Chess is a wonderful game. It has rules that are easy to learn. But, there are many other ways to play chess. These are called chess variants. Chess variants change the rules. They can make the game more fun and interesting.
Reading books about chess variants can help you learn new strategies. Below, we list some of the best books on chess variants and unconventional play. These books are great for beginners and experts alike.
1. “Fairy Chess Problems” by T.R. Dawson
This book is about fairy chess. Fairy chess changes the rules of regular chess. It adds new pieces with new moves. This book has many puzzles. It helps you think in new ways.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
Fairy Chess Problems | T.R. Dawson | Fairy Chess |
2. “Chess Variants” by David Pritchard
This book is a big collection of chess variants. It has over 1400 different games. Each game has its own rules. This book is good for players who want to try many new games.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
Chess Variants | David Pritchard | Various Chess Variants |
3. “The Encyclopedia of Chess Variants” by David Pritchard
This is another book by David Pritchard. It is like an encyclopedia. It has many chess variants. Each variant is explained clearly. This book is great for learning about different ways to play chess.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
The Encyclopedia of Chess Variants | David Pritchard | Various Chess Variants |
4. “Play Unconventional Chess and Win” by Noam A. Manella and Zeev Zohar
This book is about unconventional chess strategies. It teaches you how to surprise your opponent. It is good for players who want to win with new ideas.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
Play Unconventional Chess and Win | Noam A. Manella and Zeev Zohar | Unconventional Strategies |
5. “Chess Variants for the Casual Player” by John Gollon
This book is great for casual players. It has many simple chess variants. The rules are easy to understand. It is perfect for family game night.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
Chess Variants for the Casual Player | John Gollon | Casual Chess Variants |
6. “The Chess Variants” by Anthony Dickins
This book is a good introduction to chess variants. It explains many different games. Each game has clear rules and examples. It is good for beginners.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
The Chess Variants | Anthony Dickins | Introduction to Chess Variants |

Credit: www.chess.com

Credit: www.ebay.com
7. “Capablanca’s Chess Primer” by José Raúl Capablanca
This book is written by a world chess champion. It explains a variant called Capablanca Chess. This variant uses a bigger board. It also has two new pieces. The book is easy to read. It is good for all skill levels.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
Capablanca’s Chess Primer | José Raúl Capablanca | Capablanca Chess |
8. “A World of Chess” by Jean-Louis Cazaux and Rick Knowlton
This book explores chess history. It talks about chess variants from different cultures. The book is very interesting. It is great for people who love history and chess.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
A World of Chess | Jean-Louis Cazaux and Rick Knowlton | Historical Chess Variants |
9. “The Book of Chess Variants” by P. R. James
This book is for serious chess players. It has many different chess variants. Each variant has detailed rules. It is a good resource for learning new games.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
The Book of Chess Variants | P. R. James | Detailed Chess Variants |
10. “Shogi for Beginners” by John Fairbairn
Shogi is a Japanese chess variant. This book is a great introduction to Shogi. It explains the rules and strategies. It is perfect for beginners who want to learn Shogi.
Book Title | Author | Focus |
---|---|---|
Shogi for Beginners | John Fairbairn | Introduction to Shogi |
Conclusion
These books on chess variants and unconventional play are great resources. They offer new ways to enjoy chess. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find something new. Start exploring these books today. Happy reading!