Chess is an old game that has tested mental strength for generations, The good news is there are Best Chess Books for those who want to master strategy, tactics and psychological subtleties of play. In this post we are going to delve into 10 best chess books that every serious player should have on their bookshelf.
1. Irving Chernev’s logical chess: move by move
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 stars based on 1,469 ratings )
This is an absolute classic by Irving Chernev originally published in 1957, and still one of the best offers for beginner to intermediate players. The book contains 33 illustrative games, with every facet of each game explained in a clear manner. This simpler method lets players how chess is conceptualized and thus enables them to contextualize that understanding in their own play.
The answer is not just the enticing writing style and reasoning of Chernev in this book —his prose reads easier than cereal milk and many times you feel like he has written a response to something you were thinking about— readers will certainly feel refreshed through new perspective on chess fundamentals. So this is an one of best chess books ever.
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
2. Aron Nimzowitsch, My System (circa 1925)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 stars based on 219 ratings )
Nimzowitsch — My System Nimzowitch [from 1925] one of the best chess books ever. In 19 chapters it provides fundamentals of positional play and strategy in three parts: the elements, positional play and illustrative games. Nimzowitsch deconstructed elements of chess strategy which continues to inform the modern theory of how to think about chess today, so it is yet another piece that every player looking for a greater depth in their strategic play should have in the arsenal. Some of the most original contributions by the authors relate to these insights into pawn structure and piece activity.
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
3. Bobby Fischers Schachschule: chess for beginners — simple, brilliant rules of the game.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5 stars based on 9,644 ratings )
Using Fischer games — all of which characteristic so high-lighted basic principles in practical play — chess is introduced as if it was an art form, beautiful though complicated. a workbook that takes a reader through the positions, trying to stimulate some critical reflection on them It’s obvious that the opening section is more tactics based – and an ideal introductory read for growing players to go through before they advance on to strategic themes at a higher level.
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
4. Bobby Fischer — My 60 Memorable Games
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 stars based on 1,251 ratings )
It includes Fischer’s major games between 1957 and 1967, wins but also losses and draws. Aside from the move by move analysis of each game Fischer provides some notes giving contextual information about what he was thinking when the game was played. It also serves a second function, as an instructional guide, that other players may benefit from by absorbing the lessons taught by one of the greatest minds in chess history. Fischer’s candid games make reading this book educational and entertaining all at once..
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
5. Mark Dvoretsky, Endgame Manual Best Chess Books
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5 stars based on 402 ratings )
To this day, one of the truly elite resources for endgame technique mastery-is Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual. It covers a lot of major themes, plus useful tips on how to turn good trade ideas into actual winners, and also minimize the damage. It caters to players of all levels, but particularly helpful for those working on their endgame. Dvoretsky provides detailed explanations, filling in the gaps with concrete examples; gives insight into this most basic aspect of the game.
Where can you read/rent/buy this Best Chess books? Amazon
6. Grandmaster Preparation: Calculation by Jacob Aagaard
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5 stars based on 67 ratings )
This book is within Aagaard’s sequence for the ambitious players who aim to become a grandmaster in the future themselves, and this volume in particular deals with increasing your calculation skills which are also one of the crucial aspects at high-level play. In the best traditions of Aagaard he illustrates with great exercises, and explanation why players should behave this way like grandmasters. Concentrating on candidate moves, tactical traps and prophylaxis–this book only details what the author believes to be practical tools for the player hoping to permanently improve their ability to navigate through complex positions.
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
7. Mikhail Tal: The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5 stars based on 67 ratings )
Mikhail Tal, “the Magician from Riga” and known for his flair. It speaks of this former life, and Tal looks back at himself with commentary on his best games. Part of why the tale is so pleasurable to consume falls back on what it illuminates concerning his artistic process inside chess. Readers will laugh at Tal’s wit and love for the game as they learn critical concepts on how to attack.
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
8. 1953 Zurich International Chess Tournament by David Bronstein
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 stars based on 441 ratings )
This book chronicles perhaps the most famous chess tournament of all time—the Zurich international chess Tournament of 1953, filled to the brim with figures who were to become future world Champions. Bronstein annotates around 210 games providing the reader with a taste of high level competitive tournaments played at that time. It combines historical context with careful analysis and is required reading for anyone wanting to understand how the social history of chess strategy developed and evolved.
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
9. Garry Kasparov _My Great Predecessors _(series)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5 stars based on 223 ratings )
The Ultimate History & Guide: Garry Kasparov — A five-volume series looking at the games of world champions from Steinitz to Karpov through both historical and stylistic lens. He gets behind the moves, with comment on the men in each volume, and an analysis of key games. Both a how-to and narrative non-fiction, this series immerses the reader in chess history.
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
10. Jeremy Silman — How to Reassess Your Chess
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 stars based on 1,360 ratings )
Though Silman is trying to make you play better by looking understanding imbalance while developing a position, something that should be mandatory for anyone higher than beginner level. In it he explains how to evaluate positions correctly and get plans based on this evaluations. With all the pointers and crystal clear solutions, this book helps gamers transition from tactical to strategic thinking in their games.
Where can you read/rent/buy this book? Amazon
These ten best chess books cover the full spectrum of chess literature, from basics to advanced strategies and are mandatory reading for any student or player seeking to advance their game. Whether you are starting out or ready to get into the nitty-gritty of the game, these Best Chess books have everything your need to help elevate your game a notch (maybe even two!). So hope these Best Chess Books will make you a champ at the chess board. Click here to find the best chess boards which gives an amazing experience.