The best 37 Chess books

Play Winning Chess by Yasser Seirawan is a comprehensive guide for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their chess skills. The book covers essential tactics, strategies, and principles, providing clear explanations and practical examples. Whether you're new to the game or looking to take your chess game to the next level, this book offers valuable insights and tips to help you play winning chess.

FCO by Paul Van der Sterren is a comprehensive guide to chess openings. It provides a detailed analysis of various opening strategies and includes practical advice for players of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to improve your opening game, this book offers valuable insights and tips to help you succeed on the chessboard.

Ideas Behind the Chess Openings by Reuben Fine delves into the strategic principles and concepts that underpin the various chess openings. Through clear explanations and illustrative games, Fine helps players understand the reasoning behind each move and develop a deeper appreciation for the richness of chess strategy.

Birth of the Chess Queen by Marilyn Yalom explores the fascinating history of the chess queen and its symbolic significance. Tracing its origins back to the game's invention in India, Yalom delves into the cultural, social, and political factors that led to the transformation of the queen from a weak piece to the most powerful player on the board. This thought-provoking book sheds light on the evolution of gender roles and power dynamics throughout history.

How to Beat Your Dad at Chess by Murray Chandler is a comprehensive guide for chess enthusiasts of all levels. Filled with practical tips, strategies, and illustrated examples, this book teaches you how to outsmart your opponent and emerge victorious in your chess games. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book will help sharpen your skills and take your game to the next level.

Simple Chess by Michael Stean is a comprehensive guide for beginners and intermediate players. It covers everything from the basic rules and principles of the game to more advanced strategies and tactics. With clear explanations and illustrative game examples, this book aims to help players improve their understanding and skills in chess.

Lasker's Manual of Chess is a comprehensive guide to the game, written by one of the greatest chess players of all time. In this book, Emanuel Lasker covers everything from basic rules and strategies to advanced tactics and psychological insights. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this timeless classic offers valuable lessons and practical advice to improve your chess skills.

My Great Predecessors is a comprehensive five-volume series by Garry Kasparov that delves into the history of chess and the lives and games of the world chess champions. Kasparov provides in-depth analysis and insights into the strategies and tactics employed by these legendary players, making it a must-read for chess enthusiasts and anyone interested in the game's rich history.

1001 Winning Chess Sacrifices and Combinations by Fred Reinfeld is a classic chess book that delves into the art of sacrificing pieces to gain a strategic advantage. With detailed explanations and numerous examples, it offers valuable insights into tactical play and can help players improve their game.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess by Patrick Wolff is a comprehensive guide that breaks down the complexities of chess into easy-to-understand concepts. It covers everything from basic rules and strategies to advanced tactics, making it an invaluable resource for beginners and intermediate players alike.

The Game of Chess by Siegbert Tarrasch is a timeless classic that offers a comprehensive guide to the strategies and tactics of chess. Written by one of the greatest chess players of all time, this book delves into the intricacies of the game, providing valuable insights for players of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, Tarrasch's expertise will help you elevate your chess skills.

Positional Decision Making in Chess by Boris Gelfand provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the strategic aspects of chess. Through in-depth analysis and annotated games, Gelfand offers valuable insights into how to evaluate positions, create long-term plans, and make sound positional decisions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book will enhance your understanding of positional play and improve your overall chess strategy.

The Luzhin Defense is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that delves into the complex mind of chess prodigy, Alexander Luzhin. Set in 1920s Europe, the book explores Luzhin's obsession with the game of chess and the impact it has on his personal and professional life. As he prepares for a high-stakes chess tournament, Luzhin grapples with his inner demons and the realization that his greatest opponent may be himself.

Tal-Botvinnik 1960 is a chess book written by Mikhail Tal, the eighth World Chess Champion. It provides a detailed account of the famous 1960 World Championship match between Tal and Mikhail Botvinnik. Tal shares his insights, analysis, and strategies employed during the match, offering valuable lessons for chess enthusiasts and aspiring players.

Bobby Fischer Goes to War by David Edmonds and John Eidinow delves into the high-stakes world of chess and the historic 1972 match between American prodigy Bobby Fischer and Soviet champion Boris Spassky. With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, the book explores the political, social, and psychological dimensions of the Cold War era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the minds of two extraordinary individuals.

My 60 Memorable Games is a classic chess book written by the legendary Bobby Fischer. In this collection, Fischer annotates 60 of his most memorable games, providing deep insights into his thought process and strategic decisions. It offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the greatest chess players of all time.

Pawn Structure Chess by Andrew Soltis is a comprehensive guide that delves into the importance of pawn formations in chess. It explores how different pawn structures can dictate the course of a game and offers strategic insights for players of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book provides valuable knowledge to enhance your understanding of the game.

Grandmaster Preparation by Jacob Aagaard is a comprehensive guide to improving your chess skills and reaching the grandmaster level. The book covers various aspects of chess, including calculation, positional play, and endgame techniques, providing valuable insights and practical exercises to help players enhance their game. Whether you're an aspiring grandmaster or a serious chess enthusiast, this book offers a wealth of knowledge and strategies to take your game to the next level.

The Immortal Game by David Shenk delves into the world of chess and its impact on history, science, and human intelligence. Through the lens of a legendary 1851 chess match, the book explores the fascinating connections between the game and various aspects of human life, making it a captivating read for both chess enthusiasts and non-players alike.

Practical Chess Exercises by Ray Cheng offers a collection of 600 exercises designed to improve your chess skills. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, this book provides a range of tactics, strategies, and endgame scenarios to help you sharpen your game. With clear explanations and practical tips, it's a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their chess abilities.

Kasparov vs Karpov 1975-1985 is a gripping account of the intense rivalry between two chess grandmasters that captivated the world. Garry Kasparov, one of the greatest chess players of all time, takes us behind the scenes of their epic battles for the World Chess Championship. With deep analysis and personal insights, Kasparov delves into the strategies, mind games, and political backdrop that defined this historic era in chess.

Silman's Complete Endgame Course by Jeremy Silman is a comprehensive guide to mastering the endgame in chess. It covers everything from basic principles to advanced techniques, providing clear explanations and instructive examples. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book will help you improve your endgame skills and win more games.

Pump Up Your Rating by Axel Smith is a comprehensive guide to improving your chess skills. With a focus on practical advice and training methods, the book offers valuable insights into various aspects of the game, including opening preparation, calculation, and endgame techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book provides actionable tips to help you elevate your chess rating.

Build up your Chess 1 by Artur Yusupov is a comprehensive guide for chess players looking to improve their skills. The book covers everything from basic tactics and strategies to more advanced concepts, providing clear explanations and practical exercises. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book will help you take your game to the next level.

Garry Kasparov on Fischer is a captivating exploration of one chess legend by another. Garry Kasparov delves into the life, career, and games of the enigmatic Bobby Fischer, offering unique insights and analysis. Through this book, Kasparov pays tribute to one of the greatest chess players of all time while shedding light on the impact Fischer had on the world of chess.

How to Reassess Your Chess by Jeremy Silman is a comprehensive guide to improving your chess game. It provides practical advice and strategies for players of all levels, helping them to reassess their thinking and approach to the game. With clear explanations and illustrative examples, the book offers valuable insights into chess theory and tactics.

Modern Chess Openings by Nick De Firmian is a comprehensive guide to the various chess openings and their strategies. It provides analysis and explanations of popular opening moves, making it a valuable resource for both beginner and advanced chess players looking to improve their game.

Pandolfini's Ultimate Guide to Chess by Bruce Pandolfini is a comprehensive book that covers everything you need to know about the game of chess. From the basic rules and strategies to advanced tactics and openings, this book is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced players. With clear explanations and helpful diagrams, it is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their chess skills.

The Turk by Tom Standage delves into the fascinating history of an 18th-century mechanical chess-playing machine. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Standage explores how this invention captured the imagination of people across Europe and beyond, while also shedding light on broader themes such as technology, deception, and the relationship between humans and machines.

The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played by Irving Chernev is a collection of 62 annotated chess games that serve as valuable teaching tools for players of all levels. Each game is carefully selected to highlight important strategic and tactical concepts, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their chess skills.

The Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers tells the inspiring true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Kampala, Uganda, who becomes a chess prodigy. Through determination and the guidance of her coach, Phiona defies all odds to compete in international chess tournaments and ultimately changes her life and the lives of those around her.

The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young chess prodigy named Beth Harmon. Set in the 1950s and 60s, the book delves into Beth's journey as she navigates the male-dominated world of competitive chess, while also battling personal demons and addiction. With its gripping storytelling and complex characters, this book offers a unique blend of coming-of-age tale and intense chess matches.

Winning Chess Brilliancies by Yasser Seirawan is a collection of 12 memorable chess games, each with insightful commentary and analysis. It offers a deep dive into the strategies and tactics employed by some of the greatest chess players in history, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced players looking to improve their game.

Winning Chess Openings by Yasser Seirawan provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the opening phase of a chess game. It offers clear explanations and strategic insights into various opening moves and their implications, helping players develop a solid foundation for their chess repertoire. With practical advice and illustrative games, this book is a valuable resource for chess enthusiasts looking to improve their opening strategies.

Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953 by David Bronstein is a classic chess book that provides a detailed account of one of the most important chess tournaments in history. Filled with insightful analysis and commentary, it offers a unique glimpse into the minds of the world's top chess players as they compete in this prestigious event. A must-read for any chess enthusiast.

Endgame by Frank Brady delves into the complex and fascinating life of chess prodigy Bobby Fischer. From his early days as a chess-obsessed boy to his rise as a world champion and later descent into paranoia and isolation, this book offers a gripping account of Fischer's genius and struggles. It provides insight into the mind of a troubled genius and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest chess players of all time.

Modern Chess Openings by Nick de Firmian is a comprehensive guide to the various chess openings and their strategies. It provides detailed analysis and explanations of popular opening moves, making it an essential resource for chess players looking to improve their game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book offers valuable insights and recommendations for mastering the art of opening play in chess.