I don't know your level, but whatever level you're at it is not productive to attempt material which is too difficult. So if you feel like you're not getting from a book, try another.
In what order should I read the Chess books I have?
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Apr 17, 2025
0
#2
I don't think you've got these in the right order. For example, How to Reassess your Chess is much more advanced than the Seirawan books.
I don't know your level, but whatever level you're at it is not productive to attempt material which is too difficult. So if you feel like you're not getting from a book, try another.
I don't know your level, but whatever level you're at it is not productive to attempt material which is too difficult. So if you feel like you're not getting from a book, try another.
Apr 17, 2025
0
#3
thank you, I adjusted the list accordingly.
Are the other 3 Silman books good before Seirawan?
Move Seirawan's Play Winning Chess to the top. It is the most basic of the (English) books on your list, except for perhaps Rozman.
Apr 18, 2025
0
#6
Don’t read all books cover to cover. Choose based on your current level and goals.
I studied Seirawan books many years ago and they helped my reach 1782 Fide rating from an original rating of 1700 therefore they must be good.
I'd definitely leave the Silman books for later in your list. You need to have a style to assess before you can reassess it.
Read them all.
If one appears to be too advanced for you, put it aside and come back to it later.
If a book is too simple for you, look for some pearl of wisdom that you can take away from it.
The books by Chernev’s are a great place for beginners to start. The book by Rozman is also quite good for beginners.
The books by Seirawan are very good, but focus on specific topics that you may or may not be ready for.
The endgame books by Dvoretsky are classics, but may be tor more advanced players. Similarly, some of the handbooks are reference rather than instruction books.
@StringsForever, you got all those? Looks amazing collection
And @mikewier, that's a fine-tuned advice. Thank you for sharing!
Good Chess Books for Beginners and Beyond…
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/good-chess-books-for-beginners-and-beyond
With regard to the English list, the order that you have right now is decent. Perhaps Dvoretsky's analytical manual should be placed last. But solving tactics online is superior to your list of books I guess (well, not all of your books...). Also, a lot of the novice books on your list have a lot of overlap.
I agree with mikewier, except for I do not really believe in books in the first place (with some exceptions). Jacob Aagaard's book Practical Chess Defence is probably the most helpful book that I have read, and it increased my level by more than 200 points (and all I did with that book is solve the level 1 and 2 exercises, and maybe like 20% of the level 3 exercises. I did not read or do anything else with it!). But there are so many books that I have not read (and there are many that I have skimmed superficially). I know this book is not on your list, but I just wanted to give an example of the kind of book that I believe in. It's a hard book though.
Thank you for adding more info here @Dragonhorde
I recommend you to read "Chess strategy workbook".
One approach is to play, see where you erred, the study that.
Another is to pick a player [whose play has clarity], emulate their openings and style and learn both by studying their annotated games.
Look for books with lots of words in annotations, like Chernev's.
Dvoretsky's books are great but are like car repair manuals: Dont read cover to cover, but start by play an ending then look it up and see what you can do better.
All, my opinion, Bill
Good morning,
I have searched for and gathered a list of good Chess books to study Chess from scratch with a lot of info on the fora here and a bit of info from around the web as well.
Don't mind the Dvoretsky books at the end, I know they are really advanced.
I put them in the reading order I think they should be read in but would love to get some opinions on the reading order.
Grateful for your advice.
Here's my list and the order I have it now:
- First some Dutch books separate from the rest just as quick reads to get into it: (some probably exist in English as well)
De Schaakbijbel - Eade
De Schaakwijzer - Eade
Handboek voor de schaker - Schuster
Schaken: van huisschaker tot clubschaker - Bohm
- And then my main list in English:
How to Win at Chess - Rozman
Play Winning Chess - Seirawan
Logical Chess - Chernev
Winning Chess - Chernev
The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played - Chernev
The Complete Chess Swindler - Smerdon
The Complete Book of Chess Strategy - Silman
Silman's Complete Endgame Course - Silman
The Amateur's Mind - Silman
Winning Chess Openings - Seirawan
Winning Chess Tactics - Seirawan
Winning Chess Strategies - Seirawan
Winning Chess Combinations - Seirawan
Winning Chess Endings - Seirawan
Winning Chess Brilliancies - Seirawan
How to Reassess Your Chess - Silman
The Reassess Your Chess Workbook - Silman
Fischer Vs. Spassky: The Chess match of the Century - Gligoric
Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual - Dvoretsky
Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual - Dvoretsky
School of Chess Excellence 1: Endgame Analysis
School of Chess Excellence 2: Tactical Play
School of Chess Excellence 3: Strategic Play
School of Chess Excellence 4: Opening Developments