Good Books to read

Basically, I was hoping that other members on this site could list good books to read on chess. I am currently reading: Nimzowitch 'My System'. I have also read Chess Fundamentals by Jose Capablanca. I also have a few books by Eric Schiller: standard chess openings and encylcopaedia of chess wisdom.

"The Road to Chess Mastery" by Euwe is a classic, especially if you play the QG. Also "Silman's Endgame Course" "does the job" as far as giving you all the theoretical material for whatever your rating category..

I might have a look at that book, thanks very much for the tip!

No problem. I will say though that if you like Nimzo's style of writing, you may think that Jeremy Silman is too simple in his approach..

Nah, I find Nimzowitch very complicated. I have tried reading the book but find it very hard to follow at times due to massive chunks of writing on all of the theory. Silman's sounds more like a step-by-step approach which I prefer. Does Silman use summary points as well to summarise the main points of what is being said?

I think they write for different audiences. JS's target market is mostly club players with little time for study, so he will give you the information in the most simple way possible. Nimzo's books on the other hand I think are more for the player who is willing to put a lot of time into thoroughly learning all of his material. So what he's saying will appear quite complicated, but I agree he is at times overly scientific. Yes, he does use summary points.

sounds like a good book then. I will try and purchase a copy of Silman's book

If "My System" isn't for you and you like Silman's books better, then you should also give "The Amateur's Mind" a look as well. Good luck!

Cool thanks, you are proving to be very helpful ... and that is a good thing about chess sites you can exchange ideas on books etc

I would skip that and get The Reassess Your Chess Workbook instead.  SIlman is completely revising How To Reasses Your Chess (HTRYC)  book so I would wait.  In the mean time the workbook summarizes the main points of HTRYC and gives you 140 positions to work through from opening, middlegame and endgame positions.  The explanations are very clear and instructive.

Ok, thanks for the tip!

Think Like A Grandmaster by Alex Kotov was probably the best book for me but unfortunately i misplaced it..if anybody there who has a copy pls share it to me and i will highly appreciate it..thanx!!!!!!!!!!!

Combination Challenge by Lou Hayes. This has changed the way I think about chess!!

I have many chess books, but this is by far the greatest if you want to improve your chess vision.

I loved Mein System (read it in German). Laughed out loud at several passages. Don't think it had any effect whatsoever on my chess though.

Really? None at all? That surprises me.

Isn't it true for most chess books? Every now and then you read one that is particularly relevant to something you struggle with right then, and you manage to apply something new you learned in your next few games, and it stays with you. But most of the time they're interesting reads that don't change much to the actual moves I make in my games.

Ok, if you're just reading them and not thoroughly analyzing the content then I can understand..

You cant just read a chess book as you would a novel and expect to get much out of it. I think some people do this though and are then surprised that their game/understanding doesnt improve. It brings to mind those Bruce Lee fans that think they can fight like Bruce Lee simply because they have seen all his movies...

and break a leg !

I didn't expect that, at least not with Mein System. I just got it from the library to read during a short vacation at the beach, and I enjoyed it a lot.

There are plenty of chess books that are just very interesting books to read.