IM Levy Rozman has achieved a major publishing milestone with his latest book reaching the New York Times bestseller list. How to Win at Chess, Next Level entered the prestigious rankings while his two How to Win at Chess titles occupy the top two positions on Amazon's bestselling chess books chart.
Rozman's original book, How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond, debuted in October 2023 and quickly climbed Amazon's rankings. Nearly three years after its release, the first volume continues to share the top spots on Amazon with its follow-up, demonstrating sustained reader interest.
The new book, released on October 6, targets intermediate players rated around 1000 to 1600. This sequel represents a shift from Rozman's debut, which introduced chess to newcomers. Writing for players already familiar with fundamentals required different approaches and deeper analysis of how players progress at specific rating levels.
Rozman emphasized that publishing served purposes beyond commercial success. He viewed books as lasting legacies, contrasting their permanence with the uncertainty of online platforms dependent on algorithms. His first book has sold over 300,000 copies and been translated into approximately 20 languages, achieving unexpected global reach.
Creating the intermediate-level guide involved extensive research and game analysis. Rozman reviewed hundreds of thousands of games to identify examples that reflected how players at intermediate ratings actually compete. He plans an upcoming European tour starting in Cologne on October 25, featuring live demonstrations, matches against fans, and chess instruction in multiple cities.