Best Chess Books of 2025

How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond is a refreshing and fun guide to learn chess from International Master Levy Rozman (aka GothamChess). The book is clever and informative, teaching everything players need to know about the game, including important moves and strategies to start off strong and keep thinking ahead. With practical tips for improving gameplay, over 500 instructional illustrations, and exclusive bonus content on Chessly, this book is perfect for recreational players or those training to be a Grandmaster. Overall, this is a unique and interactive introduction to the world of chess.

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess is the ultimate guide for anyone looking to learn or improve their chess skills. Written by the greatest player of all time, the book offers a unique learning experience through a programmed method. The book presents questions and exercises, providing explanations for incorrect answers and hiding the correct ones on the following page. The left-hand pages are printed upside-down, creating an efficient and enjoyable way to master the art of checkmate. This Bantam book is a must-read for chess enthusiasts who want to learn from a master.

Modern Chess Openings, 15th Edition is the go-to resource for serious chess players looking to improve their game. This completely revised and updated edition includes the latest information on recent matches and the most up-to-date theory on chess openings, making it an invaluable resource for club and tournament players. Written by acclaimed chess expert Nick de Firmian, this book is ideal for intermediate players looking to elevate their game or International Grandmasters who want to stay on top of recent chess innovations. Overall, Modern Chess Openings is a must-have for anyone serious about improving their chess skills.

Chess enthusiasts looking to improve their game will find "Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games" by Bruce Pandolfini and László Polgár to be an essential guide. With over 5,000 instructional situations, including 306 checkmate problems, 3,412 mates in two moves, and 744 mates in three moves, the book is perfect for both novice and advanced players. The book is organized by problem type, making it easy to navigate and includes clear diagrams and easy-to-follow solutions. The authors' expertise in chess coaching shines through in this comprehensive guide, making it a must-read for anyone looking to improve their chess skills.

How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery Through Chess Imbalances is a must-read for any chess enthusiast looking to improve their game. The author, Silman, breaks down complex chess strategies into easily understandable concepts and provides practical advice on how to implement them in your own game. This fourth and final edition includes all new examples and takes Silman's groundbreaking concept of imbalances to a whole new level. The book also offers valuable insights into the psychological processes that hinder players of all levels and provides techniques to overcome them. Overall, How to Reassess Your Chess is an excellent resource for anyone looking to take their chess game to the next level.

How to Beat Your Dad at Chess (Chess for Kids) by Grandmaster Murray Chandler is a must-read for those who want to learn the tactics of chess. The book offers a clear and easy-to-follow format that explains the best ways to beat a stronger opponent by forcing checkmate. With 50 Deadly Checkmates illustrated through real game positions, the book is perfect for beginners who want to develop their tactical skills and for advanced players who want to improve their pattern recognition. The book is full of helpful explanations and practical advice that make chess games approachable with confidence and success. Overall, it is an engaging and informative read that offers a unique perspective on chess.

Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner to Master is a must-have book for any chess player looking to improve their endgame skills. With over 100 years of collective wisdom from leading chess players, this book is the perfect guide for players of all levels. The book is skillfully divided into rating groups, allowing players to focus on what they need to know at their current level and progress to more challenging material. Jeremy Silman's writing style is clear and concise, making the book an excellent learning tool for both novice and expert players. Overall, this book is a superb and highly instructive resource for anyone looking to improve their endgame play.

The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin is a captivating read that chronicles the author's personal journey to achieving excellence in two seemingly different disciplines: chess and Tai Chi Chuan. The book offers a unique perspective on learning and performance, emphasizing the importance of a principled approach to achieve success. Waitzkin's narrative combines martial arts battles and chess face-offs with life lessons that can speak to anyone. The author's methodical approach to learning and growth is inspiring, and his emphasis on embracing defeat and channeling emotions into creative fuel is refreshing. Overall, The Art of Learning is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve excellence in their own lives.

CHESS: The Ultimate Chess Tactics and Strategies is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to level up their chess game. The book explores the intricacies of the game, including how to control the chaos on the chessboard and how to use every piece in a winning strategy. The author also shares insider tips and strategies used by famous chess players such as Bobby Fischer. The book is a must-read for chess enthusiasts of all levels who want to become invincible at chess.

Chess Fundamentals by SDE Publishing is a must-read for novice chess players. The book covers essential opening, middlegame, and endgame techniques that will help players advance their game. Written by World Champion Capablanca, the book is easy to understand and includes 14 full games annotated by the author. The book takes readers from knowing the rules of chess to applying principles used by the masters. Overall, Chess Fundamentals is an excellent read for chess enthusiasts looking to improve their game.