This seems to be a reoccurring question. Which books should you read at what level? I thought i'd start this thread so we can try and get a list of books sorted by the readers grade! Some books are designed for beginners, some are designed for masters. I figure it must be possible to list the titles you have read by grade, thus giving potential students a guide as to which books are suitable for them at their current grade, based on the assessment of their peers here on RHP. We'll go by RHP grade as this is the grading system we are all familiar with. Please cut and paste my list with your titles added so we gradually acquire a more comprehensive guide. Discussion of where a book should be listed is of course encouraged! 😀
1000-1200
Logical Chess move by move by Irvin Chernev
An excellent first book! Chernev introduces the reader to some fundamental concepts that every player should know in an easy to read and enjoyable style. This was the first book i read and it fostered an enjoyment for study, something that many beginners titles fail to do!
1200-1400
My System by Aaron Nimzowitsch
Probably the most read chess book in History. This book is packed full of nuggets of wisdom that are accessible to the un-studied player. I personally found the style of writing to be a little bit 'scientific', but one must bear in mind that this book was written in the 1920's so the language is bound to be a little dated...An excellent read none the less!
1400-1600
Judgement and planning in chess by Max Euwe
A truly excellent book!! Euwe takes the reader beyond the core basics of chess principles and develops the reader into a more strategic line of thinking. The book does not take random positions as it's examples, Euwe uses whole games which makes the book accessible as the reader can see how the Master in question has achieved the position in question. I read this book cover to cover in under a month, which is very quick when you consider i am fundamentally lazy when it comes to picking up a chess book! This book is ideal for 14-1600 players. 🙂
1600-1800
The Art of the Middle game by Paul Keres and Alexander Kotov
This book is fairly similar in concept to Euwes book listed above on the middle game. It is definitely more advanced though. The authors take the reader through common but little written about concepts of strategy, such as opposite side castled games, where strategic play is guided by certain principles. This is a good book, i have read it and spoken to a number of players who have all had good things to say about it. The reader doesn't necessarily need to be 1600+ to read this, but i believe players of this grade will stand to gain the most from this book as it does not cover 'old ground' that the reader will no doubt have covered in previous books...
1800-2000
End Game Manual by Mark Dvoretsky
Probably the best written book i own! Dvoretsky takes the reader through all the fundamental endings that every strong player should be familiar with. The concepts are wide ranging and are not designed for the beginner! This book requires commitment to read as the author does not give simple positions to illustrate his concepts. The reader is required to undertake not inconsiderable personal analysis to gain understanding. This is a brilliant book but it is not for the faint hearted! 😉
2000+
Please add..
....
Ok i think that makes for a reasonable start. I could add lots of other books but these are my favourites. Let's see how this develops... 🙂
- Joined
- 23 Jul 05
- Moves
- 8869
Originally posted by MarinkatombI am planning on getting Dvoretsky's End Game Manual, but are you suggesting that I should get The Art of the Middle game as well?
This seems to be a reoccurring question. Which books should you read at what level? I thought i'd start this thread so we can try and get a list of books sorted by the readers grade! Some books are designed for beginners, some are designed for masters. I figure it must be possible to list the titles you have read by grade, thus giving potential students ...[text shortened]... add lots of other books but these are my favourites. Let's see how this develops... 🙂
You did not mention Jeremy Silman. I was stuck on 1300 rating without knowing why here for a while, losing from the 1300 players. After I red some parts of the book Amateurs Mind, it took me two weeks, I suddenly have 5 consecutive victories aganist 1500 or better players, and more victories are still to come.
Most valuable that I red from that book so far is avoiding tactical attack by following the rule when tactics combinations are possible:
- undefended pieces
- ineadequatly defended pieces
- possible checks
That fact alone, together with blunder checking, took me to at least 250 points in strength further. Do not misvaluate this book, I think if you absorb it all, your playing strength should advance dramatically.
Also, strategical themes like minor pieces interplay, development, space, initiative are divided in fantastic chapters. This book really helps you to understand your own issues, and various issues of players at the certain level.
I'd personally have to recommend How to Reassess Your Chess by Jeremy Silman. I noticed I got some flack for buying the book at my rating where people said I needed to work on tactics. That's true tactics are very important but a lot of players at my level do nothing but one move threats or trade pieces without knowing which trade is better for their position. The book shows you which trades are better and how to form a plan so those tactics will be played better.
1600-1800
vukovic - art of attack in chess: excellent book on how to conduct an attack, but a little too heavy for under 1600 I think.
baburin - winning pawn structures: what's with those d-pawn openings and pawn structures, aren't they a bit passive? -far from it, and this book tells you why. you'll never look at an isolated d-pawn as just a weakness after this book.
Originally posted by ivan2908I haven't read it, that's why! If you like it then add it to the list, it is designed to grow. 😉
You did not mention Jeremy Silman. I was stuck on 1300 rating without knowing why here for a while, losing from the 1300 players. After I red some parts of the book Amateurs Mind, it took me two weeks, I suddenly have 5 consecutive victories aganist 1500 or better players, and more victories are still to come.
Most valuable that I red from that book so ...[text shortened]... lly helps you to understand your own issues, and various issues of players at the certain level.
Originally posted by Bad wolfIt really depends what you want to learn, they are both excellent. I am just recommending books i have found to be good and tried to categories them by grade. There are so many cr@p books out there. I figure we might as well get a decent list together. 🙂
I am planning on getting Dvoretsky's End Game Manual, but are you suggesting that I should get The Art of the Middle game as well?