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 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,…
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…
Book Review: Chess Opening Repertoire: The London System by Cyrus Lakdawala
What is Chess Opening Repertoire: The London System about? Chess Opening Repertoire: The London System, authored by IM Cyrus Lakdawala (published by Popular Chess), presents a complete White repertoire in…
Book Review: Attacking Strategies for Club Players by Michael Prusikin
What is the core focus of Attacking Strategies for Club Players? Attacking Strategies for Club Players, authored by GM Michael Prusikin (published by New in Chess), teaches the strategic requirements…
Book Review – Chess Imbalances – A GM Guide
What is the core focus of Chess Imbalances — a GM Guide? Chess Imbalances — a GM Guide, authored by GM Mauricio Flores Rios (published by Quality Chess), breaks down…