Chess books for intermediate players
Once you can play comfortably, your study questions become more specific. You may understand an opening but struggle to form a plan, or see tactical ideas only after the game has ended.
These books give you different ways to examine those problems. Choose a format you will spend time working through.
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Logical Chess: Move by Move
By Irving Chernev.
Chernev explains the moves in complete games, showing how individual decisions contribute to a plan. The commentary follows attacks and positional choices as they develop.
Pause before a move and ask what you would play. The explanation becomes more revealing when you have a decision of your own to compare.
View Logical Chess: Move by Move on Amazon
Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games
By László Polgár.
This large collection offers mating exercises alongside combinations and games. Its diagrams provide ample material for repeated tactical practice.
Select exercises at a level that makes you calculate. Keep a separate note of missed positions so you can revisit them.
View Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations and Games on Amazon
Complete Book of Chess Strategy
By Jeremy Silman.
The dictionary-style arrangement lets you look up a concept without reading from the beginning. Entries span opening ideas, tactics and endgames.
Use it alongside your game reviews. When a recurring problem has a name, the relevant entry can give you a more precise subject to study.
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600 Modern Chess Puzzles
By Martyn Kravtsiv.
Kravtsiv presents tactical positions with solutions and explanations. The exercises give you opportunities to calculate without knowing the answer in advance.
Set aside enough time to check the opponent's replies. After reading a solution, identify the move or defensive idea you overlooked.
View 600 Modern Chess Puzzles on Amazon
Chess Tactics, Volume 2
By Carsten Hansen.
Hansen offers a collection of exercises with varied difficulty. Some include hints, while others require more independent calculation.
Use a small group for a regular practice session. Revisit a difficult exercise after reviewing the explanation and see whether you can reproduce the reasoning.
