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Our top 5 recommendations for the Best Chess Books
Are you someone who loves to apply strategy? Well, then I bet you love playing chess or at least fancies the idea of it. If you are searching to find out more about the game of chess, you have arrived at the right place.
Playing indoors, outdoors and with anybody – that’s just one bonus of the game of chess. Chess players are known to be quite analytical, and their power of strategizing is commendable. The game, although ‘just a game‘, teaches you many things.
Chess has many lessons in store for you, from strategy to analysis, from time management to decision making, from prioritization to making sacrifices. A child who’s taught to play chess from a very young age can apply these practical lessons better in life.
Whether you’re an advanced chess player or a novice in the field, we’ve gathered books from every corner of the chess library. This advice will acquaint you with the best chess books to help you prosper in the game of chess.
So, if you are a bookworm who also plays chess, you’ll find just the correct book for your next read. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!
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Best chess books from beginners to advanced players
Chess β is a game of strategy and decision-making. As already mentioned, it teaches you different practical lessons. Did you know you could learn the game from books as well?
The books mentioned here, categorized from beginners to advanced players, have everything you need to know about chess. Did you have the chance to read any of these books before? Let us know in the comments.
Below are some great chess books for novices.
Let’s Play Chess: A Step by Step Guide for New Players (The Pandolfini Chess Library)
I have tried to be as direct as possible. To make your journey a smooth one, the fundamentals have been broken down into short, logical statements. Each idea is numbered, ordered, and clearly stated.
This book by Broce Pandolfini β is a book for all, but it especially makes a good read for beginner chess players. The content of the book is simple and easy to follow. Every part of the game of chess is explained in a step-by-step manner in detail.
You can get a copy of the book if you are interested to learn how to play chess and have never gotten the chance to learn. Pandolfini has got your back!
Learn Chess
No prior knowledge is assumed. The reader learns step-by-step, with each new point illustrated by clear examples. By the end of the book, the reader will be fully ready to take on opponents across the chessboard, or on the Internet, and start winning.
Learn Chess by John Nunn is a book that includes all the basics of chess. Nunn has covered every single detail you must know before you start with the hands-on game. You don’t need any prior chess knowledge to read this book. It treats its reader like absolute beginners and guides them accordingly.
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
A classic book on chess and a bestseller with inputs from the Grand Master Bobby Fischer β himself is a must-read if you are into chess. The work of the book is a shared piece by Stuart Margulies β, a chess master, and Donn Mosenfelder, a publisher and an educational specialist.
The book continues to be a bestseller since published originally in the 1960s. You’ll love this classic even if you’re only an avid reader and not a chess player. You might change your mind after reading this book, you know!
How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery Through Chess Imbalances
Silman β has crafted and curated this book for beginners and amateur chess players. It’s incredible how a foolproof game on your side can take a turnover during the middlegame. It’s tricky and challenging.
Silman uses humor and in-depth understanding while he jots down the content of this classic chess book. He has analyzed the minus points of the amateur players and explained the solutions accordingly. This book acts as an asset for you if you’re returning to the game after a break.
Logical Chess: Move By Move: Every Move Explained New Algebraic Edition
Chernev’s Logical Chess makes the perfect book for novice chess players. Chernev has explained the tactics and moves in the game that a chess player must learn to succeed in the field. From the basics to the strategies, the book has it all.
If any other book has left out some points, this book covers each of them comprehensively. This one by Irving Chernev makes an excellent choice for beginners and chess players who want to return to the game after a break.
One of the most basic moves in chess is the opening move β, so why not build some strategy in the beginning?
Modern Chess Openings, 15th Edition
All the severe chess players would love to read the Modern Chess Openings 15th Edition, written by Nick de Firmian β. The book collects all the valuable points all chess players should go through.
Whether you’re a club player or a tournament player, this book is going to prove to be an invaluable resource. We recommend this book as the perfect choice for intermediate players who aim to prosper as high as grandmasters in the field of chess.
The Agile London System
A comprehensive chess strategy concerning the white pieces per the London system, The Agile London System is the perfect tool for intermediate chess players. Many chess masters and grandmasters have used the London System, including Alexander Grischuk and Richard Rappaport.
Guiding you through the moves of the white pieces, you can also expect to learn how and what to expect from the black pieces. The book makes a great read and guides all chess players from beginner to advanced player levels.
The Kaufman Repertoire by Larry Kaufman
Kaufman’s New Repertoire for Black and White: A Complete, Sound and User-Friendly Chess Opening Repertoire (New in Chess)
The Kaufman Repertoire is an excellent guide to teach the opening strategies of chess. Written by the Grandmaster and former senior in chess, Larry Kaufman β walks you through the repertoire of chess, explaining each one in detail.
Learning the tactics mentioned in Kaufman’s book, you are sure to become one confident chess player. Thanks to his idea of sharing his chess knowledge with the rest of the chess lovers and players. You can now expect to become next-level chess players by reading appropriate books like this one.
Better Chess Openings by J.E.F. Kaan
Better Chess Openings
You have the winning chances more in your hands when you know the front and ends of a game. Chess is no different in that. All that it differs in is a little bit more concentration, strategy, and analysis. With a good start, you know how the game’s going to end.
The book addresses one phase at a time for you to understand better: opening, middle game, and finally, the endgame. You ace each one of them, and you’re sure to meet heights with that expertise. This is what makes this book a must-read for the royal game players.
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Now that you know the opening strategy follow it up with otherwise moves and techniques.
My System by Aron Nimzowitsch
My System: 21st Century Edition
If you want to read the ultimate book on Chess strategies, go for My System by Aron Nimzowitsch. This book has accomplished the bestsellers lists for all time. Backed by recommendations from grandmasters and trainers since the 1920s, this book is a gem to all chess players.
Although the book might not have reached heights as the other classics, this is still a must-have for chess players of any level.
The Woodpecker Method by Axel Smith & Hans Tikkanen
The Woodpecker Method
The quick explanation of the Woodpecker Method is that you need to solve a large number of puzzles in a row; then solve the same puzzles again and again, only faster. It’s not a lazy shortcut to success β hard work is required. But the reward can be re-programming your unconscious mind. Benefits include sharper tactical vision, fewer blunders, better play when in time trouble, and improved intuition.
The Woodpecker Method is an exemplary illustration of the chess strategy. Authors Axel Smith and Hans Tikkanen have made reasonable efforts to make this book enjoyable by including the essentials of a pro chess game.
It is much more challenging than you might hear it to be. The puzzles progress from the beginner level to the advanced classes to check your progress in mastering the chess strategy. Most of the challenges belong to the intermediate category, and you get the chance to polish yourself in the field of chess.
Winning Chess Tactics by Yasser Seirawan
Winning Chess Tactics (Winning Chess – Everyman Chess)
Winning Chess Tactics by Yasser Seirawan β is a prime example of the term itself. It is the ultimate guide to ace the chessboard game using the appropriate chess strategy and tactics.
The book also deals with the various applied tactics by high-level chess players to give you the confidence and the best concept. It is perfect for chess beginner players while it also takes the intermediate player through a smooth sail.
Chess Strategy for Club Players by Herman Grooten
Chess Strategy for Club Players: The Road to Positional Advantage (New in Chess)
Guided through a walk-through the chess coach Herman Grooten β himself, this book has won awards for the impact it has made on chess players out there. The book makes a perfect fit to teach the middlegame tactics in chess for beginner players.
Every chapter in the book guides you from the basics to the endgame. It contains elements from the pawn structure to king safety. Grooten has also successfully managed to sum up all the tactics into practice exercises at the end of the book’s every chapter.
This unique element of the book is that it covers the tactics to apply when your basic principles in chess fail to work. With this book, you’ll learn the next move to go!
A good finish is also essential, especially in a game like chess which decides its winners on their last move.
Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual by Mark Dvoretsky
Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual
One of the top-class chess instructors, Mark Dvoretsky β, has shared his knowledge with fellow chess players in his book on chess endgames. This commendably worth-the-read book covers the entire endgame theory in a manner that you can easily understand.
If you want to ace your chess endgame, you must go through a gem like this one. Now available in its 5th edition, the book is a must-have in the library of chess players from the beginner to master levels.
100 Endgames You Must Know by Jesus de la Villa
100 Endgames You Must Know: Vital Lessons for Every Chess Player
The bad news is that, all the same, the endgame technique of most players is deficient. Modern time-controls make matters worse: there is simply not enough time to delve deep into the position.
This book is the ultimate manual to go through to ace the chess endgame. Jesus de la Villa β is the Grandmaster and the former chess champion of Spain. He has engaged himself to share his years-long experience in the form of words put to you.
With such an objective, the book contains many practice pieces as well. They give you a practical example of all the scenarios explained in the book. With this book, you can expect to have the appropriate approach to the endgame of your chess match.
Silman’s Complete Endgame Course by Jeremy Silman
Silman’s Complete Endgame Course
The endgame course in this book by Silman is, in fact, the system you need for a professional approach to a chess match. This book is divided into parts. All chess players can read through all the sections of the book depending on their player level.
This way, you make a smooth entry in the game while you transition to the different levels within the game. Many amateur players seem to take the endgame lightly, which should not be the case. This is why this book makes its entry to strengthen the chess players in this particular area of chess.
Life and Games of Mikhail Tal by Mikhail Tal
Life & Games of Mikhail Tal
Life and Games of Mikhail Tal is a classic by Grandmaster Mikhail Tal β himself. The book is an all-time classic sharing the experiences of Mikhail in his games following his life. This book is not only meant for one level but all chess players.
Known as the ‘Magician from Riga,’ Mikhail motivated his fans for daring attacks, precision, and creative tactics. Following his footprints through this book, you can assure yourself to reach his levels of expertise with the ultimate precision.
With the extensive range of chess books claiming to do whatnots, shopping for the right book for you is sure tricky. That is why we have jotted here the essential points to figure out before you look for the perfect chess book for yourself.
The Playing Level Is The Ultimate Determiner
The level of your chess playing determines the appropriate book for you the most. Beginner books usually cover the how-tos and the different approaches you can apply in a chess match as a starter in the field.
Advanced chess books focus more on the tactics and strategies and the different elements of the three sections of the chess game. Make sure to make the perfect judgment to learn your playing level.
Beginner Level
“Beginner” is a subjective term. In chess, a beginner is considered to be a brand-new entry in the field of chess. For such novices, adding beginner-level books meant for kids is a way to get started with chess. Not all beginner chess books have an easy-to-understand approach to chess.
Make sure to conduct thorough research on which book will be convenient, considering the book’s language and elements.
Intermediate Level
Intermediate chess books take you through a smooth sail from beginner to advanced. They are those stepping stones you cannot skip to see yourself on the next level. Suppose you can go through the intermediate player level smoothly. In that case, you can reach the advanced level sooner and with much knowledge in the field.
Make sure to learn every chapter of the intermediate chess book and be on point to proceed further. You need to train yourself with the different tactics to proceed further, and a shortcut is never a key for good players.
Advanced Level
Advanced chess players seldom buy books on chess to improve themselves. But when they do it, they make sure to research well and get the best one, probably a bestseller. If you’re among that level, you need to be very precise about the areas that need polishing.
Once you are familiar with your requirement, you can search for books dealing in that particular area.
All Levels
If you’re an avid reader who is also a chess player, you might want to browse through the top recommendations for chess books. These lists mainly cover the books that are readable for chess players of all three levels. These books help you to have better insights into the different prospects of a chess game.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve reached the end of this post, you are familiar with the top reads in the field of chess. Make sure to do your research before you buy the best chess books that fit your requirements.
With the books mentioned here, you are sure to move ahead towards the next level sooner and with effective results. Keep chess-ing the dream and ace it!
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