The Most Exciting Chess Games Ever

The Most Exciting Chess Games Ever is an English-language paperback chess book that brings together 45 of the most exciting games chosen by grandmasters, authors and chess experts.

What this book covers

The book grew out of a long-running New In Chess tradition of asking well-known figures in the chess world about their favourites in different areas of life. One question kept returning: what is the most exciting chess game ever played? Over time, that produced an impressive pool of nominations from players and writers including Anand, Shirov, Short and Ivanchuk, as well as respected commentators such as Jeremy Silman, Jennifer Shahade and Tania Sachdev.

This anthology draws 45 games from that selection. Alongside famous classics, you will also find less obvious choices that stand out for their ideas, energy and courage. That makes the book just as suitable for enjoyable reading as it is for finding inspiration for your own analysis.

Games inside

The collection includes legendary encounters such as Kasparov – Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999 and the famous “Immortal Game” Anderssen – Kieseritzky, London 1851, as well as games with a different kind of character, including Karpov’s decisive fight with Kasparov in the final round of their 1985 match and Botvinnik’s strategic display against Capablanca.

It also makes room for less predictable selections. Ding Liren appears with a game built around a direct attack, Ivan Saric with an unusual material balance — a knight and five pawns against two rooks — and Sergei Radchenko with a chase of the white king across the board. Together, these games show how varied and inventive chess can be.

Why choose it?

The Most Exciting Chess Games Ever is not a chronological game collection. It presents chess through emotion: attack, risk, turning points and unexpected decisions. That makes it a strong choice for ambitious club players, as well as for anyone who simply enjoys games with character. It also works well as a gift for a chess player who already owns the basic training books and wants something more inspiring.

The book is edited by Steve Giddins, an English FIDE Master and experienced chess author and journalist. He is also the creator and editor of the bestselling anthology The New In Chess Book of Chess Improvement, based on material from New In Chess.

Key details

• Product type: paperback chess book
• Language: English
• Binding: paperback
• Editor: Steve Giddins
• Publisher context: New In Chess
• Content: 45 selected chess games
• Number of pages: 200