Top 15 Chess Books Brands in 2025

The most popular brands for Chess Books Includes Everyman Chess, Pavilion Books, Hodder & Stoughton, Chronicle Books, Atlantic, Baker Books, Bloomsbury Publishing, W. W. Norton & Company, Walker Books, Dover Publications among many others.

1

Everyman Chess

Popular Brand
2

Pavilion Books

Popular Brand
3

Hodder & Stoughton

Popular Brand
4

Chronicle Books

Best Brand

Chronicle Books is an independent book publishing house based in San Francisco, established in 1967 by Phelps Dewey. They partner up with artists, writers, and organizations, publishing their works for them, giving them a platform through which they can share their results with the world. It guides writers through the whole publishing process, even helping them make their content come out extraordinarily through unique enhancements. The company has also started making board games for kids. Their bestseller list includes Songteller by Dolly Parton, Chinatown Pretty, Men to Avoid in Art and Life, and One Line in a Day, among others.

5

Atlantic

Best Brand
6

Baker Books

Best Brand
7

Bloomsbury Publishing

Best Brand
8

W. W. Norton & Company

Best Brand
9

Walker Books

10

Dover Publications

11

Henry Holt

12

Scholastic

Scholastic is a leading global publisher and distributor of children's books, magazines, technology-based learning materials and apps, multimedia products in...

13

Penguin Books

14

Routledge

15

Simon & Schuster

Chess Books Buying Guide

So, you are looking to improve your chess skills and knowledge? Congratulations! One of the best ways to do this is by reading chess books. However, with so many books on the market, it can be daunting to choose the right ones for you. This buying guide aims to help you make the best decision based on your needs, skill level, and preferred playing style.

1. Consider your skill level

Before buying a chess book, it's important to consider your skill level. Chess books are often targeted at specific skill levels, so you want to ensure you are buying a book that suits your needs. Here are four categories of chess books that correspond to different skill levels:

Beginner books

If you are new to chess, then beginner books are the right choice for you. Such books cover basic concepts such as opening principles, tactics, and endgames. They are easy to read, contain a lot of diagrams and illustrations, and don't require advanced knowledge of chess. Some popular beginner books include:

  • Chess for Beginners: Know the Rules, Choose Your Strategy, and Start Winning by Nikolay Yakovlev
  • Winning Chess: How to Perfect Your Attacking Play by Irving Chernev
  • The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess by Patrick Wolff

Intermediate books

If you already know the basics of chess and want to improve your skills further, then intermediate books are the right choice for you. Such books delve into specific topics such as pawn structures, positional play, and strategic planning. They require a bit more effort to read but provide a deeper understanding of the game. Some popular intermediate books include:

  • Pawn Structure Chess by Andrew Soltis
  • My System by Aron Nimzowitsch
  • The Art of Attack in Chess by Vladimir Vukovic

Advanced books

If you are a serious chess player who wants to compete at a high level, then advanced books are the right choice for you. Such books cover complex topics such as opening theory, endgame technique, and advanced tactics. They require a lot of effort to read and understand, but they provide invaluable knowledge for serious players. Some popular advanced books include:

  • My Great Predecessors (Volume 1-5) by Garry Kasparov
  • Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master by Jeremy Silman
  • Modern Chess Strategy by Ludek Pachman

Specialized books

If you have a particular interest in a specific aspect of chess, such as openings or chess psychology, then specialized books are the right choice for you. Such books focus on a narrow topic and provide a detailed analysis of it. They require a certain level of prior knowledge, but they can provide insights that you can't find in general chess books. Some popular specialized books include:

  • Mastering the Chess Openings (Volume 1-4) by John Watson
  • Think Like a Grandmaster by Alexander Kotov
  • Chess Tactics for Champions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Tactics and Combinations the Polgar Way by Susan Polgar

2. Consider your playing style

Another factor to consider before buying a chess book is your playing style. Some books are more suitable for aggressive players, while others are more suitable for defensive players. Some books focus on creating tactical opportunities while others teach how to exploit positional advantages. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you choose the right type of book for you. Here are some examples of books that cater to different playing styles:

The aggressive player

If you like to attack your opponent and create complex tactical situations, then the following books are for you:

  • The Art of Attack in Chess by Vladimir Vukovic
  • Winning Chess Brilliancies by Yasser Seirawan
  • Sacrifice and Initiative in Chess by Ivan Sokolov

The defensive player

If you prefer to play solid, defensive chess and wait for your opponent's mistakes, then these books may suit you:

  • My System by Aron Nimzowitsch
  • Positional Chess Handbook by Israel Gelfer
  • Think Like a Grandmaster by Alexander Kotov

The positional player

If you enjoy playing with a long-term strategy and manipulating the position to your advantage, then these books are for you:

  • Pawn Structure Chess by Andrew Soltis
  • Modern Chess Strategy by Ludek Pachman
  • Understanding Chess Move by Move by John Nunn

The tactical player

If you love creating and executing tactics, then you'll enjoy these books:

  • The Art of Checkmate by Georges Renaud and Victor Kahn
  • Tactics Time! 1001 Chess Tactics from the Games of Everyday Chess Players by Tim Brennan and Anthea Carson
  • Chess Tactics for Champions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Tactics and Combinations the Polgar Way by Susan Polgar

3. Check reviews and ratings

When buying a chess book, it's always a good idea to check reviews and ratings before making a decision. Reading reviews by other chess players can provide you with valuable insights into the book's quality, depth, and relevance. Some popular websites where you can find reviews and ratings of chess books include:

  • Chess.com: A popular chess website with a large community of players who provide reviews and ratings of different chess books.
  • Amazon.com: The biggest marketplace on the web with a vast collection of chess books and customer reviews.
  • Goodreads.com: A social platform for book lovers where you can find reviews and ratings of chess books.

4. Look for e-books and digital formats

Finally, it's worth noting that many chess books are now available in digital formats such as e-books or PDFs. These formats have several advantages over traditional paper books, such as portability, accessibility, and lower cost. E-books can be read on tablets, smartphones, or e-readers, allowing you to carry your chess library with you wherever you go. Some popular platforms where you can find digital chess books include:

  • Amazon Kindle Store: A popular platform for buying and downloading e-books.
  • Chessable.com: A specialized platform for learning chess through interactive e-books and courses.
  • ForwardChess.com: A platform that offers interactive chess e-books with move-by-move analysis and annotations.

Conclusion

Chess books are a great way to improve your chess skills and knowledge, but choosing the right books can be overwhelming. By considering your skill level, playing style, reviews and ratings, and digital formats, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences. Don't hesitate to experiment with different books and authors until you find the ones that resonate with you.

Categories Similar to Chess Books

Top similar topics to Chess Books Includes among many others.