Most books are still in print but my personalized extra autographed copies are almost all sold out.
Take links or use the pull-down menu for more information about each book.
If you want an errata list for a book, email me with the name of the book & the edition/printing date & I will reply with a Word file.
Note: All books in print can be obtained normally thru Amazon, chess book sellers, the publisher, etc (see below; Mongoose Press sells directly but Russell Enterprises does not.)
Take links or use the pull-down menu for more information about each book.
If you want an errata list for a book, email me with the name of the book & the edition/printing date & I will reply with a Word file.
Note: All books in print can be obtained normally thru Amazon, chess book sellers, the publisher, etc (see below; Mongoose Press sells directly but Russell Enterprises does not.)
- Elements of Positional Evaluation, 4th ed. this book also available in Kindle
- The Improving Annotator 2nd edition
- Looking for Trouble - 3rd edition ; also in Forward Chess format. 3rd edition (2023) now available at Amazon & chess booksellers
- The Traxler Counterattack (CD) - available in CD and download formats at www.chesscentral.com
- The Computer Analyzes the Fried Liver/Lolli (CD) - an e-book from www.chesscentral.com
- Everyone's 2nd Chess Book 2nd edition 2018 greatly expanded! See used book price of 1st edition!
- Back to Basics: Tactics 4th printing also available via Forward Chess in e-book format for mobile devices - now in Spanish, too
- The Improving Chess Thinker 2nd edition
- A Guide to Chess Improvement: The Best of Novice Nook - From publisher Everyman (now "Popular Chess"); available on Forward Chess
- The World's Most Instructive Amateur Game Book - also in Forward Chess format for mobile devices - This may be my book I recommend most :)
- Is Your Move Safe? - ***Winner: 2016 "Best Instructional Book" by the CJA*** It is also available in "Forward Chess" app e-format. A puzzle book published by Mongoose Press. This is a "cousin" book to Looking for Trouble. Amazon link
- A Parent's Guide to Chess - Unique & great book! - it's a guide to the world of competitive chess (out of print; used copies can be found)
- Maximize Your Chess Potential - based on my Twitter Tips - now out from Popular Chess Publishing and Forward Chess! - Sample Pages - This book won "***Best Instructional Book***" in 2026 from the Chess Journalists of America.
- Can I Take It?: An Introduction to the Counting Tactic in Chess - a NIC book expanded from Dan & NM Laura Smith's introductory Chessable course.
SPECIALS:
- Want to help? Take the following links to make a tax-deductible donation to the Philadelphia Foundation funds to help women in need (Item 1 on that page) or support area scholastic chess (Item 2)
- If you decide instead to purchase at Amazon.com, click on their graphic link below to give me referral credit, thanks!
Reader Feedback on Dan's writings
ICC Message from carro:
I own nearly 1,000 chess books (literally). Yet, the more I read your work, the more I become convinced that you rival the best chess writers in history. You have a rare gift for providing honest clarity. Your earnest efforts to penetrate and inform are greatly appreciated.
email from Josh:
Your writings have changed my life. Not only do I learn a lot about chess, but I learn a lot about learning in general.
Chess.com post about In Defense of Chess Instruction: Knightdreamer :
Dan, Awesome article! I smiled the whole time I read it. In my eyes, you are the best living chess author.
email from Wolfgang:
This year in February, I have played my best chess tournament in my whole chess career. I think this is mainly because of the chess books "The Improving Chess Thinker" and "The Best of Novice Nook". Maybe I can't repeat this little success in the future, but I absolutely convinced of the way your are teaching chess. Regards, Wolfgang PS: Your books: Back to Basics and The World's Most Instructive Amateur Game Book are real eye opener. In particular the last one.
Tweet from DV: