Reading list
Chess book recommendations.
These books will provide a solid foundation for any chess player, regardless of skill level. Robert recommends what has worked for his students and for himself — he hopes you like them as much as he does.
Tactics
Where every player should start
Tactics by theme
A tactics book Robert has used with beginner students for many years. It presents the tactical themes chapter by chapter and gives you plenty of exercises to really grasp the patterns. In his opinion, this should be your first tactics book.
01
Mixed tactics
Another great book for practising tactics. Unlike the first recommendation, it's full of mixed tactics — it never tells you which theme you're working on. You only know you have to findthe best move possible, just like in a real game.
02
Puzzles
Once your tactics are solid
Positions we all need to learn
Once you have a good tactical foundation, you'll enjoy a book like this. The positions go from simple to complex and from tactical to strategic. You learn a lot from trying to solve the puzzles — and just as much from reviewing the answers.
03
The follow-up volume
The direct sequel to the previous recommendation. In this case the second part is just as good, if not better.
04
Games & strategy
Learn from how masters actually play
Magnus, game by game
Robert enjoys using this book with students and they like it too. It covers the first games Magnus Carlsen played — he was just getting started, and you can appreciate how his talent shows
one game at a time. Every game is full of insights and comments from his first coach.
05
Kramnik on strategy
Vladimir Kramnik is one of the best players in history, known especially for his strategic and positional understanding. This book explains many of his games move by move.
06
Openings & endgames
Round out your understanding
The Pirc Defense
A great book on the Pirc Defense, brought to Robert by one of his best students — they both agree it does a fantastic job of explaining the essence of the opening. You'll learn how to handle
the different approaches White can use, including the Austrian Attack.
07
Complete endgames
We need to study endgames. This one covers everything you need to know and a good deal more. Robert has used it for years
to teach students and to train himself — simply a great book about chess endings.