Two books that are likely to improve your game are Larry Evans’ “New Ideas in Chess”, and Horwitz and Reinfeld’s “How to Think Ahead in Chess”.
Larry Evans was Fisher’s second at Rekyvik. Many have said master this book, makes the transition from a beginner to a medium level chess play. You have to learn to think differently, this book will get you there.
The later book proposes always playing the Dragon Variation of the Sicilian defense with the black pieces. Bobby Fisher pretty much permanently slew the Dragon in higher level play, but it works well with less competitive players.
I remember when I was in the Army, I happened to be kibutzing a game between a couple of guys, over in another unit, where I had pulled some duty that night. The winner asked me if I cared to play. I offered to spot him a rook, to make it fair. He seemed offended by my offer, but accepted. I dispatched him easily. He then sent for the local expert. I drew black and settled comfortably into my familar Dragon. Well this kid had read Bobby Fisher’s book. He pried open the king’s rook file and filleted me like flounder. Still, it generally worked against the great mass of patzers and wood pushers.
I remember playing against the Sicilian for the first time. I lost on a blunder, but it fascinated me so much that I started using it right away, and have ever since.
It wasn’t until years later that someone put a name to it for me - I didn’t know what it was called!
The dragon is my go-to, and yes, against the very skilled, I’m a goner.
Chess is fun, and great exercise for the brain.
Interesting how the great ones; Morphy, Fischer had a large dose of crazy besides. I think it’s a brain-wiring issue, I really do.
Agree with focusing on tactics - it really sharpened my game to the ‘next level’ when I did. (of course, my next level is just wood-pusher, too!)
With the internet, and the ability to play 24/7, there has been a marked increase in skill-level, especially in the young players.
Highly recommended is also Maurice Ashley’s “The Secret To Chess”
Cheers!