Introduction
As an intermediate chess player, you have likely mastered the basic rules and strategies of the game and are looking to improve your skills even further. One of the best ways to do this is by studying and learning from the experts through reading chess books. However, with so many books available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones. In this guide, we will discuss the best chess books for intermediate players, focusing on different aspects of the game such as tactics, strategy, opening theory, endgames, and more.
Tactics
Tactics are an essential aspect of chess, and many chess books focus on improving a player´s tactical skills. One highly recommended book for intermediate players is “Chess Tactics for Champions” by Susan Polgar. This book covers a wide variety of topics, such as double attacks, pins, skewers, and many more, with clear explanations and plenty of diagrams to help readers understand the concepts. It also includes over 1000 puzzles to solve, making it an excellent resource for improving both tactical vision and calculation skills.
Strategy
While tactics are crucial, a player´s understanding of strategic concepts is also essential in chess. “Winning Chess Strategies” by Yasser Seirawan is a highly recommended book for intermediate players looking to improve their strategic play. Seirawan explains fundamental strategic concepts such as pawn structures, space, and control of the center in an easy-to-understand manner. He also includes annotated games to illustrate these concepts in action, making this book both educational and entertaining.
Openings
Having a solid opening repertoire is crucial for any chess player, and “Fundamental Chess Openings” by Paul van der Sterren is an excellent resource for intermediate players looking to improve their opening knowledge. This book covers all the main openings and variations, with explanations of the ideas and plans behind each move. Each opening is also accompanied by several notable games, showing how they are played in practice. “The Modern Chess Instructor” by Wilhelm Steinitz is another highly recommended book that covers various openings and their typical plans and ideas.
Endgames
Finally, endgame knowledge is essential for every chess player, and “Silman´s Complete Endgame Course” by Jeremy Silman is an excellent book for intermediate players looking to improve their endgame skills. The book starts with the most basic endgames and gradually progresses to more advanced positions, providing clear explanations and examples to help readers understand the principles behind each endgame. It also includes quizzes to test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these books are highly recommended for intermediate chess players looking to improve their skills in various aspects of the game. However, it is crucial to remember that reading alone will not make you a better chess player. To improve, you must apply what you have learned and practice regularly. So, pick up one or two of these books and start studying today, and watch your chess skills improve.
