Chess books are an awesome way to improve your chess skill, but finding the right one is tricky. Most chess books are incredibly dense and in depth, because that’s what grandmasters enjoy writing about. But if you’re a beginner, that’s not really what you want to learn. In this article I’ll share the best chess books for beginners (or at least the best ones that I read when I was a beginner).
Best Chess Books for Beginners
Here’s the 5 best chess books for beginners that I ever read. What they all have in common is that they’re written by top level chess players in a way that’s understandable for beginners.
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Looking for a beginner-friendly chess book that will help you improve your skills? Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess is definitely worth considering!
Pros
- Programmed learning approach makes it easy to understand even complex concepts
- Gradual progression from simple to more advanced chess strategies
- Compact size makes it easy to carry around and read on the go
Cons
- May not be challenging enough for more experienced players
- Some readers may find the programmed learning approach too repetitive
- Doesn’t cover all aspects of chess, such as openings and endgames
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess is a great choice for beginners who want to learn the basics of chess and improve their skills. The programmed learning approach is easy to follow and makes it simple to understand even complex concepts. The gradual progression from simple to more advanced strategies is also a plus, as it helps readers build their skills gradually without feeling overwhelmed.
However, more experienced players may find the book too simplistic and not challenging enough. Additionally, some readers may find the programmed learning approach too repetitive and prefer a more traditional teaching style. Finally, it’s worth noting that the book doesn’t cover all aspects of chess, such as openings and endgames, so readers may need to supplement their learning with additional resources.
Overall, Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess is a solid choice for beginners who want to learn the basics of chess and improve their skills. Its compact size also makes it a great option for those who want to read on the go.
Chess for Beginners
If you’re looking for an easy-to-understand guide to learn the basics of chess, then Chess for Beginners is a good choice. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the game, including strategies, rules, and techniques to help you win easily.
Pros
- Clear and concise explanations of chess rules and strategies
- Provides tips and tricks to help beginners improve their game
- Easy-to-read format with plenty of examples and diagrams
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too basic and not challenging enough
- Does not include advanced strategies or techniques
- Some readers may prefer a more visually appealing book with color illustrations
Chess for Beginners is a great resource for anyone looking to learn the basics of chess. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear explanations of the rules and strategies. The author provides plenty of examples and diagrams to help readers understand the concepts, and offers tips and tricks to help beginners improve their game. However, some readers may find the book too basic and not challenging enough, and may prefer a more visually appealing book with color illustrations. Overall, if you’re a beginner looking for a straightforward guide to help you get started with chess, then Chess for Beginners is definitely worth checking out.
Chess for Beginners: A Must-Have Illustrated Guide
Looking for a comprehensive guide to learn chess? Look no further than Chess for Beginners: A Must-Have Illustrated Guide. With clear illustrations and explanations, this book is perfect for both beginners and those looking to improve their game.
Pros
- Clear illustrations make it easy to understand the game
- Provides strategies and tactics to help you win
- Explains how to occupy the center of the chessboard, a key component of the game
Cons
- Some customers complain about the quality of the photos, making it difficult to identify the chess pieces
- At only 126 pages, some may find the book to be too short
- Does not include in-depth analysis of specific games
Chess for Beginners: A Must-Have Illustrated Guide is a great resource for anyone looking to learn or improve their chess game. The clear illustrations and explanations make it easy to understand the game, while the included strategies and tactics will help you win. However, some customers have complained about the quality of the photos, which can make it difficult to identify the chess pieces. Additionally, at only 126 pages, some may find the book to be too short.
Published in January 2021, this book is up-to-date and covers all the basics of chess. It explains the rules of the game, the different pieces and their movements, and how to use openings to gain an advantage. It also includes strategies and tactics for both the opening and endgame, as well as how to occupy the center of the board, a key component of the game.
While some customers have complained about the quality of the photos, others have found them to be clear and helpful. The book is also relatively short, which can be a pro or a con depending on your preferences. Some readers may appreciate the concise nature of the book, while others may want more in-depth analysis of specific games.
Chess Strategy for Beginners
A great book for beginners who want to master chess strategies.
Pros
- Easy to understand for beginners
- Clear and concise writing style
- Contains a lot of diagrams to visually explain concepts
Cons
- Contains some errors throughout the book
- Scope of the book is somewhat limited
- Some diagrams have incorrect board set-ups
Chess Strategy for Beginners is a great book for those who are just starting to learn chess strategies. The writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for beginners to understand. The book also contains a lot of diagrams to visually explain concepts, which is helpful for those who are more visual learners. However, it should be noted that the book contains some errors throughout and the scope of the book is somewhat limited. Some diagrams also have incorrect board set-ups, which can be confusing for beginners.
Chess for Beginners
If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow guide to learn chess, Chess for Beginners is a great option. With clear explanations and helpful diagrams, this book will help you master the game in no time.
Pros
- Clear explanations of basic moves and strategies
- Helpful diagrams to illustrate concepts
- Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the game
Cons
- May be too basic for more experienced players
- Some readers may prefer a more visual approach to learning
- Does not cover advanced strategies or tactics
Chess for Beginners is an excellent resource for anyone who is just starting out with the game. The book begins with a brief history of chess and then moves on to cover all of the basic moves and strategies that you need to know to get started. The explanations are clear and concise, and the diagrams are very helpful in illustrating the concepts.
One thing to keep in mind is that this book is geared towards beginners, so more experienced players may find it too basic. Additionally, some readers may prefer a more visual approach to learning, as the book is mostly text-based. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to get you started with the game, Chess for Beginners is definitely worth checking out.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best chess book for beginners can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things to consider when making your selection:
Level of the Player
It is important to choose a book that matches the player’s skill level. For beginners, it is recommended to start with books that cover the basics of chess, such as the rules of the game, basic tactics, and strategies. Intermediate players may want to focus on more advanced tactics and strategies, while advanced players may want to focus on specific openings or endgame techniques.
Author
The author of the book is another important factor to consider. Look for books written by experienced players or coaches who have a proven track record of success. This will ensure that the book is written by someone who knows what they are talking about and can provide valuable insights and advice.
Content and Format
Consider the format and content of the book. Some books are designed for self-study, while others are better suited for use with a coach or trainer. Look for books that are well-organized and easy to understand, with clear diagrams and examples. Additionally, consider whether the book includes exercises or quizzes to help reinforce the material.
Reviews and Recommendations
Finally, take the time to read reviews and recommendations from other players and coaches. Look for books that have received positive reviews and are recommended by experts in the field. This will help ensure that you are choosing a book that is well-respected and effective.
Also read: Best Chess Books: Top Picks for Every Skill Level