Public domain sources

Chess texts

OpenForge course notes can be adapted from public-domain chess books. Each source listed here links back to Project Gutenberg and keeps attribution visible.

Project Gutenberg chess list

Project Gutenberg #33870

Chess Fundamentals

Classic instruction by Capablanca, useful for fundamentals, simple plans, and endgame clarity.

José Raúl Capablanca Public domain in the USA via Project Gutenberg.

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Project Gutenberg #4902

Chess History and Reminiscences

Chess history and game culture reference useful for contextual reading.

H. E. Bird Public domain in the USA via Project Gutenberg.

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Project Gutenberg #5614

Chess Strategy

Edward Lasker’s strategic primer, including opening development, losing tempi, pawn play, centre control, and opening families.

Edward Lasker Translated by J. du Mont Public domain in the USA via Project Gutenberg.

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Project Gutenberg #4913

Chess and Checkers: The Way to Mastership

Introductory chess and checkers instruction by Edward Lasker, suitable for beginner support material.

Edward Lasker Public domain in the USA via Project Gutenberg.

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Project Gutenberg #6984

The Blue Book of Chess

Rudiments of play and analysis of recognized openings, useful as historical opening reference material.

Howard Staunton Public domain in the USA via Project Gutenberg.

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Project Gutenberg #13288

The Exploits and Triumphs, in Europe, of Paul Morphy

Historical Morphy material that can support lessons on development, initiative, and open-game attacking play.

Frederick Milnes Edge Public domain in the USA via Project Gutenberg.

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