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Books about the history and beauty of Chess
Posted on 10/24/20 at 8:18 pm
Posted on 10/24/20 at 8:18 pm
Over the last few months, while stuck at home, I have been playing a lot of online chess. As I play more and more, I have started to become a little obsessed with it. I’d love to read a good and comprehensive book or two about the history of the game, top world players over time, most interesting strategies, etc.
Just to clarify, I’m not looking for a “Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess” sort of book. I want to learn more about the origins and the nature of the game.
Any recommendations out there?
TIA!
Just to clarify, I’m not looking for a “Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess” sort of book. I want to learn more about the origins and the nature of the game.
Any recommendations out there?
TIA!
8
Posted on 10/26/20 at 12:49 pm to When in Rome
Related but not directly what you’re looking for:
The Knight of New Orleans is about Paul Morphy, which you may find interesting. It’s written as a historical fiction/epic, so it’s closer to reading something like The Idiot.
As an aside, he was arguably the best player of all time and was from New Orleans... his house eventually became Brennan’s restaurant.
The Knight of New Orleans is about Paul Morphy, which you may find interesting. It’s written as a historical fiction/epic, so it’s closer to reading something like The Idiot.
As an aside, he was arguably the best player of all time and was from New Orleans... his house eventually became Brennan’s restaurant.
Posted on 11/1/20 at 5:00 am to When in Rome
History/anecdotes:
The Fireside Book of Chess - Reinfeld and Chernev
The Chess Companion - Chernev
The World of Chess - Saidy and Leasing
Chess to Enjoy - Soltis
Playing/strategy:
A few bits of advice:
* Don't spend a lot of time studying/memorizing openings. This is the #1 mistake of nerw players. Play open games (e4) whenever possible. Play one e4 opening as white, such as the Scotch Game or the Ruy Lopez exchange variation. As black learn one defense against e4 and one against d4. Play the Closed Sicilian as white. Avoid the mainline Sicilian defense as white or black -- too much work!
* Study endgames. Know what kind of ending you want to go into, or avoid.
* Learn about pawn structure. What betting patterns are to Texas Hold 'Em, pawn structures are to chess.
I haven't played in 20+ years, so any books I recommend may be hard to find. But these books are worth studying if you can find them (check Amazon or your local libraries):
How To Open A Chess Game -- various authors. Especially the chapter by Portisch.
Ideas Behind The Chess Openings -- Reuben Fine
My Best Games Of Chess -- Alekhine
My 60 Memorable Games -- Bobby Fischer
The Most Instructive Games Of Chess Ever Played - Irving Chernev
1000 Best Short Games Of Chess - Irving Chernev
Practical Chess Endings -- Paul Keres
Practical Endgame Lessons -- Edmar Mednis
Chess Endings Theory and Practice -- Averbakh
Pawn Structure Chess -- Soltis
Also, the tactical quizzes by Reinfeld et al to hone your combinational skills
The Fireside Book of Chess - Reinfeld and Chernev
The Chess Companion - Chernev
The World of Chess - Saidy and Leasing
Chess to Enjoy - Soltis
Playing/strategy:
A few bits of advice:
* Don't spend a lot of time studying/memorizing openings. This is the #1 mistake of nerw players. Play open games (e4) whenever possible. Play one e4 opening as white, such as the Scotch Game or the Ruy Lopez exchange variation. As black learn one defense against e4 and one against d4. Play the Closed Sicilian as white. Avoid the mainline Sicilian defense as white or black -- too much work!
* Study endgames. Know what kind of ending you want to go into, or avoid.
* Learn about pawn structure. What betting patterns are to Texas Hold 'Em, pawn structures are to chess.
I haven't played in 20+ years, so any books I recommend may be hard to find. But these books are worth studying if you can find them (check Amazon or your local libraries):
How To Open A Chess Game -- various authors. Especially the chapter by Portisch.
Ideas Behind The Chess Openings -- Reuben Fine
My Best Games Of Chess -- Alekhine
My 60 Memorable Games -- Bobby Fischer
The Most Instructive Games Of Chess Ever Played - Irving Chernev
1000 Best Short Games Of Chess - Irving Chernev
Practical Chess Endings -- Paul Keres
Practical Endgame Lessons -- Edmar Mednis
Chess Endings Theory and Practice -- Averbakh
Pawn Structure Chess -- Soltis
Also, the tactical quizzes by Reinfeld et al to hone your combinational skills
Posted on 11/15/20 at 9:38 pm to When in Rome
On a side note: The Queens Gambit was made into a great series on Netflix
Posted on 2/14/21 at 12:16 am to When in Rome
I remember postal chess.
I love how it's presented here as some sort of bizarre ancient ritual
Posted on 5/30/22 at 7:25 am to When in Rome
Fireside Book of Chess
Posted on 6/5/22 at 8:20 pm to When in Rome
After reading this, I just played a game with my nine year old. She is just learning to play and loves it.
Posted on 6/26/22 at 8:40 am to When in Rome
I don't have any recommendations on chess, but I do appreciate how much you read. Keep up the good work!
Posted on 7/2/22 at 7:21 am to When in Rome
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