The number of books written about Best chess Book is tremendous. While that can be great for the chess world, it poses practical issues for many fans. Most chess players have their own favorites, but how do you know which books belong on your shelf?

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer, Stuart Margulies and Don Mosenfelder

Learning how to play chess from one of the greatest players of all time proved to be effective for a generation of chess players. Bobby Fischer’s book remains one of the best-selling chess books ever. Even if you already know how to play chess, you should still own this classic. Lend it to family and friends who have always wanted to learn the game. Put a copy in your bag so you can hand it to a stranger in a coffee shop or while you’re playing at your local chess club. After all, the mass market paperback version is only about the cost of a fast-food meal!

The book covers everything from how the pieces move to basic checkmates and how to attack the opponent. Readers will go from knowing nothing about chess to being ready to play a game, and getting a game is relatively easy these days.

How to Reassess Your Chess by Jeremy Silman

The ideas of positional chess and developing plans in the middlegame often elude chess players. This work covers the thought process behind middlegame plans and how to notice imbalances in positions. IM Jeremy Silman (@Silman), a world-class author, writes with humor and a deep understanding of amateur chess players’ shortcomings.

You can take a look at Silman’s beloved writing style by reading some of his articles on Chess.com. This book is known for its accessibility and is designed for a large range of players (1200 to 2000 strength). It's also a valuable tool for anyone returning to the game after taking a break. This classic has something for everyone!

My System by Aron Nimzowitsch

Aron Nimzowitsch's work is the prime example of a classic chess book. It has consistently remained in the top five best-selling chess books of all time, and has been a recommendation of grandmasters and trainers since 1925! This was one of the first works to be considered a handbook for positional chess, and it does a great job of introducing very important positional ideas (e.g. prophylaxis, pawn chains, blockading passed pawns, utilizing the center, etc.).

My System is aimed at a stronger target audience (1500-2200 strength), and some feel that it reads like a textbook (some people prefer this method for learning). Despite not being considered as accessible as other classics, this book is a must-own for any serious player.