Without serious chess players who want to improve their skills and knowledge about the subject of this game, there is no way one can do without chess books. These authors provide valuable insights on strategies, opening games, endgames and storylines of chess which help as a roadmap through maze of chess battles. By enriching knowledge and educating young generation of players, different chess books can be useful regardless whether they are know-it-all beginners or experienced masters. In this article we will look at some of the best most famous and influential books that have influenced the thinking and playing style of chess player all over the globe.
List of 20 Best Chess Books
"My System" - Aron Nimzowitsch
- A classic book on positional play in chess: one of the most influential works ever written on the game.
"Bobby Fischer teaches chess" - Bobby Fischer
- A programmed approach to learning tactical motives in chess, for use mainly by beginners.
"Chess Fundamentals" - José Raúl Capablanca
- One-time World champion introduces here simple basics in chess.
"Modern Chess Openings" - Nick de Firmian
- This detailed guide contains all major openings in chess; therefore it is essential for players at any stage.
"How to Reassess Your Chess" - Jeremy Silman
- A guide that helps you take your game to a higher level by improving your understanding of plans and strategy in general.
"Art of Attack in Chess" - Vladimir Vuković
- In my opinion it is one among other best attacking play novels that can be found anywhere.
Silman’s Complete Endgame Course by Jeremy Silman
- Every stage is covered in this book, from starting out to becoming a chess master.
Fundamental Chess Openings (FCO) by Paul van der Sterren
- A thorough survey of all known chess openings.
My Great Predecessors (series) by Garry Kasparov
- Tactics and games analysis of past world champions from Steinitz through to Karpov.
Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual; Mark Dvoretsky
- One of the most comprehensive manual for endgames in chess which is held in great esteem among advanced players.
100 Endgames You Must Know by Jesus de la Villa
- Practical endgames that every serious chess player should know.
The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal by Mikhail Tal
- Mikhail Tal chronicles his own life and publishes some of his games.
The Soviet Chess Primer, Ilya Maizelis,
- This is a classical book on chess that introduces one to the Soviet school of chess
Think Like a Grandmaster by Alexander Kotov
- It teaches players how they can improve their decision-making and tactical thinking skills.
Revolution in the 70s by Garry Kasparov
- Kasparov demonstrates how strategies metamorphosed during the 1970s.
Winning Chess Strategies – Yasser Seirawan
- A clear guide to some key strategies employed in the game of chess.
Move First, Think Later - Willy Hendriks
- A controversial nonconventional approach to teaching chess focusing more on practical play than theoretical preparation.
Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953 – David Bronstein;
- The author has deeply investigated one major middle age tournament providing good insights into real games played there.
The Amateur’s Mind - Jeremy Silman ;
- That shows what an amateur does wrong and how he could fix it.
Chess Strategy for Club Players by Herman Grooten
- Positional aspects of chess are thoroughly dissected in this book which is meant to help club level players.
Those books of chess contain variety of information and strategies, useful both for novices and professionals.