A Grandmaster’s Guide to Chess Improvement: Best Books for 2025

Promotional image for "A Grandmaster's Guide to Chess Improvement: Best Books for 2025" with a man playing chess and book illustrations on a patterned background.

Introduction

As a Grandmaster and FIDE Trainer, I’ve spent countless hours studying chess books, absorbing the wisdom of the masters, and refining my own game. In 2025, the chess book landscape is as vibrant as ever, offering a plethora of titles for players of all levels. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks, categorized by skill level, to help you reach your full potential.

Beginners / Under 1000 Rating

For players just starting their chess journey, building a strong foundation is crucial:

“Learn Chess the Right Way” by Susan Polgar

Illustration of children playing chess with a woman observing. Text reads, "Learn Chess the Right Way: Book 1 - Must-know Checkmates by Grandmaster Susan Polgar.
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If you’re just starting your chess journey, it’s crucial to build a strong foundation. Susan Polgar’s Learn Chess the Right Way is an excellent choice. Susan, who is my chess mentor and a legendary Grandmaster herself, breaks down the game into simple, digestible steps. It’s like having a patient and knowledgeable teacher guiding you every step of the way.

“Everyone’s First Chess Workbook” by  Daniel Naroditsky and Peter Giannatos

Cover of "Everyone's First Chess Workbook" by Peter Giannatos, featuring the subtitle "Fundamental Tactics and Checkmates for Improvers" with chess piece icons at the bottom.
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To complement your theoretical knowledge, I recommend Everyone’s First Chess Workbook. This book is packed with practical exercises to hone your skills. Think of it as your personal chess gym, where you can strengthen your tactical muscles and enhance your strategic thinking.

For additional book recommendations for absolute beginners, check out this blog – https://chessgaja.com/2023/04/5-chess-book-recommendations-by-a-grandmaster-for-the-absolute-beginner/

1000-1500 Rating

For players ready to delve deeper into tactical and strategic intricacies:

“The Power of Pawns” by Jorg Hickl

Book cover titled "The Power of Pawns" by Jörg Hickl, featuring black and white chess pawns in a row with a yellow background.
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Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to delve deeper into the tactical and strategic intricacies of the game. The Power of Pawns by Jörg Hickl is a must-read for any player looking to improve their positional understanding. Pawns are often overlooked, but they are the backbone of any position. Hickl’s book will teach you how to harness the power of your pawns to create winning positions.

“Move First, Think Later” by Willy Hendriks

Cover of "Move First, Think Later" by Willy Hendriks, featuring a hand holding a white pawn. Includes a sticker for the "English Chess Federation Book of the Year.
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To sharpen your tactical vision, I recommend Move First, Think Later by Willy Hendriks. In this book, Hendriks challenges traditional chess teaching methods by advocating for a focus on making moves rather than relying on extensive verbal analysis. He argues that understanding a position is closely tied to the act of moving, emphasizing intuition and pattern recognition over rigid theoretical frameworks. Hendriks critiques the conventional approach of planning based on positional characteristics, suggesting that effective moves often emerge from trial and error and accumulated experience. By blending insights from cognitive science with practical advice, this book encourages players to rethink their approach to chess, making it a valuable read for those seeking to enhance their intuitive skills and deepen their understanding of the game.

“Mastering Chess Middle Games” by Alexander Panchenko

Book cover titled "Mastering Chess Middlegames" by Alexander Panchenko, featuring stylized red chess pieces against a yellow background.
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Alexander Panchenko’s “Mastering Chess Middlegames” is a definitive guide to strategic chess play, offering deep insights into middle game complexity. The book provides practical strategies, analytical discussions, and nuanced principles that help intermediate to advanced players improve their chess understanding. By breaking down positional scenarios and emphasizing core strategic concepts, Panchenko transforms complex middle game challenges into valuable learning opportunities.

1500-2000 Rating

For players focusing on advanced tactical and strategic concepts:

“The Woodpecker Method” (Volumes 1 and 2) by Axel Smith and Hans Tikkanen

Illustrated cover of "The Woodpecker Method" showing a cartoon woodpecker pecking at a large wooden chess knight piece. Authors: Axel Smith & Hans Tikkanen.
Buy Volume 1 on Amazo || Buy Volume 2 on Amazon

At this level, it’s time to focus on advanced tactical and strategic concepts. The Woodpecker Method: Volume 1 and Volume 2 are excellent resources for this. These books emphasize improving tactical vision through repetition and practice of key patterns. The method is designed to help players internalize tactics, making them second nature during games.

“The Complete Manual of Positional Chess” (Volume 1) by Konstantin Sakaev and Konstantin Landa

Cover of "The Complete Manual of Positional Chess" by Konstantin Sakaev and Konstantin Landa, featuring chess pieces on a reflective surface.
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To improve your positional understanding, I recommend The Complete Manual of Positional Chess: Volume 1 by Konstantin Sakaev and Konstantin Landa. This book delves deeply into positional play, teaching readers how to evaluate positions and make strategic decisions based on long-term plans rather than immediate tactics.

2000+ Rating

“Game Changer” by Matthew Sadler

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For advanced players, the focus shifts to subtle nuances and complex strategic concepts. Game Changer by Matthew Sadler is an excellent resource. This book offers insights into modern chess strategies and explores how top players adapt their styles in contemporary play. It’s essential reading for advanced players looking to stay competitive.

“Under the Surface” by Jan Markos

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For advanced players, the focus shifts to subtle nuances and complex strategic concepts. Game Changer by Matthew Sadler is a must-read. This book provides deep insights into modern chess strategies and examines how top players adapt their styles to contemporary play. It’s essential for advanced players aiming to stay competitive.

“Winning Chess Middlegames” by Ivan Sokolov

Book cover of "Winning Chess Middlegames: An Essential Guide to Pawn Structures" by Ivan Sokolov, featuring chess piece illustrations.
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Sokolov offers practical advice on navigating middlegame positions, emphasizing strategic planning and execution to achieve successful outcomes.

Conclusion

Remember, the key to chess improvement is consistent practice and a willingness to learn. By reading these books and applying the knowledge to your own games, you can make significant progress in your chess journey.

Happy studying, and may your chess journey be filled with success!

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