How To Create a Minimalist Chess Book Setup *my collection is just 3 books*

How I Study Chess With Just 3 Books

You don't need many books to get better at chess. If you have just one good chess book that you're thoroughly studying from, this is much better than having 10 of them but just dipping into each one.

Here are the three books I use, and how I use them.

The Dutch Steps Method is a curriculum that starts at the most basic level and goes up to the most advanced. It's heavily relying on tactics and it's a really great way to make sure no stone gets left unturned. I use it as a warm-up at the start of every study session.

50 Mistakes You Should Know by Jesus de la Villa does an amazing job of finding intermediate and advanced level players' games and explaining what they did wrong. I like to know what mistakes other people are making so that I don't make them — and so that I can recognize when my opponent is making them. I go through at least one chapter per study session.

Silman's Complete Endgame Course by IM Jeremy Silman is a holy grail of endgames. I leave this one for last because endgames come last in a chess game — it's kind of like dessert in a three-course meal of studying chess.

You will find out your weakness by analyzing your games, especially your losses. Then go find a book and learn how to do it better. Just go through them one by one and don't overwhelm yourself.

To watch my full breakdown, watch my video on this topic!