It’s clear that the chess world has changed and we are seeing an increasing number of chess apps, digital databases, videos and other resources available for the improving player. Many of the resources are really great, but I think that the chances of information overload is getting ever higher.
But why is information overload a problem for your chess training?
I have noticed that I often read and watch videos about chess improvement instead of doing actual chess training. Other times I jump between training tools. You have maybe also consumed tons of chess streams, videos, and articles in the belief that it gives you chess enlightenment. But if you keep consuming information there will be no time for taking action and working your way closer to your goal. It’s a balancing act. Often consuming chess information has made me change my plans, which actually end up slowing my progress.
“Try reading a book while doing a crossword puzzle. That’s the intellectual environment of the Internet.”
— Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains
I think one of the best ways to improve is simply by picking a chess book you like and to read/solve it.
This is something I will do moving forward while being focused on my intake of new chess information. Finally here is a good point from Kostya from the Chess Dojo on why to read chess books.
