog myself in a distant and uncertain future. So I want to tap your combined knowledge: What are the best chess blogs you…
BlindKungFuMaster
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What are some helpful chess tactics training websites?

I like Chesstempo and chess.emrald.net[1]. Are there any others? Edit (25.12.2020): Since at least 2018, chess.emrald.net has often not been responsive.
xaisoft
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ChessKid or an adult chess site for a 15-year-old?

Coincidentally, a month, or two, before the COVID-19 started spreading across the United States, and schools closed anyway, I had already started homeschooling my 15-year-old daughter. She had never really been interested in chess before, but I made…
PhishMaster
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Where can I get a nice set for Capablanca chess?

Because I'm odd, I'm interested in obtaining a nice-looking set (that need not be portable) for Capablanca chess, the third world champion's chess variant which is played on 10 x 8 board and features two new pieces for each side: a chancellor that…
ETD
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What sites have different ratings for different time controls for Chess960?

Both lichess and chess.com and have ratings for live chess960, but this is regardless of time control. Please recommend a site that has separate ratings for different time controls for chess960. There are always multiple accounts (I actually…
BCLC
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What is the best chess magazine in the world? And what makes a great chess magazine today?

When I was growing up in the 60's and 70's it was the Russian magazine Shakhmatny Bulletin according to Bobby Fischer. In our chess club we generally believed that the reason the club's best player was the best player was because he had a…
Brian Towers
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Recommended mobile app or website to memorize openings

I'm looking to improve my game's opening. Could any of you could recommend an app or website dedicated to this?
vondip
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A question about chess literature

I am looking for a chess book written in a very engaging style and thoroughly professional manner. The book should be more along philosophical and psychological lines rather than notations and arithmetic. I would appreciate any help, preferably from…
user25582
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What are some resources for someone past beginner but whom is not yet intermediate?

I've been playing chess off and on for the better part of 15 years, however, I've never done it enough to count myself as any good at it. I'd like to get better, but intermediate guides go over my head, and "chess for beginners" is all about rules…
amflare
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Can the chess.com diamond package improve my game?

There's a bug on chess.com, when playing online chess, and I'm about to lose on time, I wasn't receiving "you're about to lose on time" emails. I lost 2 games on time because of that. I contacted support and they gave me 1 month diamond package to…
Lynob
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Where can I find exercises where the best move isn't always a tactical one?

I know solving a lot of tactics problems has its benefits, but also its limitations. In a real game there is no way to know if a tactic is present — maybe the best move is defensive. I am seeking thousands of positions to solve where the best move…
Ian Olsen
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