Which Book Should I Buy First?

Hey guys!

I started playing chess in october 2023, and since then my rating is at the same level. I really want to become a better chess player, and I want to buy a book, but I wonder, which one: "How to win at Chess" - by Levy Rozman OR "Bobby Fischer teaches you chess". Which one is better and what are you opinions? 

Thanks guys and I whish you all the luck!

Hello! and thanks for your time.

I consider buying "How To Win at Chess", and then, Bobby Fischer's: "My most memorable 60 games" and the one I mentioned up. I want to improve my rating up to 1200-1500 in time, but this will be a lot of working and studying. Thanks!

Levy Rozman's book, "How To Win At Chess," is an introductory chess course targeted to the absolute beginner thru novice player.. It touches on all of the fundamental facets of the game - the opening, middlegame, endgame, tactics and strategy. "Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess" treats only elementary tactics, specifically within the context of checkmating attacks, from both the attacker's and defender's perspective. It is targeted to the absolute beginner. Both books are instructive for their intended purpose and audience.

More good chess books to check out...

Good Chess Books for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/good-chess-books-for-beginners-and-beyond

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess...a book review

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/bobby-fischer-teaches-chessa-book-review

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess.....excerpt...

https://books.google.com/books?id=YXb4PTSdEfUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=bobby+fischer+teaches+chess&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjT4aT1naKFAxUaKEQIHWbCAx0Q6AF6BAgEEAI#v=onepage&q=bobby%20fischer%20teaches%20chess&f=false

Note that "My 60 Memorable Games" by Bobby Fischer is a relatively advanced book targeted to very experienced players. That is, it would be very challenging for the typical beginner-novice player...

https://books.google.com/books?id=cxqUEAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=my+60+memorable+games&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVh4S5pKKFAxV2JkQIHVzyAi0Q6AF6BAgEEAI#v=onepage&q=my%2060%20memorable%20games&f=false

Another book to consider: “Play Winning Chess”, by Yasser Seirawan. It’s very readable, and definitely aimed at beginners.

By the way, after you get to a point of understanding the basics about chess and simple tactics and strategy, one book everyone should have on their list is David Bronstein's Zurich 1953 tournament book. This book is considered one of the best tournament books ever written. It explains a LOT about different strategies and how the GM's are thinking and handling problems, and, unlike John Nunn's mess of analysis of variations books, this book has very few variations, except actually important ones, explaining some pure problem solving with handling different positions, from the opening to the endgame.

This quote is in the introduction:'

The author has tried to avoid weighing down his book with variations. Variations
can be interesting, if they show the beauty of chess; they become useless when
they exceed the limits of what a man can calculate; and they are a real evil when
they are substituted for the study and clarification of positions in which the
outcome is decided by intuition, fantasy and talent. "

Do yourself a favor and read this book when you are ready. It will greatly enhance your knowledge of chess and prepare you for more difficult struggles down the road.

Similar to Bobby Fischer's "My 60 Memorable Games", "Zurich 1953" is an advanced book appropriate for very experienced players. It will be extremely challenging for the typical beginner- novice player. Best to learn to walk, before attempting to run.

Thanks for advice, master!!!

A problem for many lower rated players is that they may act on book recommendations that are made without regard to the skill level of the intended reader. For example when a lower rated player buys a book on faith that it will be useful, only to discover that the book is too difficult for them, typically because they were not sufficiently prepared for the level at which the material in the book is presented. As an analogy, it is like a student who wants to learn mathematics attempting to read a book on calculus, when they have not yet mastered arithmetic, algebra, etc.

The point is that even though one person (e.g., a higher rated player) may find a particular book useful or appropriate for them at their level, another, less knowledgeable or experienced player may find that same book to be over their head. Just like school subjects, one has to prepare oneself for the level of material which (s)he is about to learn.

Coach Andras Toth’s recommendations

It is a book targeted to the absolute beginner.....but it's a good one!..

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess...a book review...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/bobby-fischer-teaches-chessa-book-review

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Bobby_Fischer_Teaches_Chess/YXb4PTSdEfUC?hl=en&gbpv=1

Simple Chess: A great explanation of strategy, making it very easy to understand. You have it on YT as well: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUrgfsyInqNbkyiwPSSBQ6ALkkccKItPE