Best books for a beginner

So... After signing my kids up for after school chess, my rekindled interest has taken over! I enjoy the game, but I'm a beginner. The major problem is that I have a job, wife, 2 kids... Etc. I read Eric Schillers book on first chess openings and I found it fantastic. It's readable and practical. I have bought many more books, but I can tell they won't get read as quick. "This move defines the opening... Then in 1788 this was a popular line but now..." So the question is... For those who would like to play better, are there other books like Schiller's that are realitivly readable and allow quick applications to games?

"How to Beat Your Dad at Chess" by Murray Chandler is a really nice collection of checkmating patterns. And it's not just for children. I'm not kidding -- I love this book. It is a pleasure for my eyes and brain, and it contains important checkmating patterns, such as the Greek Gift. His book "Chess Tactics for Kids" is also excellent. Too bad the titles give the impression of being "for kids". Adults below expert level can definitely benefit from these books.

Show me ur gm certificate.

Chepesiuk wrote:

What is the Greek Gift exactly and whence does its name derive?

Wikipedia has a nice article on the Greek Gift. Every chess player, including casual players, should know about it since it is the most common sacrifice in all of chess. The opportunity to use it occurs very often, but most players below B-class don't usually notice it from either the attacking or defending side of it.

Hi, welcome to the site. :) I would ignore the first two posts in this thread if I were you.

Although I've never read anything by Schiller, he has a reputation as a very poor author and Unorthadox Chess Openings is supossed to be one of his worst.

Especially since your time is valuable, you will want to have a plan to study chess. You will want to concentrate on tactics and endgames to the exclusion of openings and strategy.

Tactics: I read Farnsworth's Predator at the Chessboard. Another highly recommended book is Bain's Chess Tactics for Students. Tactics are the building blocks of chess, and they are fun. You will see immediate application in your games. I would start with one of these two.

Endgames: Try Jeremy Silman's Complete Endgame Course. Endgames are essential for understanding how pieces worked together. Many of the greatest Grandmasters recommend learning about chess by building a foundation of endgame knowledge.

You could try "Masters of the Chessboard" by Richard Reti, since it gives you basic explanations of many openings.

"Common sense in Chess" by Lasker is also useful.

And for tactics you could try:

"Sharpen your Chess Tactics in 7 Days" by Gary Lane, is not very difficult and has many diagrams, so you can check it without a board.

Yes I say you already know McBalls so just stick with his works for a few years.  He is probably the most well-regarded chess author of the twentieth century.  His Becoming a Grandmaster in 99 Days was nothing short of a masterpiece...so get that if you haven't already.

+1 for this suggestion. After this, then read Silman's next book 'How to Reassess Your Chess'. He does have an endgame book too, but I didn't read this, but I'm sure it is worth it.

Once you've played enough games, I'd then suggest John Watson's books: 'Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy: Advances since Nimzowitsch Chess Strategy in Action' and 'Chess Strategy in Action'

I don't have any suggestions for tactical books, but I do like the Tactics Trainer part of this site.

Mc Balls definitely helps, although I'm a beginner myself, but I'm barely in the 9th day of his plan!! Here's to hoping!!

You should send off your request to chess.com for them to acknowledge your GM title in advance. With that excellent book you're guarenteed to become a GM like the rest of us. Chess.com will have no choice but to give you the title.

For the beginners, chess is all about checkmate. 1001 Brilliant Ways to Checkmate by Fred Reinfeld is my recommendation.