Our list of reviews is the perfect place to start when figuring out which chess books to read next. A Few Extra Book Shopping Tips – for All Levels Chess theory books can also be a good choice for advanced players.Ĭhess tactic books (sometimes known as middlegame books) are at the heart of chess education and there are excellent tactic books written for all skill levels, including for children. For example, a common area that even many masters struggle with is endgames. What Should Advanced Players Look For?Īdvanced players are most likely to have one or two areas where they need to improve.

And then, you’ll be equipped to keep growing your skills and challenging yourself through the later chapters. This way, if the “intermediate” chapters aren’t quite making sense to you, you can simply go back a chapter or two to get up to speed. What Should Intermediate Players Look For?įor intermediate players who aren’t sure if they should be in the “beginner” or “advanced” book section, we recommend books that take you through a progression from beginner to advanced tactics. The simplicity of the descriptions and deliberate avoidance of getting bogged down in theory make these books very easy to digest. We actually encourage brand-new players of all ages to consider adding a children’s chess book to your reading list. Some books written for “beginners” may still be too in-depth for a novice player. It’s important to understand that the definition of the term “beginner” is a subjective one. What Should Beginners Look for in a Chess Book?

However, there are useful books on each aspect of the game that are accessible to players of all skill levels. Advanced players will be more likely to benefit from books that focus on improving a specific part of their game (opening, middlegame, endgame) or that teach a particular move, method, or tactic. Books that provide a general overview of how to play and how to think are generally best for beginners. Your current playing level is going to affect which chess books you will find most useful.

With the huge number of chess books on the market today, it’s understandable that shopping for one may seem like a daunting task! Here are our top tips for figuring out which chess books you should read next – and which to skip for now.

Best chess books of all time