3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
5 grandmaster-recommended must-read books on chess
If The Queen's Gambit (Netflix) or Gukesh's historic win over Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025 has you either dusting out your old chess sets or downloading an app on your phone, these five books—recommended by grandmasters—will sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding of the game.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, these books will elevate your game. Start with Fischer or Tal for inspiration, then dive into Dvoretsky for technical mastery.
Garry Kasparov, one of chess's greatest minds, dissects the games of past world champions in this legendary series. Blending historical context with razor-sharp analysis, Kasparov reveals how chess evolved from Steinitz to Fischer. It's a masterclass in strategic thinking—perfect for players who want to understand the foundations of modern chess.
Why it's essential?
Kasparov's insights help bridge the gap between classical and hypermodern play. Magnus Carlsen himself called it 'pretty good,' while young stars like Duda credit it for strengthening their intuition. Whether you're an intermediate player or an advanced competitor, this series will reshape how you approach the game.
Best for: Players who want a deep dive into chess history and elite-level strategy.
2. Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual – Mark Dvoretsky
Endgames win tournaments, for which this book is the gold standard. Dvoretsky's masterpiece breaks down essential endgame principles with crystal-clear explanations and challenging exercises. From basic king-and-pawn endings to advanced rook maneuvers, it's a must for serious players.
Why it's essential?
Not without reason,Garry Kasparov, called it his 'favourite chess book' at beginning of the 21st century. Gukesh's win over Carlsen proves that endgame resilience separates champions from contenders.
Best for: Playerslooking to turn draws into wins and losses into saves.
3. My 60 Memorable Games – Bobby Fischer
Bobby Fischer's legendary book is a masterclass in clarity and aggression. His self-annotated games reveal his razor-sharp calculations and uncompromising style. The commentary is succinct yet packed with wisdom—ideal for learning how to attack with precision.
Why it's essential? Levon Aronian and Yasser Seirawan swear by it.
Best for: Players who love tactical brilliance and want to think like a world champion.
4. Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953 – David Bronstein
Far from a mere games collection, the book provides a gripping narrative. Bronstein's discriptive annotations capture the drama, psychology, and creativity of one of history's greatest tournaments.
Why it's essential? Peter Svidler and David Navara adore it for its storytelling. This book demonstrates chess is as much about nerves as moves.
Best for: Players who enjoy rich, humanised chess analysis.
5. The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal – Mikhail Tal
Tal, the 'Magician of Riga,' reveals how he conjured miracles on the board. His daring sacrifices and intuitive play make this one of the most entertaining chess books ever.
Why it's essential? Tal's fearlessness is a lesson for every player.
Best for: Players who want to embrace creativity and unpredictability.
