2nd Chess Book

Everyone's 2nd Chess Book (2000) by NM Dan Heisman

The author is a full-time chess instructor who feels that chess vision and tactics are the keys to improvement for low-level chess players.

The book lists the 11 most common mistakes made by players rated 800-1400:

1. Missing a simple tactic
2. Not looking at what your opponent is threatening
3. Not getting all pieces into play
4. Not knowing basic opening traps
5. Phantom fears
6. Overly worried about the value of the pieces
7. Overly worried about positional liabilities
8. Playing too fast
9. Not looking for a better move
10. Being afraid of the opponent
11. Worrying about your rating

The author provides many examples of how not to play chess.

The book has many interesting nuggets of wisdom like:

"You learn more when you lose, and getting better involves knowing more."

"Try to move every piece (not pawn) once before you move any piece twice."

"The more you are winning, the more you should think defense."

Interesting book.