10 Must-Read Chess Books for Newcomers

Chess is a game of strategy, planning and critical thinking. Winning a game of chess can be very satisfying especially if you put in the effort to learn and master the game. As a grandmaster aspirant, it is important to have a variety of resources at your disposal to help you develop your skills and become a great player. So, whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned player, here are the top 11 chess books that every grandmaster aspirant should read.

1. Think like a grandmaster:  by Alexander Kotov.

“Think Like a Grandmaster” is a renowned chess book written by Alexander Kotov, a Soviet chess grandmaster and former candidate for the World Chess Championship. First published in 1971, the book is considered a classic in the realm of chess literature, providing valuable guidance on how to approach and analyze chess positions like a grandmaster.

Kotov’s “Think Like a Grandmaster” focuses on the thought process and decision-making skills necessary to excel in chess. He introduces the concept of the “tree of analysis,” emphasizing the importance of considering multiple candidate moves and calculating their consequences thoroughly before making a decision. Kotov encourages readers to think in a systematic and structured manner, allowing them to navigate the complexities of the chessboard more effectively.

The book also covers various aspects of chess strategy, including the evaluation of pawn structures, piece coordination, and long-term planning. Kotov illustrates these concepts through numerous annotated examples from his own games and those of other top-level players. By dissecting these games move by move, he demonstrates how grandmasters approach different positions and make strategic decisions based on their understanding of the game.

Kotov dedicates a significant portion of the book to the analysis of middlegame positions, providing insights into tactical motifs, piece activity, and attacking plans. He explains the importance of calculating variations accurately and shares practical advice on how to identify and exploit imbalances in a position.

Furthermore, “Think Like a Grandmaster” addresses the psychological aspects of chess, discussing topics such as time management, concentration, and decision-making under pressure. Kotov offers strategies for staying focused and handling the psychological challenges that arise during a game, enabling readers to perform at their best even in high-stakes situations.

Overall, “Think Like a Grandmaster” by Alexander Kotov is a comprehensive and instructive guide for chess players aspiring to improve their thought process and decision-making skills. Through his analytical approach and illustrative examples, Kotov provides invaluable insights into the mindset and methodology of a grandmaster, making this book an essential resource for chess enthusiasts at all skill levels. Book Link

2. Endgame Play” by Jacob Aagaard.

“Endgame Play” by Jacob Aagaard is a notable chess book from the “Grandmaster Preparation” series. Published in 2011, the book focuses on the intricacies of the endgame phase of chess and offers comprehensive guidance to help players enhance their endgame skills.

In “Endgame Play,” Aagaard dives deep into various endgame topics, providing detailed analysis, instructive examples, and practical advice. He begins by emphasizing the significance of endgame knowledge and its impact on overall game strategy. Aagaard covers essential endgame concepts such as pawn structures, piece activity, king safety, and the importance of accurate calculation in these critical stages of the game.

The book encompasses a wide range of endgame types, including pawn endgames, rook endgames, minor piece endgames, and more complex scenarios. Aagaard presents numerous annotated examples from high-level games to illustrate important principles and techniques in each type of endgame. By analyzing these examples, readers gain insights into the decision-making processes of grandmasters and learn how to navigate complex positions with precision and strategic understanding.

Aagaard also highlights the practical aspects of endgame play, such as time management, prophylaxis, and exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses. He addresses common mistakes and provides strategies to avoid them, helping readers develop a solid foundation of endgame knowledge and the ability to convert small advantages into victories.

Furthermore, “Endgame Play” goes beyond pure analysis and offers training exercises and positions for readers to solve. Aagaard encourages active participation, challenging readers to apply the concepts and techniques learned throughout the book. This interactive approach allows players to reinforce their understanding of endgame principles and improve their decision-making abilities.

Overall, “Endgame Play” by Jacob Aagaard is a comprehensive and practical resource for chess players seeking to strengthen their endgame skills. Whether you are an aspiring tournament player or a seasoned grandmaster, this book provides valuable insights and guidance to elevate your endgame understanding and improve your chances of success in the final stages of a chess game. Book Link

3. Attack & Defense” by Jacob Aagaard.

“Attack & Defense” is a highly regarded chess book written by Jacob Aagaard as part of the “Grandmaster Preparation” series. Published in 2013, the book focuses on the crucial aspects of attacking and defending in chess, providing comprehensive guidance and strategic insights to help players improve their skills in both areas.

In “Attack & Defense,” Aagaard explores the art of launching successful attacks on the opponent’s king while also addressing the critical skill of defending against aggressive play. The book covers a wide range of topics related to attack and defense, including pawn breaks, piece coordination, sacrifices, counterattacks, and prophylactic thinking.

Aagaard emphasizes the importance of assessing the overall position and formulating a well-structured plan to launch effective attacks. He examines various attacking techniques and provides instructive examples from master-level games to illustrate key principles and ideas. By analyzing these examples, readers gain a deeper understanding of how to identify and exploit weaknesses in the opponent’s position, as well as how to create threats and apply pressure strategically.

On the defensive side, Aagaard explores methods to withstand an opponent’s attack and safeguard the king. He elucidates defensive strategies, including prophylactic moves, fortifications, and counterplay. Through detailed analysis and annotated games, Aagaard demonstrates how to spot potential threats, find resources to defend against them, and turn the tables by launching counterattacks.

The book also addresses the psychological aspects of attack and defense, highlighting the importance of remaining calm, assessing risks, and maintaining a balanced approach. Aagaard provides practical advice on how to handle tense situations and make accurate decisions under pressure.

Throughout “Attack & Defense,” Aagaard engages readers with challenging exercises and positions that require them to apply the principles discussed in the book. This interactive approach helps players reinforce their understanding and develop their tactical and strategic skills in attack and defense.

Overall, “Attack & Defense” is an invaluable resource for chess players seeking to improve their attacking and defensive abilities. By studying the concepts, analyzing instructive examples, and working through the exercises, readers can enhance their tactical awareness, strategic thinking, and overall performance in both aggressive and defensive situations on the chessboard. Book Link

4. Grandmaster Preparation – Calculation” by Jacob Aagaard.

“Grandmaster Preparation – Calculation” is indeed a chess book written by Jacob Aagaard. Published in 2012, it is part of Aagaard’s acclaimed “Grandmaster Preparation” series.

In “Calculation,” Aagaard delves into the critical skill of calculation in chess. Calculation refers to the ability to accurately and efficiently analyze positions, calculate variations, and foresee the consequences of moves. It is a fundamental skill that enables players to make precise and informed decisions during a game.

Aagaard provides a comprehensive guide to improving calculation skills, covering both tactical and strategic calculations. He explores various calculation techniques, such as visualization, pattern recognition, and prophylactic thinking. The book also delves into the importance of evaluating candidate moves and accurately assessing the resulting positions.

Through a series of instructive examples and exercises, Aagaard challenges readers to sharpen their calculation abilities. He presents practical positions and encourages readers to calculate multiple moves ahead, considering various possibilities and evaluating the resulting positions accurately.

Additionally, “Grandmaster Preparation – Calculation” addresses the psychological aspects of calculation, including the challenges of time pressure, managing uncertainty, and staying focused during complex calculations. Aagaard provides insights and advice on how to overcome these challenges and develop a more efficient and accurate calculation process.

The book is suitable for players of various skill levels, from club players looking to enhance their tactical vision to aspiring grandmasters seeking to refine their calculation skills. By studying and practicing the techniques and concepts presented in “Calculation,” readers can improve their ability to analyze positions accurately and make sound decisions based on calculation and evaluation.

Overall, “Grandmaster Preparation – Calculation” by Jacob Aagaard is a highly regarded and valuable resource for chess players looking to enhance their calculation skills. It provides comprehensive guidance, practical examples, and exercises to help readers develop their analytical abilities and improve their performance on the chessboard. Book Link

5. Pump Up Your Rating:” by Axel Smith.

“Pump Up Your Rating: Unlock Your Chess Potential” is a chess book written by renowned Grandmaster and chess coach, Axel Smith. Published in 2013 as part of the “Grandmaster Repertoire” series, the book aims to help chess players of all levels elevate their performance and reach their true potential.

In “Pump Up Your Rating,” Smith offers practical advice and strategies for improving one’s chess skills and increasing their rating. The book provides guidance on various aspects of chess improvement, including opening preparation, middlegame planning, calculation, and decision-making.

Smith delves into the mindset and habits required to become a stronger player, discussing topics such as efficient study methods, time management, and psychological aspects of chess. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, staying motivated, and maintaining a balanced approach to training.

The book also provides insights into tournament preparation and practical tips for handling different playing styles and time controls. Smith shares his own experiences and provides examples from high-level games to illustrate key concepts and demonstrate effective strategies.

“Pump Up Your Rating” offers a structured training plan with exercises and positions for readers to practice and apply the principles discussed in the book. Smith encourages active participation and critical thinking, enabling readers to develop their analytical skills and apply them in real games.

Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate player, or an advanced competitor, “Pump Up Your Rating” offers valuable insights and practical guidance to help you improve your chess performance. By following the strategies and recommendations outlined in the book, readers can unlock their chess potential and make significant strides in their rating and overall playing strength. Book Link

6. Grandmaster Preparation: Strategic Play by Jacob Aagaard.

“Grandmaster Preparation: Strategic Play” is a chess book written by Jacob Aagaard, a renowned chess author and coach. Published in 2012, it is part of Aagaard’s highly regarded “Grandmaster Preparation” series.

In “Strategic Play,” Aagaard delves into the realm of strategic thinking in chess. The book focuses on the fundamental principles and concepts that guide strategic decision-making in the game. Aagaard explores various strategic elements, including pawn structures, piece coordination, piece activity, and long-term planning.

The book offers a comprehensive approach to strategic play, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances of different positions and formulating a solid plan. Aagaard illustrates his ideas with instructive examples from high-level games, showcasing how top grandmasters approach strategic challenges and make strategic choices based on their understanding of the position.

Aagaard encourages readers to think deeply about the position and to develop a strategic vision that allows them to assess imbalances, identify weaknesses, and exploit favorable factors in the position. He provides practical advice on how to evaluate different strategic possibilities and make informed decisions that align with the overall goals of the position.

Additionally, “Grandmaster Preparation: Strategic Play” addresses the importance of flexibility and adaptability in strategic play. Aagaard highlights the need to adjust one’s plans and strategic ideas based on changing circumstances and opponent’s moves. He discusses the concept of prophylaxis and demonstrates how to anticipate the opponent’s ideas and disrupt their plans.

The book also covers the psychological aspects of strategic play, including maintaining concentration, dealing with uncertainty, and handling the pressure of decision-making. Aagaard offers strategies for improving mental resilience and making confident, strategic choices during a game.

“Grandmaster Preparation: Strategic Play” provides exercises and positions for readers to practice the principles and concepts discussed in the book. Aagaard encourages active engagement, challenging readers to apply their strategic understanding and analytical skills to solve problems and make strategic decisions in various positions.

Overall, “Grandmaster Preparation: Strategic Play” by Jacob Aagaard is a highly recommended resource for chess players looking to deepen their understanding of strategic play and enhance their decision-making abilities. By studying the principles, analyzing the examples, and working through the exercises, readers can develop a more profound strategic vision and elevate their overall performance on the chessboard. Book Link

Top 10 Chess Book

7. Better Thinking, Better Chess: How a Grandmaster by Joel Benjamin.

“Better Thinking, Better Chess: How a Grandmaster Finds his Moves” is a chess book written by Grandmaster Joel Benjamin. Published in 2014, the book offers valuable insights into the thinking process of a high-level chess player and provides guidance on improving one’s thought process during a game.

In “Better Thinking, Better Chess,” Benjamin shares his own experiences and thought processes as a Grandmaster, offering practical advice on how to approach various aspects of the game. The book focuses on the cognitive aspects of chess, such as decision-making, pattern recognition, and calculation.

Benjamin discusses the importance of developing a clear thought process and avoiding common thinking errors. He provides strategies for overcoming biases, managing time effectively, and staying focused during a game. The book also explores methods for evaluating positions accurately and finding the most promising candidate moves.

The book emphasizes the role of pattern recognition and the ability to draw upon knowledge from previous games and positions. Benjamin demonstrates how to develop a strong repertoire of strategic and tactical patterns that can guide decision-making and help identify key ideas in different types of positions.

Furthermore, “Better Thinking, Better Chess” addresses the psychological aspects of chess, including managing emotions, dealing with pressure, and maintaining confidence in critical moments. Benjamin provides practical advice on how to stay calm and make objective decisions even under challenging circumstances.

Throughout the book, Benjamin presents annotated games and positions to illustrate the concepts and strategies discussed. He encourages readers to actively engage with the material and solve puzzles to reinforce their understanding and improve their thinking skills.

“Better Thinking, Better Chess” is suitable for players of various levels, from club players seeking to improve their thought processes to ambitious tournament players looking to enhance their overall performance. By incorporating the strategies and techniques presented in the book, readers can develop a more efficient and effective thinking process and make better decisions over the board.

Overall, “Better Thinking, Better Chess: How a Grandmaster Finds his Moves” provides valuable insights into the mindset and thinking process of a Grandmaster player. It offers practical guidance for improving one’s thought process, decision-making abilities, and overall performance in chess. Book Link

8. Improve Your Chess Calculation: The Ramesh Chess.

Improve Your Chess Calculation: The Ramesh Chess

The art of chess calculation is an important skill for any chess player, from novice to expert. To improve this skill, one should become familiar with the Ramesh chess program. The Ramesh chess program is a powerful tool designed to help players improve their calculation skills by analyzing positions, offering insights into their evaluation, and providing guidance to make better decisions.

The Ramesh Chess program is hosted on the Internet and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. Once signed in, the program can be customized to the user’s specific needs. Players can select the level of difficulty, the size of the board, and the type of game to be played. Players can also select the number of moves they want to analyse.

The Ramesh Chess program allows users to analyse their games using computer-assisted analysis. It reveals tactical mistakes, enables players to identify weak points in their playing, and provides advice on how to develop better strategies. Additionally, players can slow down their game and view a replay of it in order to better understand their play and practice the same moves on different board positions.

Using the Ramesh Chess program is very popular among chess players of all levels. It has the capacity to simplify complicated positions, enabling players to develop their calculation, strategic thinking, and understanding of the concept of different pieces. Not only can the program demonstrate the proper attack plan for any position, it can also provide detailed breakdowns of the endgame, to help players improve their tactics.

All in all, Ramesh Chess is an amazing chess-training program. It can help players refine their calculation skills and make better strategic decisions. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced tournament player, the Ramesh Chess program should be a part of your chess toolkit. Book Link

9. Silman’s Complete Endgame Course” by eremy Silman.

“Silman’s Complete Endgame Course” is a highly regarded chess book written by International Master Jeremy Silman. First published in 2007 and revised in subsequent editions, the book is a comprehensive guide to endgame play and is considered a must-read for chess players of all levels.

The book is structured in a way that allows readers to gradually build their understanding of endgame principles and techniques. It covers various aspects of endgame play, including pawn endings, minor piece endings, rook endings, and even some basic theoretical positions.

Silman’s approach in the book is to provide clear explanations and practical examples that help readers grasp the fundamental concepts of endgame play. He breaks down complex endgame ideas into manageable parts, making it accessible even to intermediate players.

Throughout the book, Silman emphasizes the importance of learning endgame principles and patterns rather than relying solely on memorization. He provides instructive examples from master-level games and demonstrates the key strategic and tactical ideas behind each endgame position.

“Silman’s Complete Endgame Course” also includes a wide range of exercises and puzzles that allow readers to apply the knowledge gained from the book. This interactive approach helps players develop their calculation skills and improve their ability to find the most accurate moves in different endgame scenarios.

The book is suitable for players of all skill levels, from beginners who want to gain a solid foundation in endgame play to advanced players looking to refine their knowledge and broaden their understanding of complex endgame positions.

Overall, “Silman’s Complete Endgame Course” is widely regarded as one of the best endgame books available. It provides a comprehensive and structured approach to studying endgames, helping players enhance their understanding, improve their technique, and gain confidence in this critical phase of the game. Book Link

10. Improve Your Chess Pattern Recognition” by Arthur Van De Oudeweetering.

“Improve Your Chess Pattern Recognition” by Arthur Van De Oudeweetering is a chess book that focuses on developing pattern recognition skills, a crucial aspect of improving one’s chess play.

In the book, Van De Oudeweetering explores various types of patterns that commonly occur in chess, such as tactical motifs, strategic ideas, and positional structures. He emphasizes the importance of training the mind to recognize these patterns quickly and accurately, allowing players to make better decisions and find strong moves more efficiently during games.

The book presents numerous instructive examples and exercises to help readers strengthen their pattern recognition abilities. Van De Oudeweetering provides clear explanations of the underlying ideas behind each pattern and offers practical advice on how to apply them in real games.

By studying and practicing the patterns presented in “Improve Your Chess Pattern Recognition,” readers can improve their ability to identify recurring motifs, anticipate opponent’s threats, and spot opportunities to exploit weaknesses in the position. This heightened awareness of patterns can greatly enhance a player’s tactical and strategic decision-making abilities.

Overall, “Improve Your Chess Pattern Recognition” is a valuable resource for chess players of all levels who are looking to improve their pattern recognition skills. It provides practical guidance, examples, and exercises to help readers develop a more intuitive and accurate understanding of chess patterns, ultimately leading to improved performance over the board. Book Link

11. Grandmaster Preparation: Positional Play by Jacob Aagaard

“Grandmaster Preparation: Positional Play” is a highly regarded chess book written by Jacob Aagaard. Published in 2012, it is part of Aagaard’s acclaimed “Grandmaster Preparation” series.

In “Positional Play,” Aagaard delves into the strategic and positional aspects of chess. The book focuses on developing a deep understanding of positional concepts, such as pawn structure, piece activity, maneuvering, and strategic planning.

Aagaard explores the intricacies of positional play, providing in-depth analysis and examples from high-level games. He emphasizes the importance of assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a position, understanding key positional ideas, and formulating long-term plans based on the position’s characteristics.

The book presents practical advice and strategies for improving positional understanding. Aagaard demonstrates how to make optimal piece placements, exploit positional imbalances, and create favorable conditions for launching attacks or defending against them.

Throughout the book, Aagaard challenges readers with exercises and positional puzzles to strengthen their positional evaluation and decision-making abilities. By analyzing and solving these positions, readers can improve their ability to assess the positional aspects of a position and make informed strategic choices.

“Grandmaster Preparation: Positional Play” is suitable for players of various skill levels, from club players aspiring to strengthen their positional understanding to advanced players aiming to refine their strategic thinking. The book provides valuable insights, practical examples, and exercises to help readers develop a more profound understanding of positional play and apply it effectively in their games.

Overall, “Grandmaster Preparation: Positional Play” by Jacob Aagaard is highly recommended for chess players looking to enhance their positional understanding and strategic decision-making skills. By studying the principles and ideas presented in the book and actively engaging with the exercises, readers can elevate their overall performance and gain a competitive edge in positional battles on the chessboard. Book Link

Conclusion

Overall, each of these books contributes to a comprehensive understanding of chess strategy, calculation, endgame play, and overall improvement. By studying and applying the principles and techniques presented in these books, grandmaster aspirants can enhance their skills, develop a deeper understanding of the game, and work towards achieving their chess goals.

These 11 books are an excellent starting point for any grandmaster aspirant looking to improve their chess game. With a mix of classic and modern books, these resources cover all the essential topics in the game of chess for  experienced player, there is something for everyone in these books. So, check them out and start your journey towards chess mastery!

Here is The List Of Book Which Mention in Blog

1. Think like a grandmaster:  by Alexander Kotov.

2. Endgame Play” by Jacob Aagaard

3. Positional Play by Jacob Aagaard

4. Attack & Defence by jacob Aagaard

5.  Calculation by Jacob Aagaard

6. Pump Up Your Rating by Axel Smith

7. Strategic Play by jacob Aagaard

8. Better Thinking, Better Chess: How a Grandmaster Finds his Moves by Joel Benjamin.

9. Silman’s Complete Endgame Course” by eremy Silman.

10. Improve Your Chess Calculation: The Ramesh Chess.

11. Improve Your Chess Pattern Recognition” by Arthur Van De Oudeweetering.

Remember, becoming a Grandmaster requires dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning. By following these strategies and staying disciplined in your study routine, you can make significant strides towards achieving your goal. Good luck on your chess journey!

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