At your level im not sure if this really works but silman’s complete endgame course is my favorite chess book. It covers a wide range of level 800 to 2100 approximately but covers the endgame which isn’t that useful for you. It’s hard because when I was your level I didn’t read chess books, I only started at 900.
What Chess book would you recommend me, a 200-300 elo player.
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Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
and
Play Winning Chess by Seirawan or The Complete Idiots Guide to Chess by Wolf
You don't need books at that point. Just more experience.
The books recommended above are excellent. I would add Irving Chernev's "Logical Chess Move by Move." He plays through a number of games, explaining the thinking behind each move.
a) The Ideas Behind Chess Openings by Ruben Fine
b) Tactics on Every Square by Bruce Pandolfini
c) Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Chess Fundamentals - Capablanca
You should learn how the knights move
When you’re that low rated you should probably just play more and learn what does and doesn’t work, I don’t necessarily think a book is required just yet
Jan 16, 2024
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#10
At your level (and because you’re already a member here), I would highly recommend you work through the beginner tutorials on chess.com.
dont worry about studying specific openings. Focus on the open principles, playing games with at least 10|0 time control (preferably longer). Even play the Martin bot and take as much time as you need.
Play games and others here would be happy to comment on specific games.
Jan 16, 2024
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#11
I think in general a good point to start reading chess books is when you reach around 700 level, however Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess is a good beginner book that should help you reach 700 more quickly.
Levy Rozman's new book is another reasonable option which should help you on your way up to about 1200.
Jan 16, 2024
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#12
What chessmasteryoffical said just play a thousand or so games, just make sure they are not played mindlessly putting some thoughts into your moves
Jan 16, 2024
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#13
It’s always possible to read and gain knowledge from books. This is true no matter what your elo rating is.
Two excellent beginner-level books are “Logical chess move by move”, by Irving Chernev, and the “Winning Chess” series by Yasser Seirawan. These were already recommended above. I second those recommendations. If you enjoy reading and studying from books, give these two a try.
Feb 23, 2026
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#14
You do need books and Fisher Teaches Chess not the one to get.
How to Win at Chess - Levy Rozman
The Fundamentals of Chess - Capablano
Are good places to start.
Don't get caught up in YouTube tutorials because each person says something different. If you help understanding something, then YouTube is a good as a companion to reading and playing.
What Chess book would you recommend me, a 200-300 elo player.