Chess

[pindicator]

cxd5, Kxd5 h3, b5 h4

maintains the opposition and denies any entry squares to the black king

[Gustaran]

cxd5, Kxd5 h3, b5 h4

maintains the opposition and denies any entry squares to the black king

Yes.

[uberfish]

1. h4? Kd6 and zugzwang

1. cxd5+ Kxd5 2. h3 b5 3. h4, draw

White can't play h3 first as it allows black to play a waiting move with Kd6 and white runs out of moves first again.

[uberfish]

Tactics trainer allows 3 puzzles a day for free, but that seems very skewed towards midgame situations IMO (at least the free version)

That's a plus for me, as I just do the 3 puzzles and don't waste a massive amount of time doing more Actually, at higher ratings, there are more endgame tactics, and some are really attractive because of the reduced material.

[Gustaran]

That's a plus for me, as I just do the 3 puzzles and don't waste a massive amount of time doing more Actually, at higher ratings, there are more endgame tactics, and some are really attractive because of the reduced material.

At lower levels where you can solve a problem in 30 seconds I don't think 3 puzzles per day is going to improve your skill a lot. On the other hand, at least @chesstempo.com some puzzles may take 15 minutes to solve.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z72qW04W5P4

[darrelljs]

Any comments on this book? Any suggestions on another book?

Darrell

[sunrise089]

My comment is that book seems to lack book-ness.

[Gustaran]

Any comments on this book? Any suggestions on another book?

Darrell

I don't know the book, but 6$ for almost 200 pages looks very reasonable to me.
My basic recommendations in case you don't have them already are:

Openings:
The "Starting out:" or "Play the..." series by Everyman

Middlegame positional play:
How to reassess your Chess by Jeremy Silman 4th edition

Tactics:
Tune your Chess Tactics Antenna and an account at chesstempo.com

Endgame: Pick what you like, there are tons of well rated endgame manuals out there. IMHO endgame progress relies far more on your willingness to study than on some creative way of explanation by the author. There is a certain number of key positions you simply need to know and remember.

[darrelljs]

Thanks Gustaran, going on a trip soon and I was looking for some book suggestions .

Darrell

[Jkaen]

I was just thinking, to avoid people leaning quite so heavily on opening books and the equivilent, what do people think about having the next tournament be chess960 ?