Are you in the mood to start playing chess, one of the oldest and most complex games known to mankind?
Before you make your move into this world, why not take the time to learn more about it first by reading a book or two on chess? If you’re new to the art of chess-playing and are looking for good books that will help teach you everything there is to know, then look no further. In this blog post, we’ll be examining some of the best reads when it comes to learning all about chess as a beginner – from comprehensive guidebooks featuring strategic tips and endgame advice from renowned grandmasters to enjoyable stories designed specifically for those just starting. So, chess players seeking to improve their games are covered. If you want in on all things related to king-and-queen movement around the game board, let's get started!
How We Choose These Best Books for You
Chess can be a difficult game to learn, especially if you are starting from scratch.
Trying to find the best books on chess for beginners can feel like an impossible task. You might not know where to start or who to trust.
We have done the research for you and gathered together a list of the best books on chess for beginners. With our help, you will be able to quickly improve your skills and start playing like a pro.
1. Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer
Best for Skills
In this book, Fischer takes you on a comprehensive journey of discovering and mastering the game of chess. He explains simple combinations that build to more complex checkmating strategies.
What Is This Book About
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer is the perfect book for those who want to learn and expand their chess-playing skills. Whether you’re a novice just starting or an experienced player looking to hone your chess-playing skills, this book can take you from beginner up to low intermediate playing.
Fischer takes you on a comprehensive journey of discovering and mastering the game of chess. He explains simple combinations that build to more complex checkmating strategies. It features carefully designed exercises with drills, middlegame positions, endgame studies, and practice games that he has hand selected to help guide you toward a greater understanding of each move you make.
This book is also conveniently sized so it will fit into any pocket or bag for convenient practice sessions anywhere.
Readers will find Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer an entertaining and rewarding read as the techniques are explained in an easy-to-understand manner that allows room for creativity and practice when learning each strategy — making chess fun for everyone! Pick up a copy today at your local bookstore or online retailer.
Why You Will Love It
You will love Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer because it is a great way for kids to have fun while learning the basics of the game. You can learn about the basic rules of chess as well as gain insight into advanced tactics and checkmates that can help you become an expert player. It even introduces you to the teaching format used in more complex books, so you’ll feel right at home when it comes time to take your skills to the next level. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher, this book is sure to teach you something new!
2. Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953 by David Bronstein
Best for Chess History
Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953 by David Bronstein documents the intense competition and creativity that took place during one of the greatest tournaments in chess history.
What Is This Book About
This special edition book is a must-have for any serious chess player looking to take their game to the next level. Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953 by David Bronstein documents the intense competition and creativity that took place during one of the greatest tournaments in chess history. Featuring only the best and strongest players, this tournament joined the esteemed company with events such as Hastings 1895, St. Petersburg 1914, New York 1924, Moscow 1935, and Groningen 1946.
Bronstein’s unique writing style takes readers back in time—reliving every move, countermove, and narrow victory that occurred throughout the tournament; allowing chess enthusiasts everywhere an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the impact of this event on elite chess culture. Players can follow along in search of tactical ideas and gain inspiration from legendary masters of the game while reading through meticulously reviewed games. And with detailed analysis from Bronstein himself, you will find yourself with a deeper understanding of gameplay strategies used against tough opponents on your path to excellence.
Written for anyone looking towards greater knowledge about international high-level competitions and those interested in engaging tactical content, Zurich International Chess Tournament 1953 by David Bronstein is designed for seasoned, professional players as well as newcomers looking for more information about the intricacies of elite match play.
Why You Will Love It
You will love this book because of the incredible insight it provides into the 1953 Zurich International Chess Tournament! It's a must-have in any collection for both experienced and beginner chess players. Experienced players can enjoy Bronstein's annotated games that are precise and well-documented while beginners can learn through his insightful explanations on how to play the middle game with ease. Don't miss out on what this amazing book has to offer!
3. My 60 Memorable Games by Bobby Fischer
Best for Guidance
Released in celebration of one of the greatest minds to ever play the game, this book offers readers an unprecedented look into Bobby Fischer’s genius.
What Is This Book About
My 60 Memorable Games by Bobby Fischer is the must-have guide for any passionate chess player. Released in celebration of one of the greatest minds to ever play the game, this book offers readers an unprecedented look into Bobby Fischer’s genius. Spanning sixty different games, Fischer examines each one he played in detail – from his strategic moves and those of his opponents to the tactical reasons behind each move and the psychological battle taking place throughout. If you’ve always wondered what sets a pro apart from mere amateurs, this book will give you insight into how chess is truly won. Each of Fischer’s breaks down exactly why he made each move, expertly dissecting each strategy and explaining both his thought process and that of his competitor during each game. Not only will experienced players benefit greatly from this book, but beginners can absorb a wealth of knowledge on tactics and hone their instincts as well! My 60 Memorable Games by Bobby Fischer represents a rare opportunity to observe an elite strategist in action. Gain valuable insights into the complexity of masterful chess play with this timeless classic - it's sure to become an invaluable resource for your gaming collection!
Why You Will Love It
You will love this book, My 60 Memorable Games by Bobby Fischer because it is filled with the captivating grandmaster-level chess play he was renowned. You'll find both his elegant positional play and his extravagant combinations dearly linked within the pages of this book. You don't need to understand the long complicated moves nor do you have to be a master to appreciate Bobby Fisher's games. His insightful commentary breaks down every move, allowing any level of player to learn and be inspired by his games! Whether you are just starting or an experienced professional, this book is truly a must-have to add depth and versatility to your understanding of chess.
4. The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal by Mikhail Tal
Best for Mindset
The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal offer readers an unforgettable glimpse into the mindset of a legendary player.
What Is This Book About
This captivating autobiography chronicles the beloved champion’s illustrious career with an intriguing blend of narrative and humor.
Follow along with Grandmaster Tal as he recounts his rise in Soviet chess circles during a tumultuous period, evolving into one of the 20th century’s greatest players on the world stage. Refreshingly honest at times and packed with anecdotes that shed light on his life and chronicle his exceptional tournament successes, The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal offer readers an unforgettable glimpse into the mindset of a legendary player. This is an essential book for any hardcore fan or student of strategy games or chess. Don't miss out on this delightful read from Grandmaster Mikhail Tal: The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal! By diving deep into this entertaining autobiography, those interested in the game will have unprecedented access to one man's memorable contribution to strategic history.
Why You Will Love It
You will love The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal as it is not only an insightful read about the greatest chess player of all time but also an uplifting story that celebrates the ups and downs of life. Intertwining his hilarious anecdotes about his journey to chess stardom with teachings from some of the most interesting and brilliant minds in chess, Tal's opinion on both style and opening theory are fresh, yet undeniably brilliant. He lets readers inside his world and recognizes the importance of accepting failures as part of life's learning curve. You won't be disappointed by this genuine classic!
5. Karpov's Strategic Wins (two volumes) by Tibor Karolyi
Best for Strategies
This book includes an analysis explaining the structure and themes of key strategic games, as well as all of Karpov's brilliant sacrifices and combinations.
What Is This Book About
Karpov’s Strategic Wins by Tibor Karolyi is a must-have for any serious chess enthusiast. With two volumes featuring Karpov’s most entertaining and instructive strategic wins from 1986-2010, readers can deepen their knowledge of the game. Whether viewing it as an academic study or the perfect addition to your practice library, this collection reveals how Karpov faced off with his rival Kasparov for chess dominance during this period.
Each volume includes an analysis explaining the structure and themes of key strategic games, as well as all of Karpov's brilliant sacrifices and combinations, differently presented in both verbal description form and also on specially designed diagrams. Be sure to take advantage of Karolyi’s deep experience in the world of modern chess – he is a grandmaster, an elite trainer, an opening theoretician, and more – to get top training from one of the masters himself!
The perfect resource for advanced players who want to improve their knowledge of strategy, Karpov’s Strategic Wins promises success when it comes to improving your frame of mind when tackling complex positions in your next game or tournament. Make his strategic wins your own with these volumes.
Why You Will Love It
You will love Karpov's Strategic Wins, two volumes written by Tibor Karolyi if you are looking for an in-depth analysis of the games of one of the greatest World Chess Champions. You will find every detail and every annotation presented with accuracy and clarity, demonstrating why this book is a must for masters-level tournament chess players. You'll be amazed at the level of complexity detailed within each game, all featuring that strategic finesse intrinsic to Anatoly Karpov’s style of play. Furthermore, these two volumes are wonderfully presented with superb illustrations guaranteeing hours and hours of entertaining chess reading.
6. My Great Predecessors (five volumes) by Garry Kasparov
Best for Chess Games
This book chronicles the journeys of Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer - from rising young talents up to reaching their goal as world champions - and celebrates their legacies for generations of players to come.
What Is This Book About
My Great Predecessors, by Garry Kasparov, is a five-volume series that delves deep into the history of chess, featuring two of its greatest icons - Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer. Kasparov is widely regarded as the greatest chess player to have ever graced the game, occupying the Number One spot for over two decades. Bobby Fischer, on the other hand, was the first and only American ever to take home the title of World Champion; considered by many to be THE natural prodigy in the world of chess.
The book chronicles their journeys - from rising young talents up to reaching their goal as world champions - and celebrates their legacies for generations of players to come. By retracing every mistake that marked their careers and every move that could have meant victory—no matter how small or insignificant—My Great Predecessors provides a thorough insight into this intricate 4,000-year-old game. From those learning the ropes of chess to veteran players seeking an advanced seminar in strategy, this five-volume series offers something meaningful for everybody.
Why You Will Love It
You will love Garry Kasparov's My Great Predecessors because it takes you into the intense world of chess. Written in five volumes, Kasparov delves deep into Bobby Fischer's most renowned games and draws from his unique style as a master player. Each volume offers an absorbing look at some of the greatest chess games of all time, allowing you to brush up on your skills or simply enjoy watching Kasparov work his magic. You'll come away with a new appreciation for chess and a newfound admiration for the legendary Fischer.
7. My System by Aron Nimzowitsch
Best for Insight
Written over 90 years ago and one of the four best-selling chess books of all time, My System will bring insight into what experts already knew was true - this timeless classic shapes the way we understand and play chess today.
What Is This Book About
My System by Aron Nimzowitsch is the perfect book for any chess enthusiast. It is the classic work from Aron Nimzowitsch, full of groundbreaking strategies and tactics that are still relevant today.
Now available in updated algebraic notation and modern understandable English, surpassing previous editions to give you a thorough overview of the game. With 419 diagrams illustrating key movements, this book gives you everything needs to take your chess skills to the next level.
Written over 90 years ago and one of the four best-selling chess books of all time, My System will bring insight into what experts already knew was true - this timeless classic shapes the way we understand and play chess today. Learn from history’s greatest minds most effectively and straightforwardly as possible - with this excellent edition of My System by Aron Nimzowitsch!
Why You Will Love It
You will love this book because it is a timeless classic and it provides readers with a wealth of information about chess strategy. Aron Nimzowitsch's deep insight into the game is unparalleled, and his valuable advice has been used by some of the greatest players in history. His work dissects an often underestimated aspect of chess, positional play, and teaches fundamental concepts that every player must know to truly understand the art of the game. You'll easily find yourself engrossed while reading My System - there won't be any chance of you forgetting why you picked up this book in the first place!
Best Books on Chess for Beginners FAQs
People are always looking for the best books on chess for beginners, but they don't know where to start.
It can be hard to find good information about the best books on chess for beginners. There are so many different opinions out there, and it's hard to know who to trust.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the best books on chess for beginners. This will help you figure out which book is right for you and get started playing this fascinating game today.
Should beginners read chess books?
Absolutely! If you’re a beginner at chess, books are one of the best resources for learning and mastering the game. Chess books provide comprehensive explanations of concepts, and detailed analyses of strategy, tactics, and endgame studies - all with examples that can help you understand and visualize what is being discussed.
You can start by looking at introductory materials like basic rules or beginner's guides. These kinds of books focus on breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand concepts so that players who are just starting can learn from them without having to have any prior knowledge about the game. As your skills improve over time, look for more advanced material such as opening strategies or endgame theory which will help you take your game to the next level.
Chess books also generally come with practice problems that challenge readers in different areas of play and allow them to put their newfound knowledge into practice. Reading up on important strategic themes is great but it won't do much good unless you see how those principles apply in real games. Working through examples is a great way to reinforce what you've learned as well as spot tactical patterns when they arise during gameplay over the board.
Overall, there’s no wrong answer when deciding whether or not beginners should read chess books; simply put, understanding chess strategy requires an analysis based on experience and pattern recognition—both things which a book will help nurture provider readers with sufficient guidance and engagement. So if want to get better at the game quickly then reading up on this classic battle between kings is an absolute must!
How to read chess books for beginners?
Reading chess books for beginners can be an overwhelming process. With so many titles out there and varying levels of difficulty, it's important to understand how to use these resources most effectively. Here are some tips for getting the most out of reading chess books:
1. Start with a book that is written specifically for beginners – Many chess books contain material that is too complex for people just starting with the game. Beginner-level chess books will focus on teaching you basic concepts such as how pieces move, opening strategies and tactics, and even endgame theory.
2. Read multiple authors – Each author brings their style of writing and level of detail to the table when they write a book about playing chess. By reading multiple authors you can get different perspectives on common topics like openings or general strategy which might be useful later in your development as a player.
3. Take notes while you read – Taking notes not only helps to keep track of information but also allows you to refer back later whenever needed without having to re-read pages or chapters over again this saves time down the road! It's especially helpful if certain positions or games give rise to questions that come up more than once throughout your study session; such as “why did black make this move”? Having notation ready ensures that no stone goes unturned when trying to improve one’s gameplay!
4 . Study diagrams extensively - Properly understanding diagrams requires practice as well as careful observation, so spending extra time studying them will help immensely over time! Where possible try creating two separate variations for each position so that all possibilities are covered by your analysis; don't just take what is given since there could very well be alternative lines available from better players who've already gone before us. As always apply critical thinking while doing this part: do not accept anything at face value without testing it firsthand against other opponents!
5 . Practice what you have learned - Solving puzzles and analyzing positions using newly acquired knowledge gives real-world experience outside just simply reading theory off paper/screen; ensuring ideas seen gain permanence within our brains instead merely temporary stays (like water skimming atop surface). Plus tackling problems encourages creative problem-solving skills which carry into every aspect of life encounters beyond just playing moves across the board itself—so think outside the standard box here too wherever possible (spending lots of fun moments now & the future)!
What should a beginner learn in chess?
For someone just starting in chess, there are a few basic things to keep in mind. First, learn the rules of the game. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to understand how pieces move and capture - it can be confusing for first-time players! Second, become familiar with some of the common strategies and techniques used by experienced players. You don’t need to master them all straight away - rather learn a few core fundamental principles so you have an understanding when playing against more experienced opponents.
Thirdly (and this is probably one of the most important steps), start reading up on recent games and study the strategies adopted by professional grandmasters. Even if you don’t understand everything they do right away, watching their games will help your understanding over time plus give insight into different opening combinations or attacking lines that you may not have thought about before!
Fourthly – practice makes perfect! Try setting yourself a goal each day/week/month depending on your time commitments; maybe try to complete 5 puzzles in under 20 minutes each day – this simple exercise helps you think at a speed that is essential for successful chess play. Additionally, there are plenty of online courses available that can teach from scratch or refine existing skills - chess24 being one option where top Grandmasters are regularly giving lectures & producing training content for free!! So take advantage!
Finally, remember that different players approach chess differently; everyone has unique ideas and ways to attack positions so allow yourself to explore varying ideas as ultimately this will help your development as a player overall too! Good luck on your journey into Chess :)
Do you need a good IQ for chess and does learning chess increase IQ?
The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a good IQ for chess, and learning chess will not necessarily increase your IQ. However, there are certainly correlations between playing strategic games like chess and higher intelligence levels.
When it comes to expertise in Chess specifically, studies have often found that high-skill players tend to outperform lower-skill players on cognitive tests involving memory, visualization, planning, and problem-solving. Additionally, as people become more skilled at the game of Chess they tend to be better able to recognize patterns within the game itself which requires intense focus and concentration skills all while managing multiple pieces on the board. This level of mental effort has been linked with increased brain plasticity (the ability for neurons in your brain to form new connections) 1 which can lead indirectly or even directly to improved performance on cognitive tests 2.
But does this mean that if you learn how to play Chess your IQ will go up? Not necessarily; we don't know enough about why some individuals progress faster than others when engaging in activities such as problem-solving strategies associated with playing Chess or other board games -- especially since these activities rely heavily upon both analytical thinking (pattern recognition) but also creative solutions (strategic movement). What is more likely true is that if you already have a high aptitude for analytical thinking skills then engaging in puzzle-based activities may help reinforce those areas over time leading potentially lead towards improved overall intelligence via incremental trickles of understanding 3.
What is the 20-40-40 rule in chess?
The 20-40-40 rule of chess is a general guideline used by experienced chess players to help improve their game. This rule suggests that, in any given position, you should aim to devote 20% of your time studying the opening move, 40% to the middle game strategy and tactics, and the final 40% to the endgame technique.
The 20-40-40 rule originated from Grandmaster Isaac Lipnitsky in 1941 which he wrote about in his book “Chess: A Treatise”. The purpose of this rule was for aspiring players to focus more on developing their skills rather than simply memorizing openings from long libraries of books or relying heavily upon computer analysis. The idea behind this rule is that if you can develop strong fundamentals early on then it will pay dividends later as you progress through the levels more quickly with better understanding and planning ahead.
By following this approach, beginning chess players not only learn a wide range of topics faster but also achieve better results at tournaments as well by having a robust understanding across all phases of chess play. Additionally, intermediate-level chess players can benefit from applying it too because they need not invest too much effort while still learning new ideas along the way - thereby making them more competitive against stronger opponents who've spent many years focusing solely on mastering one particular area such as endgames or openings, etc.
What is the best way to improve chess game?
If you are a beginner chess player seeking to improve your chess endgame or chess concepts or chess combinations, one of the best ways to do this is by reading quality chess books. Not only can these chess books teach you strategy and winning chess tactics, but they can also offer you unique insights into the game that is almost impossible to get in any other way. There are several great chess books on the market depending on what level and style of chess you are interested in. For example, some chess books focus more on beginners with more basic tactics while others discuss more advanced topics for professional or famous chess players. No matter what your level of chess playing is, there is a chess book out there for everyone looking to take their game to the next level.
Conclusion
For casual chess players or those aspiring to become famous chess players, having the right books can help you get ahead and continue improving your skills. With that in mind, the selection presented here is the best of what is available on the market today. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn chess or an experienced player ready to sharpen your game, these chess books will have something to offer. Each one offers both detailed instruction as well as insight into tactics and strategies that will improve your play. Don't miss the opportunity to dive into one of these great reads and take your play to the next level. Plus, consider picking up one of these books for a friend who might be interested in learning how to play - it could just be the perfect gift this season! Let's get those pieces moving on the board soon!
