9 Best Chess Books In 2025

Chess is one of the most intellectually stimulating games, where strategy, tactics, and foresight are key to success. Below is a list of 9 best chess books that will help you improve your chess skills, from opening strategies to endgame techniques.

1. "My System" by Aron Nimzowitsch

For many, Aron Nimzowitsch's "My System" is considered a must-read classic that has shaped modern chess theory. This comprehensive work introduces important concepts such as overprotection, blockade, and the concept of prophylaxis. These principles can drastically change the way you view the game. Nimzowitsch’s ideas focus on the importance of understanding the principles behind the moves rather than simply memorizing them. This book is particularly suited for players at the intermediate to advanced level who are aiming to improve their positional play.

2. "The Mammoth Book of Chess" by Graham Burgess

"The Mammoth Book of Chess" by Graham Burgess is a comprehensive guide that covers a wide range of chess topics, from the basics of the game to the most advanced strategies. The book is packed with thousands of puzzles and chess problems, making it an excellent resource for players who want to hone their tactical abilities. It also includes famous games and anecdotes from the history of chess, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in the sport’s rich legacy. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, this book provides a wealth of knowledge that can help you improve your overall understanding of the game.

3. "Silman’s Complete Endgame Course" by Jeremy Silman

Endgames can be some of the most challenging aspects of chess, and Jeremy Silman’s "Complete Endgame Course" offers a detailed breakdown for players of all levels. Silman takes a structured approach, presenting endgame concepts in a manner that gradually increases in difficulty. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this book will help you understand and master essential endgame techniques, including king and pawn endgames, basic checkmates, and more complex rook endgames. This is one of the most comprehensive and effective endgame resources available.

4. "The Art of Attack in Chess" by Vladimir Vuković

For players who want to improve their tactical prowess and sharpen their ability to strike at the right moment, "The Art of Attack in Chess" by Vladimir Vuković is an indispensable read. This book covers everything from basic attacking ideas to more advanced themes like sacrifices, pawn storms, and opponent weaknesses. It is an excellent resource for players looking to add an aggressive edge to their repertoire.

5. "Chess Fundamentals" by José Raúl Capablanca

Written by José Raúl Capablanca, one of the greatest world chess champions, "Chess Fundamentals" is an excellent book for beginners who want to understand the basic principles of the game. Capablanca’s teaching style is clear, concise, and effective. This book covers crucial topics such as piece development, king safety, and central control, all of which form the bedrock of a successful chess strategy. Players will find this book particularly useful as it provides a solid foundation for further study.

6. "How to Reassess Your Chess" by Jeremy Silman

Jeremy Silman’s "How to Reassess Your Chess" is an essential read for players who want to improve their ability to evaluate positions. The book introduces positional thinking and provides a structured method for analyzing complex positions. Silman’s imbalanced positions theory is a powerful tool for understanding the dynamics of the game. This book is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want to enhance their positional judgment and improve their decision-making process during the game.

7. "Opening Repertoire: The Ruy Lopez" by Joshua Doknjas

For players who are looking to deepen their knowledge of chess openings, "Opening Repertoire: The Ruy Lopez" by Joshua Doknjas is a must-read. The Ruy Lopez, one of the oldest and most respected chess openings, is known for its strategic depth and long-standing prominence in top-level play. This book offers an in-depth analysis of the Ruy Lopez, covering both traditional and modern variations of this opening. Doknjas breaks down theoretical lines, strategic ideas, and common traps to help players master this opening. It is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want to specialize in the Ruy Lopez and incorporate it into their repertoire.

8. "The Amateur's Mind" by Jeremy Silman

In "The Amateur’s Mind: Turning Chess Misconceptions Into Chess Mastery", Jeremy Silman addresses the mental errors that most amateur players make. This book provides invaluable insights into the common misconceptions and flawed thinking that hold players back. Silman offers a unique approach to teaching chess by focusing on the mental habits that lead to mistakes. The book also introduces planning techniques and positional evaluation methods that help players think more clearly and strategically. It’s an excellent read for players looking to refine their thought process and become more consistent in their games.

9. "Endgame Strategy" by Mikhail Shereshevsky

Another highly recommended resource for endgame enthusiasts is "Endgame Strategy" by Mikhail Shereshevsky. Unlike many other books that focus on specific techniques, Shereshevsky’s book presents a more comprehensive approach to the endgame. It examines strategic principles, pawn structures, and common mistakes players make in the endgame. This book will guide you through various types of endgames, from simpler positions to more complex ones, equipping you with the knowledge to handle these critical moments with confidence.

Conclusion

Mastering chess requires continuous learning, practice, and dedication. The 9 best chess books listed above offer invaluable resources whether you're aiming to understand basic principles or delve deep into advanced strategies.