Best of the Books 2022...

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Best of the Openings

Modern Chess Openings by Nick De Firmian

I can confidently say that "Modern Chess Openings" by Nick Di Fermian is a must-have for any serious chess player. This comprehensive guide covers all of the major openings in modern chess, providing detailed explanations and analysis for each one. One of the things I particularly appreciate about this book is the way it is structured. It is divided into clear and concise sections, making it easy to find the information you need. The openings are also organized by ECO code, which is a widely used system for classifying chess openings. Another great feature of this book is the inclusion of numerous examples and variations for each opening. These examples help to illustrate the key ideas and strategies associated with each opening, and they also provide a wealth of material for players to study and analyze.

Best for Calculations

Evaluate like a Grandmaster by Eugene Perelshteyn

"Evaluate Like a Grandmaster" by Alexander Panchenko is a valuable resource for chess players looking to improve their evaluation skills. In this book, Panchenko provides a wealth of examples and exercises to help readers practice and apply the concepts he introduces. He also does an excellent job of explaining the key factors that grandmasters consider when evaluating a position, and he provides numerous examples to illustrate these concepts. This book is the emphasizing understanding the underlying principles of chess evaluation. By breaking down the evaluation process into clear and concise steps, Panchenko makes it easy for readers to understand and follow along.

Best for Kids

How to Beat Your Dad at Chess by Murray Chandler

Learning the fundamentals of chess is crucial for any player looking to improve their skills and ultimately become a better player. And who better to learn from than Murray Chandler, one of the foremost authorities on the game and the author of "How to Beat Your Dad at Chess"? In this comprehensive guide, Chandler covers all of the essential concepts and strategies that players need to master in order to succeed at chess. From basic tactics and endgame principles to more advanced concepts like positional play and strategy, Chandler covers it all with clear explanations and examples. The book is divided into clear and concise chapters, making it easy to find the information you need and study at your own pace. Chandler also includes numerous exercises and quizzes throughout the book to help readers practice and test their understanding of the material.

Best Chess Narrative

The Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers

"Queen of Katwe" is an incredibly inspiring narrative about a young girl named Phiona Mutesi who rises from the poverty-stricken slums of Kampala, Uganda to become a chess champion. The story is based on the true events of Phiona's life and follows her journey from being a timid and illiterate child to becoming a confident and skilled chess player. One of the things that makes "Queen of Katwe" such a compelling and inspiring story is the way it illustrates the transformative power of chess. Through her involvement in the game, Phiona learns discipline, focus, and critical thinking skills that help her overcome the challenges she faces in her daily life. She also discovers a sense of purpose and direction that gives her the confidence to pursue her dreams. Another aspect of the book that I found particularly inspiring was the portrayal of Phiona's coach, Robert Katende. Katende is a selfless and dedicated mentor who works tirelessly to help Phiona and the other children in his chess program reach their full potential. His belief in the transformative power of chess and his unwavering support of Phiona are key to her success.

Best of Tactics

Everyone's First Chess Workbook by Peter Giannatos

As a beginner in chess, it is critical to lay a strong foundation for recognizing common patterns and solving tactical problems on the chessboard. One of the most effective ways to do this is by solving a large number of chess puzzles. By working through a variety of different puzzles that cover a range of tactical motifs, beginners can develop their ability to recognize patterns and solve problems in practical scenarios. This is where a book like "Everyone's First Chess Workbook" can be incredibly valuable for new chess players. This comprehensive guide is specifically designed to help beginners develop their tactical skills through a series of carefully crafted exercises and examples. By working through the puzzles and exercises in this book, beginners can build a strong foundation for recognizing common patterns and solving tactical problems in their games.

Best of Endgames

Secrets of Pawn Endings by Karsten Müller

In chess, mastering the concept of opposition and recognizing patterns in pawn endgames is crucial for success. This is because these skills can often mean the difference between winning and drawing (or even losing) an easily won position. The concept of opposition refers to when Kings are on opposite sides of a central square and is crucial to winning in pawn endgames. Another important aspect of pawn endgames is the ability to recognize patterns. Pawn endgames often involve the same basic patterns and motifs, and being able to recognize and execute these patterns can be the key to victory. In his book, Müller analyzes a plethora of various positions, which is key to mastering the pawn endgame, especially for beginners.