Chess openings books: 40 best books for beginners and experienced chess players

Chess openings books: 40 best books for beginners and experienced chess players Chess openings

Chess openings books: when learning to play chess, it’s important to use all the tools available. Practicing on a regular basis and studying grandmasters’ strategies are essential steps. But there is one more option that will also help develop your skill. Buy a good chess opening book or download it, whatever suits your demands better. Any format works great as long as you diligently hammer at it.

And, of course, the more you read, the better. Every author has their own unique approach to the game. It’s especially easy to notice when you get to higher levels of play. You’ll dive into the diversity of variations possible for just one combination. Unlike a basic openings book, a more advanced one may dedicate many pages to one sequence.

However, even the best chess opening theory books describe the same principles. The way they explain it can be different though. Some editions provide clearer commentaries and illustrations. That’s why we put together this list of the best books on chess openings. You can use it to choose the most comprehensive and readable options. This way the process of learning chess may become a bit more interesting.

Categories

There are several categories of books that touch on the topic of openings in chess. Here they are:

  • Dedicated to one particular opening. Basically, these types of books are the most accessible to the general beginner in chess. You’ll find a lot of material covered regarding individual systems of openings.
  • Giving a structure or repertoire. Such books usually include several openings, related to the same strategic approach or pawn configuration. Generally, the author’s intention is to guide the player to the middle game without too much fuss. And maintaining playable positions, no matter how the opponent plays.
  • General advice or guidance for openings. In this category of books, you won’t find a deep analysis of any opening system. Instead, you’re given the ideas behind them. It‘s a good way to get a better understanding of the opening play.
  • Encyclopedic format. Books of this sort tend to be as comprehensive and all-around as possible. They aim to include the maximum amount of openings without going too deep into explanations. Usually, you see a short description of moves, yet no underlying principles are disclosed.

Now we can get to the best chess opening books for beginners and experienced players. We aimed to cover different types of literature. This way you can definitely find the most helpful ones in your particular case.

The killer Dutch

The killer Dutch

As a grandmaster, Simon Williams successfully used the Classical Dutch in many serious tournaments.

Here the author explores the given opening on a very deep level. Besides, he gives an entire repertoire with the Dutch Defense for Black, created on his own.

There are tests at the end of each chapter. So you can evaluate how well you’ve acquired the major concepts.

The King’s Indian Attack: move by move

The King's Indian Attack - move by move

Here we encounter an interesting format provided by Neil McDonald. The book continually challenges the readers to check themselves with questions.

The Q&A method ensures the material is acquired properly. Besides, the given format keeps the reader actively engaged. It allows us to assess the progress while learning. It’s a great way to assimilate knowledge and enhance your skill.

The book represents quite a common system of development used for White. It can be applied against various defenses.

Opening repertoire: Nimzo and Bogo Indian

Opening repertoire: Nimzo and Bogo Indian

A world-renowned player Sielecki reveals a collection of moves for Black. They concern Bogo-Indian and Nimzo-Indian types of defense.

In both of them, the author concentrates on lines with a dark-squared strategy for Black. As a consequence, we get a systematic approach, which makes the repertoire easier to understand.

All the variations are connected to one common theme.

Smerdon’s Scandinavian

Smerdon’s Scandinavian

Written by an expert David Smerdon, the book shows an unusual approach to the Scandinavian.

It turns out the opening can be utilized as a weapon to attack! The presented repertoire is an advanced version of what he successfully applied for many years.

The author examines the essential games, shares modern theory, and reveals his own ideas.

Modern Chess Openings

Modern Chess Openings

This is a legendary work by Nick De Firmian. It’s a highly reliable and efficient tool for serious learners.

You will discover cutting-edge theory and lots of information on modern matches. If you are willing to grow, get familiar with the Modern Chess Openings book. Queen’s Gambit, French Defense, and plenty of other most common openings are explained there.

The book is also suitable for knowledgeable chess players wanting to stay up to date. It’s a solid source of recent innovations concerning chess. Make sure you have the latest edition as it’s been re-edited for over 50 years.

Play the French

Play the French

This highly approved work of John Watson provides a repertoire to play for Black. The book is entirely dedicated to the French defense. So if you often use it in your game, it’s a must-read.

The author gives the option to play against all White’s possible moves. He arms us with not just one, but multiple choices to play the main lines.

Opening repertoire: the English

Opening Repertoire - The English by David Cummings

If you prefer to have numerous middlegame positions, the English is your choice.

David Cummings presents a whole repertoire for this opening. He identifies the most potentially powerful methods to treat Black’s main moves.

Also, you’ll meet efficient ways to deal with extraordinary sidelines.

Anti-Sicilians: move by move

Anti-Sicilians: move by move

The book represents a convenient platform to learn the Sicilian Defense and its possible continuations. A chess master Cyrus Lakdawala provides all-around descriptions of White’s reaction to the opening.

As you play it, you should be fully prepared for various moves of the opponent. Through illustrative games, you get the idea of the positional ideas for both sides.

The tactical aspect is also thoroughly highlighted.

Play the London system

Play the London system

Just like the previous book, this one’s written by an international chess specialist Cyrus Lakdawala.

Here the author examines another opening system, which is especially popular at the club level. The development plan for White is really simple. And you can use it against almost any type of defense.

Play h6 in the French

Play h6 in the French

The work is written by Alexis Harakis who is a FIDE master. He gives a full overview of the underplayed move in the French 3…h6.

It’s the author’s pet subject that he’s been exploring for over 15 years.

First steps: the Queen’s Gambit (Everyman Chess)

First steps: the Queen’s Gambit (Everyman Chess)

In terms of format, this is the best book for learning openings from scratch. It’s completely dedicated to one opening system.

A professional player A.Martin reveals the intricacies of the gambit.

Starting Out: King’s Indian Attack (Starting Out – Everyman Chess)

Starting Out: King's Indian Attack (Starting Out - Everyman Chess)

It’s a great guide by John Emms that explains the basics of the popular opening.

Apart from telling the theory, the author shares his personal considerations regarding the key lines. You’ll find the essential strategic and tactical ideas for both Black and White.

For example, a common issue with move orders is covered there.

Play the Accelerated Dragon

Play the Accelerated Dragon

One of the most common options in the Sicilian for Black is the Accelerated Dragon.

Here Peter Lalić provides a repertoire built on this line. He presents a solid development system that helps create consistent and clear plans. As a result, you can apply this line in your game with confidence.

Queen’s Gambit Declined

Queen's Gambit Declined

Here an experienced chess player Sadler reveals the ideas behind the given opening.

He describes all the main variations applied in practice and explains the key ways of development.

The Veresov: move by move

The Veresov: move by move

This is another book in the Move By Move series. This time, chess specialist Jimmy Liew invites us to explore his favorite opening.

The Veresov is able to direct the game into relatively unknown territory. As a result, the opponent will have some problems dealing with this move sequence.

First steps: 1 e4 e5 (Everyman Chess)

First steps: 1 e4 e5 (Everyman Chess)

This starting combo is so popular that the resulting collection of openings forms a category.

It’s called Open Games. John Emms presents a beginner openings book explaining the concepts behind this type of opening.

Play the Sicilian Kan: A dynamic and flexible repertoire for Black

Play the Sicilian Kan: A dynamic and flexible repertoire for Black

This edition makes a convenient platform for learning in an easy and interesting way.

You don’t memorize the moves, but rather get an understanding of the ideas behind the Kan. Johan Hellsten examines this variation of the Sicilian and shares his substantial experience.

Beating 1 e4 e5: A Repertoire For White In The Open Games

Beating 1e4 e5: A Repertoire For White In The Open Games

A well-known Grandmaster John Emms provides a repertoire to play after 1 e4 e5.

The lines he shares are based on a reliable development system with an aggressive approach. You can deploy them against practically any Black defense.

Mastering opening strategy

Mastering opening strategy

This is a highly acclaimed work by chess writer Johan Hellsten. He explores a broad variety of principal subjects including pawn breaks, development, attacks, and various defenses.

Also, there you can read about common mistakes and the preparation stage. It belongs to the best chess opening books for intermediate players. However, curious beginners may find it interesting as well.

The triangle system

The triangle system

The author Ruslan Scherbakov explores the Semi-Slav Triangle.

It’s an interesting method to fight the all-time-favorite Queen’s Gambit. Among Black’s tools, there’s also the Noteboom variation.

It’s a rapid counterattack that gives the player a chance to dictate the rules.

Fighting the Ruy Lopez

Fighting the Ruy Lopez

Sharing his vast experience of dealing with the Lopez, a master Milos Pavlovic offers options.

You’ll find solid and reliable continuations for Black built on the famous Marshall Attack. This work belongs to the best chess opening repertoire books dedicated to one opening system.

10 great ways to get better at chess

10 great ways to get better at chess

A renowned trainer Nigel Davies provides working methods to get better in the game.

He tackles all aspects of chess and shares his thoughts as a grandmaster. Over the years, many of his students significantly grew their skills through wise guidance.

Attacking chess: the French (Everyman Chess Series)

Attacking chess: the French

The book contains an ambitious opening repertoire to play for Black in the French.

The author Simon Williams is known as an innovative player. And he suggests interesting lines. They embody a combination of talented attacks and a traditional structure of the opening.

Chess developments: the Sicilian Najdorf 6 Bg5

Chess developments: the Sicilian Najdorf 6 Bg5

The main focus of the book is on the trends concerning one particular opening system.

International master Goh Wei Ming discusses the essential lines and modern theoretical additions. If you wonder where to get this chess openings book, Amazon has you covered.

Starting out: d-pawn attacks

Starting out: d-pawn attacks

This is a comprehensive guide to d4 attacks written by Richard Palliser. He gives full coverage of the riskiest attacking options for White. Namely, the 150 attacks, the Barry, and the Colle-Zukertort.

Recently, these three set-ups became hugely popular, particularly at the club level.

Attacking with 1 d4

Attacking with 1 d4

This book of chess openings follows the topic of the previous example.

Angus Dunnington offers an all-new repertoire built on the e4 and d4 starting moves. He constructs easy-to-learn, yet efficient systems to play against Black.

Dark Knight System: A Repertoire With 1…Nc6

Dark Knight System: A Repertoire With 1...Nc6

As a FIDE master, author James Schuyler shares his vast collection of moves with 1…Nc6. The provided system is a powerful combination of several openings resulting in an independent tool.

Opening repertoire: the Petroff defense

Opening repertoire: the Petroff defense

Here Cyrus Lakdawala uses illustrative examples to explore this extremely complex opening.

If you want a modern and thorough analysis, pick this chess opening book. Download a free electronic version “The Petroff Defence by Artur Yusupov” or enjoy a paperback from the store. Both options are available.

Chess developments: the Pirc

Chess developments: the Pirc

The given opening is covered by James Vigus from the most modern perspective. The edition includes all major lines, novelties in theory, and interesting fresh ideas.

The Benko Gambit: move by move

The Benko Gambit: move by move

Get a solid grounding on the tactical aspects of the Benko with Junior Tay. He is known for his expertise and creative approach to the opening.

So you’ll discover a whole bunch of new ideas concerning the matter. It belongs to the best opening books for novices to learn the given combo.

Tango! A dynamic answer to 1 d4

Tango! A dynamic answer to 1 d4

The theory master Richard Palliser tells about the uncommon Black Knights Tango. The reader gets a solid grounding on the key strategies and traps in the opening.

Play the Catalan

Play the Catalan

If you’re looking for the best openings book to study the Catalan, consider this work.

Nigel Davies provides a thorough study of this sophisticated opening. Get the idea of the tactical and positional approach by Black.

Beating Unusual Chess Defences: 1 e4: Dealing With The Scandinavian, Pirc, Modern, Alekhine And Other Tricky Lines

Beating Unusual Chess Defences: 1 e4: Dealing With The Scandinavian, Pirc, Modern, Alekhine And Other Tricky Lines

Here you get a whole assortment of various lines to play against 1 e4. Andrew Greet explains how to deal with tricky openings involving this move.

Play the Grünfeld

Play the Grünfeld

This dynamic opening is quite popular nowadays. An expert in this area Yelena Dembo provides workable, yet not so complex lines to apply for Black.

This is the best book of chess openings regarding the Grünfeld in terms of simplicity.

The Torre attack: move by move

The Torre attack: move by move

Similar to other editions in the series, this one fully covers one opening in detail. Richard Palliser encourages to learn and practice the skills explaining the key elements.

Bundle: gambiteer

Bundle: gambiteer

In terms of format, it’s the best book to learn chess openings by Nigel Davies. Divided into two parts, the work provides a hard-hitting e4 repertoire for both sides.

Taming the Sicilian

Taming the Sicilian

This opening is a highly ambitious and common option for Black. Nigel Davies develops a convenient system for White to tackle this sequence.

Disreputable opening repertoire

Disreputable opening repertoire

This all chess openings book teaches Black to become initiative after the 1…e5 move. It’s an adventurous collection of lines by Jonathan Tait that covers theoretical and practical aspects.

Why we lose at chess

Why we lose at chess

The main mistakes in the game are properly explained by Colin Crouch. Also, you’ll find out how to avoid them or, at least, make them less often.

Alekhine alert!

Alekhine alert!

A former American Champion at chess Timothy Taylor shares a dynamic repertoire for Black. Also, he breaks down all of White’s available options.

Conclusion

As a final recommendation, we’d like to emphasize the convenience of the chess opening book database. Using your computer to improve at the game makes the learning process much faster.

For example, a chess opening book BIN. Download this format and you’ll be able to see the sequences played in real-time. It’s a modern and handy tool available for everyone.

Besides, it can become a great addition to your paperback manuals. You don’t have to be a computer geek to use a chess engine opening book. Download it from a reliable source and enhance your education process!

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William Berrington
William Berrington is an experienced chess player and a candidate master of sports. He took part in many regional USA championships. Also, he contributes to chess popularization by giving workshops for beginners and interviews for newspapers.
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