Calculation

Think Like a Grandmaster

by Alexander Kotov

The book that introduced candidate moves and the tree of analysis: a method for calculating without going in circles.

Under $25Widely available in print and as an ebook

Best forPlayers who calculate a lot but decide badly

Author: Alexander Kotov
First published: 1971
Level: Advanced
Topic: Calculation

Why we picked it

Candidate moves and the analysis tree
Advice on time trouble and assessment
Still the starting point for books on calculation

Keep in mind

More rigid than how strong players really think. Take the ideas, not the rules.

Compare

Alternatives at a similar price.

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For kidsChess for ChildrenMurray Chandler and Helen MilliganA colourful, friendly introduction written for young children, with cartoon diagrams and short chapters.Under $25Under $50
First stepsPlay Winning ChessYasser Seirawan and Jeremy SilmanA grandmaster’s friendly first course: the basic principles of force, time, space and pawn structure, explained with stories.Under $25Under $50
Puzzles1001 Chess Exercises for BeginnersFranco Masetti and Roberto MessaA thousand short tactics puzzles grouped by theme, from forks to mates, with a little teaching before each set.Under $25Under $50

Goes well with

Complete the kit.

Best first smart boardSmart boards · Smart boardChessnut AirChessnutA compact board that recognises every piece and lights up your opponent’s moves. It is the board most people buy first.$249.99$150 to $400
Best self-moving boardSmart boards · Self-moving boardChessnut MoveChessnutA robotic board: magnets under the surface slide your opponent’s pieces, and it can reset every piece at once.From $719Over $400
Best for learningSmart boards · Teaching smart boardChessUp 2Bryght LabsA Wi-Fi board with a touchscreen that shows legal moves and rates your choices as you play. Chess.com supports it officially.$349.99$150 to $400
The set everyone needsSets · Club setInspiration Club SetChess HouseTriple-weighted modern Staunton pieces on a thin flex-pad board that rolls or folds. The kind of set you see at every club.$42Under $50

Chosen because players widely use and recommend it, not because a maker paid to be listed. We don’t earn commissions from these links. Prices change often; check the store before you buy. About this guide