Studying chess books is a great way for intermediate to improve their game. But it can be challenging to know where to start and how to study effectively on your own. Here are some tips on how to study chess books for intermediate:
By following these tips intermediate can effectively study chess books on their own and improve their game. Remember the key is to be consistent and to actively engage with the material being presented.
How to study chess books on your own?
Choose the right book:
Select a book that is appropriate for your level of play. Look for books that cover the fundamentals of chess, including basic tactics, strategy, and endgame principles. Avoid books that are too advanced or too focused on a specific opening or variation.
Set a study schedule:
Set aside a regular time for studying chess. This could be a few minutes each day or a longer period once or twice a week. Consistency is key, so stick to your schedule as much as possible.
Read actively:
Don’t just read through the book from beginning to end. Take the time to really understand the concepts being presented. This may involve reading and re-reading sections, taking notes, and solving practice problems.
Solve practice problems:
Many chess books include practice problems or puzzles. Solve these problems on your own and then check your answers against the solutions provided in the book. This will help you develop your chess skills and test your understanding of the concepts being presented.
Play practice games:
Try to apply the concepts you are learning in your own games. This will help you see how the principles work in practice and give you a chance to experiment with different strategies.
Review regularly:
Review the material you have covered regularly to reinforce your understanding of the concepts. This could involve going back and re-reading sections of the book or solving practice problems again.
You can read the complete review of these books
Criteria
The selection criteria for the top 5 chess books for intermediate players include:
Suitable for intermediate level players:
The books should be appropriate for players who have a basic understanding of chess rules, tactics, and strategies but still need to improve their game.
Complete coverage:
The books should cover a range of topics that are relevant to intermediate players. Including opening principles, strategic concepts, tactical patterns, endgame theory and psychological aspects of the game.
Clarity of explanation:
The books should be written in a clear and concise manner, with explanations that are easy to understand and follow. The language should not be overly technical or complicated, so that the reader can absorb the information easily.
Practical exercises:
The books should include practical exercises, puzzles, and examples that illustrate the concepts covered in the book. This will help the reader to apply what they have learned and to reinforce their understanding of the material.
Relevance to modern chess:
The books should be relevant to modern chess and reflect the latest developments in the game. They should not be outdated or obsolete, and should provide insights into contemporary chess strategies and techniques.
The selection criteria for the top 5 chess books for intermediate players include:
Recommended by multiple players that have used the book and improved their level of skill.
1. How to Reassess Your Chess: Chess Mastery through Chess Imbalances by Jeremy Silman
“How to Reassess Your Chess” by Jeremy Silman is a classic chess book that has been widely acclaimed as one of the best chess books ever written. The book is aimed at intermediate to advanced level players who want to improve their understanding of the game and raise their level of play.
The book is divided into four parts.
- Part one covers the fundamentals of chess, including how to evaluate a position, pawn structures, and the basic principles of play.
- Part two covers the imbalances in chess, including material imbalances, positional imbalances, and space imbalances.
- Part three covers the middle game, and
- Part four covers the endgame.
The book is very well-written and easy to follow. The explanations are clear and concise and the author uses many examples and diagrams to illustrate the concepts he is explaining. The book also includes many practical exercises and quizzes which are designed to help the reader to apply what they have learned.
One of the unique features of this book is the use of the “Imbalance Chart” which is a tool for evaluating a position and identifying the imbalances that exist. This chart helps the reader to understand the key factors that are relevant to a position and to develop a plan for playing it.
Features:
“How to Reassess Your Chess” is an excellent book that provides a comprehensive and practical guide to improving your chess game.
 It is a must-read for any serious chess player who wants to take their game to the next level.
2. My System by Aron Nimzowitsch
“My System” by Aron Nimzowitsch is a classic chess book that has had a profound impact on the development of modern chess. The book is aimed at intermediate to advanced level players and is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of positional play and strategy.
The book is divided into six parts.
- Part one covers the basics of positional play, including the control of the center, the importance of pawn structure, and the role of the pieces.
- Part two covers the concept of “overprotection,” which is the idea that it is important to protect your pieces and pawns in a way that allows them to support each other.
- Part three covers the topic of prophylaxis, which is the idea of preventing your opponent’s plans before they can be put into action.
- Part four covers the topic of pawn breaks, which are key moves that can be used to disrupt your opponent’s pawn structure.
- Part five covers the topic of the initiative, which is the idea of taking control of the game and keeping your opponent on the defensive.
- Part six covers the topic of endgame play, including the principles of rook endings and pawn endings.
The book is well-written and easy to understand, although some of the concepts may take time to fully grasp. Nimzowitsch’s writing style is very analytical and he uses many examples and diagrams to illustrate the concepts he is explaining. The book also includes many practical exercises and puzzles which are designed to help the reader to apply what they have learned.
Features:
This book is the emphasis on understanding the principles behind positional play, rather than relying on memorization or rote learning.
Ideas have had a significant impact on modern chess and many of the concepts he introduced are still relevant today.
Excellent book that provides a comprehensive guide to positional play and strategy. It is a must-read for any serious chess player who wants to improve their game and develop a deeper understanding of chess principles.
3. Logical Chess – Move By Move by Irving Chernev
“Logical Chess – Move By Move” by Irving Chernev is a classic chess book that is widely regarded as one of the best books for intermediate players. The book is designed to help players understand the thought processes behind every move in a game of chess.
The book is organized into 33 games.
Each of which is analyzed move by move. Chernev’s explains the thought process behind each move and the reasons for each decision. He also highlights key points in each game and explains the mistakes that were made by the players.
The book is very well-written and easy to understand. Chernev’s writing style is clear and concise, and he uses many diagrams and annotations to illustrate the concepts he is explaining. The book also includes many practical exercises and quizzes which are designed to help the reader to apply what they have learned.
 Features:
This book is the emphasis on logical thinking and the importance of understanding the reasons behind each move.
Chernev’s analysis helps the reader to develop their own logical thought process and to improve their understanding of the game.
Book that provides a comprehensive guide to the thought processes behind every move in a game of chess. It is a must-read for intermediate player who wants to improve their game and develop a deeper understanding of chess principles.
4. Silman’s Complete Endgame Course
“Silman’s Complete Endgame Course” by Jeremy Silman is a comprehensive guide to the endgame that is designed for intermediate to advanced level players. The book covers all of the key concepts and principles of endgame play including pawn endings, minor piece endings, rook endings, and queen endings.
The book is organized into three parts.
- Part one covers the basics of endgame play including the principles of king and pawn endings, opposition, and the rule of the square.
- Part two covers the different types of endgames, including pawn endings, minor piece endings, and rook endings.
- Part three covers the more complex endgames, including queen endings and endgame tactics.
The book is very well-written and easy to understand. Silman’s writing style is clear and concise and he uses many diagrams and annotations to illustrate the concepts he is explaining. The book also includes many practical exercises and quizzes, which are designed to help the reader to apply what they have learned.
Features:
This book is the emphasis on practical play and the importance of understanding the key principles behind endgame play. Silman’s analysis helps the reader to develop their own strategic thinking and to improve their understanding of the game.
Book that provides a comprehensive guide to endgame play. It is a must-read for any intermediate to advanced player who wants to improve their endgame skills and develop a deeper understanding of chess principles.
5. Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games by laszlo polgar
“Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games” by Laszlo Polgar is a massive collection of chess problems, puzzles, and games that is designed to help players improve their tactical and strategic skills.
The book is organized into three parts.
Part one covers the basics of chess
Including the rules of the game, the principles of opening play, and the fundamentals of tactical and strategic thinking.
Part two covers tactical puzzles
Including mate-in-one, mate-in-two, and mate-in-three problems.
Part three covers practical play
Including complete games from grandmasters and other top-level players.
The book is well-written and easy to understand, although some of the puzzles and games may be quite challenging for beginners. Polgar’s writing style is clear and concise, and he uses many diagrams and annotations to illustrate the concepts he is explaining. The book also includes many practical exercises and quizzes which are designed to help the reader to apply what they have learned.
Features:
One of the key features of this book is the sheer volume of puzzles and games included. The book is designed to be a comprehensive resource for players who want to improve their tactical and strategic skills, and it includes problems and games of varying difficulty levels.
Overall, “Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games” is an excellent book that provides a comprehensive collection of puzzles and games for players of all skill levels. It is a must-read for any serious chess player who wants to improve their game and develop a deeper understanding of chess principles.