Best Chess Books for Intermediate & Advanced Level (2025)

To choose the best chess book, you need to identify your current level and training goals, choose one area of ​​focus (end game, calculations, strategy and structure, classic notes, or openings/reference), make sure the book is aimed at you/edition, and create a simple two-week study plan.

1) Assess your level & goals

  • Intermediate (~1400–2000): perfecting calculations, mastering structure-based planning, and changing small edges in the end game.

  • Advanced (2000+): advanced strategic conversions, custom endgames, and base your decisions on elite annotated plays.

2) Choose an area of ​​focus

  • Endgame (conversions & techniques): principle-based texts (such as Shereshevsky End Game Strategy) and reference later.

  • Calculation (under pressure): organized exercise books (like Aagaard Calculation, Kotov Think Like a Grandmaster).

  • Strategy & structure (position nuances): titles that prioritize concepts (such as Silman How to Reassess Your ChessNimzowitsch My System and Chess Praxis).

  • Annotated classics (pattern library): in-depth notes by Fischer, Bronstein, Tal, Kasparov to use in the next round.

  • Preamble/reference (one path at a time): prefer resources that describe plans, rather than steps.

3) Verify fit before you purchase

  • Target audience: is the brief description intermediate/advanced?

  • Edition & notation: new edition, algebraic notationclear diagram.

  • Reviews about your rating: find readers at your level.

  • Example page: can you follow up on the explanation?

That’s a brief recommendation on how to choose the best chess book.

Introduction

When you get beyond the basics, and look for books that don’t just change direction, the list narrows down to advanced and intermediate classics—no basics, just books that brush up on calculations, endgames, positional play, attacks, and chess culture.

Read more about What is Algebraic Chess Notation in our article.

Best Books For Intermediate Players

You no longer understand the basics and want a title that hones real in-game decisions. These books discuss positional knowledge, calculation patterns, and structure-based planning, which is best suited for clubs to master power.

  • Positional Decision Making in Chess – Boris Gelfand
    A grandmaster’s thought process about space, advantage transformation, and practical choices (Quality Chess ed.).

  • Chess Structure: A Grandmaster’s Guide — from Mauricio Flores Rios
    Mortgage-structured family plans; immediately applied in your opening and middle game.

  • Think Like a Grandmaster — Alexander Kotov
    Candidate movement and the “analysis tree”: one of the best roadmaps to disciplined thinking.

  • Grandmaster Preparation: Calculation – Jacob Aagaard
    Develop a repeatable calculation process; this is suitable for 1700+ who need sharper tactics in stressful situations.

  • The Art of Attacking in Chess – Vladimir Vuković
    Standard attack guide — mating nets, standard sacrifices, and pawn coordination.

Best Books For History And Improvement

Historical titles can serve as training aids — not old-fashioned titles, but timeless strategic concepts, which can be found in annotated classics. Apply to expand your library of patterns and initiatives.

  • 1953 Zurich International Chess Tournament — David Bronstein
    Internship in operational strategy, tactics and tournament psychology.

  • The Life and Plays of Mikhail Tal – from Mikhail Tal
    Amazing and educational notes that educate on dynamism and risk management.

Best Books About Endgame

Endgame turns small profits into points. This option is a blend of principles-based learning and contemporary accuracy — ideal when club players want to score more half points to achieve victory.

  • Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual (6th ed., 2025) — Mark Dvoretsky
    Reference standards; 6th ed. (504 pages, Russell Enterprises). Use a real board and go slow.

  • Endgame Strategy (Revised & Expanded, 2022) — Mikhail Shereshevsky
    General concepts and specific guidelines (king activity, “don’t rush”, two weaknesses). The ideal transition between ideal and accuracy.

  • Fundamental Chess Endings – Karsten Müller & Frank Lamprecht
    Survey one volume that you will read again; additions to Dvoretsky and Shereshevsky.

  • 100 Endgames You Need to Know (Expanded) — Jesús de la Villa
    Small, well-paid drilling partners once you master the ropes.

Here are some stock titles that you can order immediately. We’ve classified them based on how they help you—there are no amateur books like this.

Strategy & Structure

Annotated Classics & History

Biographical (for context & motivation)

How to Study These Books (Intermediate/Advanced)

Make this lean loop turn annotated chapters and games into actual power gains.

  • Choose a position first. Based on the chapter, choose 3-5 critical diagrams and arrange them into a real chess board or your analytics application.

  • Finish before reading (10–20 minutes). Briefly write out the candidate’s move tree and your strategy; run a light timer honestly (To keep an eye on usage time Chess Clock).

  • Compare with the author. Throw out ideas one by one (structural themes, tactical motifs, endgame rules).

  • Verify smartly. The machine passes by MultiPV=3medium depth; annotate on idea behind the best lines and save the FEN of each key snapshot.

  • Turn it into practice. Repeat that FEN after 48 hours and on day 7 (spaced repetition).

Two week sprint template

  • Week 1: Strategy/structure (e.g., Nimzowitsch, Gelfand/Flores) + 2 classic explanations.

  • Week 2: Endgame chapters + daily 20 minute countdown blocks of your chosen title.

Best chess books FAQ

What is the best chess book ever?

There is no clear winner, but there is a realistic shortlist Dvoretsky’s Endgame Walkthrough (technical gold standard) and Bronstein Zurich 1953 (game model annotation with strategic depth). For practical planning, Silman’s How to Reassess Your Chess stay green.

What is the best book to get better at playing chess?

There is no one-size-fits-all, but good combinations to use to improve are:

  • Strategy/structure: How to Reassess Your Chess (planning through imbalance).

  • Endgame: End Game Strategy (practical techniques).

  • Calculation: Aagaard’s Calculation or the classic approach Kotov.

  • Annotated classic: My 60 Memorable Games by Fischer or Zurich 1953 by Bronstein. Choose a path and turn it around.

What is the best chess book to start with?

In intermediate range, start with How to Reassess Your Chess by Silman or My System and Chess Praxis by Nimzowitsch – both reset your thinking about position evaluation. If that’s the case advanced, start with Shereshevsky to practice endgames or read annotated classics like Fischer or Kasparov. For absolute beginner start with our article: Best chess books for beginners.

What books should I read to get better at playing chess?

Select one of the following: Dvoretsky (end game), Gelfand or Flores Rios (position/structure), Aagaard or Kotov (calculation), Vukovic (attack), and repeat with a classic explanation like Zurich 1953 or From.

How to choose the right chess book for you?

Partner One training objectives with One theme (endgame, calculation, strategy/structure, or annotated classic), verify the book’s readership and edition, view sample pages, and commit to a 2-week microplan. If you’re in doubt, select the theme that appears most often in your recent game logs and browse our selection of themes Chess Book.


To choose the best chess book, you need to identify your current level and training goals, choose one area of ​​focus (end game, calculations, strategy and structure, classic notes, or openings/reference), make sure the book is aimed at you/edition, and create a simple two-week study plan.

1) Assess your level & goals

  • Intermediate (~1400–2000): perfecting calculations, mastering structure-based planning, and changing small edges in the end game.

  • Advanced (2000+): advanced strategic conversions, custom endgames, and base your decisions on elite annotated plays.

2) Choose an area of ​​focus

  • Endgame (conversions & techniques): principle-based texts (such as Shereshevsky End Game Strategy) and reference later.

  • Calculation (under pressure): organized exercise books (like Aagaard Calculation, Kotov Think Like a Grandmaster).

  • Strategy & structure (position nuances): titles that prioritize concepts (such as Silman How to Reassess Your ChessNimzowitsch My System and Chess Praxis).

  • Annotated classics (pattern library): in-depth notes by Fischer, Bronstein, Tal, Kasparov to use in the next round.

  • Preamble/reference (one path at a time): prefer resources that describe plans, rather than steps.

3) Verify fit before you purchase

  • Target audience: is the brief description intermediate/advanced?

  • Edition & notation: new edition, algebraic notationclear diagram.

  • Reviews about your rating: find readers at your level.

  • Example page: can you follow up on the explanation?

That’s a brief recommendation on how to choose the best chess book.

Introduction

When you get beyond the basics, and look for books that don’t just change direction, the list narrows down to advanced and intermediate classics—no basics, just books that brush up on calculations, endgames, positional play, attacks, and chess culture.

Read more about What is Algebraic Chess Notation in our article.

Best Books For Intermediate Players

You no longer understand the basics and want a title that hones real in-game decisions. These books discuss positional knowledge, calculation patterns, and structure-based planning, which is best suited for clubs to master power.

  • Positional Decision Making in Chess – Boris Gelfand
    A grandmaster’s thought process about space, advantage transformation, and practical choices (Quality Chess ed.).

  • Chess Structure: A Grandmaster’s Guide — from Mauricio Flores Rios
    Mortgage-structured family plans; immediately applied in your opening and middle game.

  • Think Like a Grandmaster — Alexander Kotov
    Candidate movement and the “analysis tree”: one of the best roadmaps to disciplined thinking.

  • Grandmaster Preparation: Calculation – Jacob Aagaard
    Develop a repeatable calculation process; this is suitable for 1700+ who need sharper tactics in stressful situations.

  • The Art of Attacking in Chess – Vladimir Vuković
    Standard attack guide — mating nets, standard sacrifices, and pawn coordination.

Best Books For History And Improvement

Historical titles can serve as training aids — not old-fashioned titles, but timeless strategic concepts, which can be found in annotated classics. Apply to expand your library of patterns and initiatives.

  • 1953 Zurich International Chess Tournament — David Bronstein
    Internship in operational strategy, tactics and tournament psychology.

  • The Life and Plays of Mikhail Tal – from Mikhail Tal
    Amazing and educational notes that educate on dynamism and risk management.

Best Books About Endgame

Endgame turns small profits into points. This option is a blend of principles-based learning and contemporary accuracy — ideal when club players want to score more half points to achieve victory.

  • Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual (6th ed., 2025) — Mark Dvoretsky
    Reference standards; 6th ed. (504 pages, Russell Enterprises). Use a real board and go slow.

  • Endgame Strategy (Revised & Expanded, 2022) — Mikhail Shereshevsky
    General concepts and specific guidelines (king activity, “don’t rush”, two weaknesses). The ideal transition between ideal and accuracy.

  • Fundamental Chess Endings – Karsten Müller & Frank Lamprecht
    Survey one volume that you will read again; additions to Dvoretsky and Shereshevsky.

  • 100 Endgames You Need to Know (Expanded) — Jesús de la Villa
    Small, well-paid drilling partners once you master the ropes.

Here are some stock titles that you can order immediately. We’ve classified them based on how they help you—there are no amateur books like this.

Strategy & Structure

Annotated Classics & History

Biographical (for context & motivation)

How to Study These Books (Intermediate/Advanced)

Make this lean loop turn annotated chapters and games into actual power gains.

  • Choose a position first. Based on the chapter, choose 3-5 critical diagrams and arrange them into a real chess board or your analytics application.

  • Finish before reading (10–20 minutes). Briefly write out the candidate’s move tree and your strategy; run a light timer honestly (To keep an eye on usage time Chess Clock).

  • Compare with the author. Throw out ideas one by one (structural themes, tactical motifs, endgame rules).

  • Verify smartly. The machine passes by MultiPV=3medium depth; annotate on idea behind the best lines and save the FEN of each key snapshot.

  • Turn it into practice. Repeat that FEN after 48 hours and on day 7 (spaced repetition).

Two week sprint template

  • Week 1: Strategy/structure (e.g., Nimzowitsch, Gelfand/Flores) + 2 classic explanations.

  • Week 2: Endgame chapters + daily 20 minute countdown blocks of your chosen title.

Best chess books FAQ

What is the best chess book ever?

There is no clear winner, but there is a realistic shortlist Dvoretsky’s Endgame Walkthrough (technical gold standard) and Bronstein Zurich 1953 (game model annotation with strategic depth). For practical planning, Silman’s How to Reassess Your Chess stay green.

What is the best book to get better at playing chess?

There is no one-size-fits-all, but good combinations to use to improve are:

  • Strategy/structure: How to Reassess Your Chess (planning through imbalance).

  • Endgame: End Game Strategy (practical techniques).

  • Calculation: Aagaard’s Calculation or the classic approach Kotov.

  • Annotated classic: My 60 Memorable Games by Fischer or Zurich 1953 by Bronstein. Choose a path and turn it around.

What is the best chess book to start with?

In intermediate range, start with How to Reassess Your Chess by Silman or My System and Chess Praxis by Nimzowitsch – both reset your thinking about position evaluation. If that’s the case advanced, start with Shereshevsky to practice endgames or read annotated classics like Fischer or Kasparov. For absolute beginner start with our article: Best chess books for beginners.

What books should I read to get better at playing chess?

Select one of the following: Dvoretsky (end game), Gelfand or Flores Rios (position/structure), Aagaard or Kotov (calculation), Vukovic (attack), and repeat with a classic explanation like Zurich 1953 or From.

How to choose the right chess book for you?

Partner One training objectives with One theme (endgame, calculation, strategy/structure, or annotated classic), verify the book’s readership and edition, view sample pages, and commit to a 2-week microplan. If you’re in doubt, select the theme that appears most often in your recent game logs and browse our selection of themes Chess Book.


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