A superb guide to the general concepts of chess technique and the methods for using technique to plan ahead. Early initiative and control of the center, translating an advantage into the middle game, techniques of endgame play are all systematically analyzed. 200 examples and problems from actual play increase "technique consciousness."
Combinations: The Heart of Chess by Irving Chernev Step-by-step explanation of intricacies of combinative play. 356 combinations by Botvinnik, Keres, Capablanca, others, all annotated. 356 diagrams.
Carlsbad International Chess Tournament 1929 by Aron Nimzovich, Jim Marfia The tournament's victor offers a captivating retrospective of his triumph over Capablanca, Euwe, Bogolyubov, Tartakower, Sämisch, and others, with a tart analysis of Carlsbad's 30 best games.
The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played by Irving Chernev 62 masterly demonstrations of basic strategies of winning, featuring games by the greatest chess masters. Compiled, diagramed, annotated by one of chess literature's most brilliant authors. 146 illustrations.
Chess Master vs. Chess Amateur by Max Euwe, Walter Meiden 25 chess games chosen, arranged, annotated to help amateurs avoid a variety of weak strategic and tactical moves. With commentary by 1935–36 World Chess Champion Max Euwe. 1963 edition.
Bobby Fischer: Profile of a Prodigy (Revised Edition) by Frank Brady Revealing biography chronicles the chess champion's brilliant play, controversial behavior, private life, and more. 90 games. 26 photographs. Diagrams.