Best Slav and Semi-Slav Defense Books: Complete Guide
The best Slav and Semi-Slav Defense books depend on your playing level and whether you're looking for an introduction or a complete repertoire. The Slav (1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6) and…
Best Dutch Defense Books: Complete Guide
The Dutch Defense (1.d4 f5) is played through distinct systems — the Leningrad, the Stonewall and the Classical — and its books are mostly written the same way, one system…
Book Review: The Lighter Side of Chess: Volume 1
“There is more to chess than going up (or down) a few rating points each year.” – GM John Nunn. What is The Lighter Side of Chess about? The Lighter…
Best Pirc and Modern Defense Books: Complete Guide
The Pirc (1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6) and the Modern (1.e4 g6) are close relatives that often transpose, so this guide treats them together. It recommends seven books: two…
Best Italian Game Chess Books: Complete Opening Guide
The Italian Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4) has a large literature, but few of the Italian books we assessed have independent reviews that support them on the Italian specifically.…
Best Books on the English Opening: A Complete Guide
Choosing the best books on the English Opening starts with understanding the flexibility of 1.c4. White can keep the game in familiar English structures or transpose into queen's pawn positions,…
Best Books on Chess Sacrifices: 6 Essential Reads
Best Books on Chess Sacrifices recommends six books on the chess sacrifice, chosen from those available on Forward Chess and grouped by the level each suits. By kind of sacrifice,…
Book Review: 100 Basic Endgames You Must Know by Jesus De la Villa
“In order to improve your game, you must study the endgame before everything else.” – José Raúl Capablanca. What is 100 Basic Endgames You Must Know about? 100 Basic Endgames…
Best French Defense Chess Books: Complete Opening Guide
Last updated: August 2026 The French Defense begins 1.e4 e6. This guide is for players who already know the basics and want to actually play it — nine books, seven…
Best Chess Tactics Books: A Complete Guide
Last updated: August 2026 The best chess tactics book for you depends far more on your level and on how you want to train than on which book is "best"…