Top 20 chess books that every chess player, from beginners to advanced players, should have in their collection.

 Here’s a curated list of the top 20 chess books that every chess player, from beginners to advanced players, should have in their collection. These books cover a range of topics including tactics, strategy, openings, endgames, and famous games. Each of these books is a cornerstone of chess literature and has been highly regarded by generations of players.

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1. "My System" by Aron Nimzowitsch

• Why it’s essential: This is one of the most influential books on positional chess strategy. Nimzowitsch introduces concepts like overprotection, blockades, and prophylaxis, which are fundamental to understanding modern chess.

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2. "The Art of Attack in Chess" by Vladimir Vukovic

• Why it’s essential: A classic guide to attacking chess, this book covers everything you need to know about building and executing successful attacks on your opponent's king. It’s a deep dive into tactical motifs and attacking play.

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3. "Chess Fundamentals" by José Raúl Capablanca

• Why it’s essential: Written by one of the greatest world champions, this book explains the essentials of chess in a simple, clear way. It’s a must-read for beginners and intermediate players looking to strengthen their foundations.

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4. "Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess" by Bobby Fischer

• Why it’s essential: This is a fantastic introduction to basic chess tactics, including checkmates, pins, and forks. It’s an excellent book for beginners and intermediate players alike, using Fischer's simple yet effective teaching style.

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5. "Silman’s Complete Endgame Course" by Jeremy Silman

• Why it’s essential: Silman divides the study of endgames by skill level, so players can focus on the endgame techniques most relevant to their rating. This book covers everything from basic checkmates to complex endgame theory.

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6. "Logical Chess: Move by Move" by Irving Chernev

• Why it’s essential: Chernev explains every single move in selected chess games, offering insight into why grandmasters play the way they do. This is perfect for beginners to intermediate players trying to understand strategic thinking.

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7. "How to Reassess Your Chess" by Jeremy Silman

• Why it’s essential: This book focuses on the concept of imbalances in chess, helping players understand and exploit positional weaknesses. It’s particularly valuable for players looking to transition from tactical to positional play.

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8. "Think Like a Grandmaster" by Alexander Kotov

• Why it’s essential: Kotov focuses on improving calculation and decision-making in chess. He introduces methods to think more systematically and avoid common mistakes. This is a must-read for players looking to refine their thought process.

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9. "The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal" by Mikhail Tal

• Why it’s essential: This is not just a collection of Tal’s most brilliant games but also a personal account of his thoughts and ideas. Tal’s attacking style is inspirational for players who love tactical fireworks.

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10. "The Art of Chess Combination" by Eugene Znosko-Borovsky

• Why it’s essential: A deep dive into chess tactics and combinations, this book is excellent for players looking to improve their ability to calculate forcing sequences and tactical shots in games.

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11. "The Mammoth Book of the World’s Greatest Chess Games" by Graham Burgess, John Nunn, and John Emms

• Why it’s essential: This book contains a collection of 125 of the greatest chess games ever played, with detailed annotations. It’s perfect for understanding how top players approach strategy, tactics, and endgames.

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12. "Endgame Strategy" by Mikhail Shereshevsky

• Why it’s essential: This book focuses on strategic thinking in the endgame, making it ideal for intermediate and advanced players. It teaches how to convert small advantages and how to think in practical endgame situations.

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13. "Winning Chess Tactics" by Yasser Seirawan

• Why it’s essential: This book introduces the reader to essential tactical patterns, including forks, pins, skewers, and discovered attacks. Seirawan’s clear writing and explanations make it great for beginners to intermediate players.

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14. "Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual" by Mark Dvoretsky

• Why it’s essential: Considered one of the most comprehensive books on endgames, this manual is a must-have for advanced players. Dvoretsky presents deep theoretical positions and practical endings with thorough analysis.

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15. "Grandmaster Preparation: Calculation" by Jacob Aagaard

• Why it’s essential: This book is designed to sharpen calculation and visualization skills. It’s packed with challenging exercises and is ideal for players looking to push their calculation to the next level.

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16. "Opening Repertoire: The Sicilian Najdorf" by John Doknjas and Joshua Doknjas

• Why it’s essential: This book provides a structured and practical opening repertoire for players wanting to master the Sicilian Najdorf. It’s perfect for club players and tournament competitors.

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17. "Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953" by David Bronstein

• Why it’s essential: Bronstein’s commentary on this historic tournament provides deep insights into grandmaster-level strategy and decision-making. The games and annotations are excellent for improving understanding of high-level play.

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18. "Mastering Chess Strategy" by Johan Hellsten

• Why it’s essential: Hellsten presents complex strategic themes in an accessible way, covering key topics such as pawn structures, attacking plans, and defense. It’s an ideal book for intermediate players looking to master strategic thinking.

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19. "Fire on Board: Shirov’s Best Games" by Alexei Shirov

• Why it’s essential: Shirov is known for his aggressive and tactical style, and this book offers deep insights into his thought process during some of his most spectacular games. It’s great for players who love sharp, tactical play.

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20. "Chess Structures: A Grandmaster Guide" by Mauricio Flores Rios

• Why it’s essential: This book covers the importance of pawn structures and how they influence strategy and planning in chess. Rios offers clear explanations and practical advice, making it valuable for players who want to improve their positional play.

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Conclusion

These 20 books cover a wide range of essential chess knowledge: from openings, middlegame strategy, and endgame mastery to tactical puzzles and historical games. They are perfect for players of all levels, providing a structured path to deepening your understanding of chess fundamentals and advanced concepts alike.