After years of coaching at international and school level, Angus Dunnington believes that insufficient awareness of certain important themes is responsible for many lost points. Here, in 101 diagrammed examples he illustrates the handling of pawn structures, optimising piece play and many classical strategic motifs. Opening, middlegame and endgame positions are all included with plenty of explanation. Knowledge of these ideas here will help you spot key moments in your games and to respond in the best way.pub. 1999, softback, 128 pages.
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This true classic of chess literature is now available to younger players through being put into algebraic notation. Through his analysis of 61 complete games Reshevsky explains middlegame concepts such as weak pawns, space, passed pawns, king position, space, open lines, tactics and good & bad pieces. Almost every positional feature is covered, from pawn chains and blockade to sacrificial attacks and knight vs bishop positions, in an entertaining yet instructive manner. Aimed at intermediate and stronger players. Samuel Reshevsky's career spanned eight decades from child prodigy to veteran and he was U.S. Champion many times. Pub. 2002 (1976), softback, 306 pages.
A classic exposition of middlegame play including attacks on the king, defending difficult positions and different central pawn structures and the art of analysis. With an additional chapter on planning by Harry Golombek. In English Descriptive (1.P-K4) notation. Pub. 1989, softback, 238 pages.
Originally published in 1925, this ground breaking work on chess strategy was unfortunately eclipsed by the same author's classic "My System", published two years later. Nevertheless, the concepts of blockade, restraint and prophylaxis formed an essential part of Nimzowitsch's System and so this book remains required reading for those wishing to understand his formulation of the laws of chess strategy. This dual language edition contains a facsimile reprint of the original German edition (Die Blockade) as well as a new translation into English and several magazine articles by Nimzowitsch which further illustrate his ideas on strategy at that time. The Blockade undoubtedly represents a milestone in the development of chess thinking. Pub. 2006, softback, 155 pages.
A positional quiz book with 150 diagrammed positions of varying levels of difficulty and a points scoring system to monitor your progress. The "Ask a Grandmaster" option exists for each test allowing you to have a hint in exchange for some of the available points. The tests invite you to find continuations to take advantage of weak pawns, outposts, weak colour complexes, open files and other positional features. With a diagram for each test position this book can be enjoyed without the need for a chess set. Solving tests such as these can be a great help in increasing your positional judgement and ability to calculate. Author Angus Dunnington is an experienced I.M. and a coach to some of the U.K. s leading juniors. Pub. 2002, softback, 144 pages.
In this companion to Chess Endings Essential Knowledge Grandmaster Averbakh devotes himself only to the essential features of middlegame play so that the reader will not be overwhelmed with knowledge but will be able to find his or her way through the most complicated middlegame situations. Averbakh comes to the conclusion that the double attack and combined attack are the most important middlegame weapons and shows how to coordinate your forces to execute these attacks, He also deals extensively with methods of attacking the opponent's king; one of the main objects of middlegame play. Pub. 1996, softback, 112 pages.
In this follow up to "My System" Nimzowitsch shows how the ideas enunciated in his previous work are put to use in 109 of his own games. The games are arranged according to positional theme and are annotated by the author in his own inimitable style. This new translation stick's more closely to the spirit of the original German text than previous English editions have. pub. 2007, softback, 215 pages.
In this follow up to "My System" Nimzowitsch shows how the ideas enunciated in his previous work are put to use in 109 of his own games. The games are arranged according to positional theme and are annotated by the author in his own inimitable style. For this algebraic edition USCF Master John Hall has also annotated 15 modern positional masterpieces in which the players have drawn upon Nimzowitsch's teachings. pub. 1993, softback, 296 pages.
Chess Secrets aims to uncover the mysteries of one of the most important aspects of chess: strategy. The chess world has been blessed with some wonderful strategists, innovators of the game with their instructive play and profound teachings. In The Giants of Strategy, Neil McDonald chooses his selection of the most prominent ones and highlights the major contributions they have made. He examines their differing approaches and styles, and from Nimzowitsch to Kramnik, how they followed in each other's footsteps. Using examples from Nimzowitsch, Capablanca, Petrosian, Karpov and Kramnik the author shows how each can offer valuable lessons on diverse dubjects such as outposts, planning, pawn breaks, pawn rams, restraint, blockade and prophylaxis. Neil McDonald is an English Grandmaster and experienced author and chess coach. Pub. 2007, softback, 256 pages.
The authors aim is to demystify middlegame planning by identifying the most important practical techniques for you to employ. They explain essential strategies, how to use bishops and knights, making the most of pawn structures, open files and diagonals, the centre and much more. This is volume five in the best-selling Comprehensive Chess Course series and is aimed at club and tournament level players. GM Lev Alburt is a three time U.S. Champion and bases his teaching on methods used in his Russian homeland. Sam Palatnik is a Ukranian Grandmaster. 2nd edition Pub. 2007, softback, 341 pages.
In this follow-up to the hugely popular Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy, IM John Watson continues his examination of the post Nimzowitschian development of middlegame theory. Here, in three theory sections, he covers areas which were relatively unexplored in his earlier book: The Surrender of the Centre, Modern Understanding of Pawn Play and The Pieces in Action. He illustrates these concepts in modern practice with many examples from imaginative players such as Kasparov, Kramnik, Anand, Ivanchuk and tempestuous innovators such as Shirov and Morozevich. He explains how modern players are more willing than their predecessors to favour dynamic considerations over static ones, and how they have increasingly transcended the limiting 'rules' which influenced play in earlier times. The final part of the book is a collection of 35 annotated games entitled "Modern Games and their Interpretation". If you enjoyed Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy then you will welcome the clarification of important concepts found here. Chess Strategy in Action can also be read on its own as an outstanding treatise on modern strategic thinking in top level chess. Pub. 2003, softback, 288 pages.
A classic of chess literature in which GM Suetin explains the difference between the static and dynamic approach to middlegame play, the foundations of strategy and tactics and the link between the two, modern dynamics and relating the middlegame to the opening. Price: £11.95(£11.95 Including VAT at 0%)This product is included in our 10% discount offer for orders of 2 or more qualifying books & CD or DVD products!
A Spanish grandmaster explains how creativity can be used to overcome technical obstacles on the chessboard. Once they have obtained an advantage, too many players make the mistake of assuming that the exploitation of this advantage will just be a matter of technique, requiring accuracy but little imagination. Romero shows that the opposite is often the case: sometimes it is the paradoxical solution that works, whereas the mechanical method would fritter away the hard-earned advantage. By following Romero in his investigation of the many outstanding practical examples and complete games in this book, readers will inevitably increase their understanding of chess strategy in general, and fine-tune their instinct for sensing those critical moments when non-standard solutions are necessary. 16 chapters including Pawn Structure, Positional Exchange Sacrifice, IQP, Blockade and Attacking without Rules. Pub. 2003, softback, 224 pages.
This book tackles the role of central pawn formations in chess and explains how the central pawns should be used as well as the way in which their formation affects planning. Marovic begins with an historical survey showing how our understanding of pawn play has changed and led to developments such as the acceptance of dynamic backward pawns in modern opening play. The main part of the book is devoted to discussion of the various types of pawn centres: Open Centre, Closed/Blocked Centre, Fixed Centre and Mobile/Dynamic Centre and is packed with explanation and examples showing how to handle these formations. There is also a chapter on pawn majorities and the minority attack. A follow-up to the same author's "Understanding Pawn Play in Chess". Pub. 2001, softback, 256 pages.
This is an ambitious book concerned with flexibility of thought and the ability to adapt to changing strategic circumstances on the board. The author has selected three openings: The Spanish Opening, Grunfeld Defence and Sicilian Scheveningen as his main battleground and he investigates the key ideas behind these systems, stopping at critical moments to ask questions of the reader which concern the nature of the position and the plans for either side. The aim is to help the reader develop a feeling of self reliance when analysing positions rather than always needing to memorize long variations. Jansa also examines systems of play in the Caro-Kann and Sveshnikov Sicilian again stressing how an awareness of tiny details of a position is essential in forming and reforming a suitable plan of action. Vlastimil Jansa is a Czech Grandmaster and today coaches young players. Pub. 2003, softback, 219 pages.
In this follow-up to his best-selling "Excelling at Chess" I.M. Jacob Aagard shows some new ideas for intuitive thinking which he has developed since the first book and he also includes examples of the thinking techniques he outlined earlier, in practical play. The second part of the book contains 108 diagrammed positional examples for solving. The solutions are given in great depth and each forms a positional lesson in itself. This is the kind of book which will appeal to those who want to improve their chess by developing better thought processes rather than by learning theory. 2003, softback, 192 pages.
Chess is a game where profound strategic thinking must be allied with clever short-term tactics. Most previous works on strategy focus on specific aspects of chess strategy, but Lars Bo Hansen's aims here are different. He creates a framework in which the various elements can be systematically included and organized - a framework that will help chess-players how to think about chess strategy during practical play. The theory of business strategy is extensively developed, and Hansen adopts the novel approach of investigating whether any of the vast amounts of research and modelling done for business purposes can be applied in chess. He finds that there are indeed many useful parallels, and focuses on how these ideas can be used to good effect by chess-players both in their preparation and when making over-the-board decisions. Author Lars Bo Hansen is a grandmaster from Denmark. Pub. 2005, softback, 176 pages.
Resourceful defensive play is a vital factor in competitive success. Here I.M. Colin Crouch explains the basic principles of defence, as developed by Steinitz and his successors, before moving on to a detailed examination of defensive technique in the games of Emanuel Lasker and Tigran Petrosian. Crouch annotates 10 games each from these two World Champions and includes over 20 extra games, featuring other world champions in action. The games have been selected so that a wide range of defensive tasks are in evidence and the great skill of both players is clearly analyzed and explained. An educational and instructive read. This book is a reprint of the edition published in the year 2000. pub. 2007, softback, 223 pages.
Chess is fundamentally a dynamic game. Each move changes the situation and the possibilities for both sides. No piece is ever identically as valuable as any other, and their scope changes from move to move. The current generation of super-grandmasters plays unrelentingly dynamic chess, but a great deal of chess literature still deals with chess as if it were a predominantly static game. Much traditional chess teaching is based around rules of thumb that might work well 'on average' or in 'typical' situations, but these rules may not equip players for the specific and sometimes exceptional situations that they face in their games. In this book, Valeri Beim explains how to factor in dynamic considerations, and weigh initiative and time against material and other static factors. Topics include: dynamics, development, the king as a target, breakthrough, and the initiative. This book is a compliment to Beim's previous best-seller Lessons in Chess Strategy which deals with static elements in chess strategy.
Valeri Beim is a grandmaster who lives in Austria. He has won numerous tournaments and plays in the Austrian and German leagues. For many years he was the head trainer at the chess school in Odessa, and he was also the trainer of the Israeli Olympiad team. Pub. 2004, softback, 176 pages.
This book is an ambitious attempt at a revision of Nimzowitsch's famous My System. The author has developed a new scheme to explain the concept of prophylaxis and taken many examples from more modern play. An interesting read along with My System or Watson Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy. Pub. 1996, softback, 112 pages.
An introduction to middlegame play aimed at intermediate players and with an emphasis on the practical aspects of play. Rather than starting out with hard and fast rules, Kinsman takes examples of practical play and draws lessons and conclusions from them. Chapters include The Fundamentals of Position Play, Keeping Control, Avoiding Blunders, Attacking Play, Turning Things Around and The Time Control. Packed with hints and tips throughout. Andrew Kinsman is an International Master.pub. 2000, softback, 144 pages.
Danish FM Carsten Hansen highlights some of the key points of chess strategy using examples from master play. Topics include: the quest for weaknesses, "what is the initiative?", understanding imbalances, the relative value of the pieces, decisions regarding pawn-structures, structural weaknesses, and where and how to attack. Each chapter has quiz section with diagrammed exercises and the final chapter contains test positions relating to the material throughout the book. Full solutions included. A challenging and enjoyable way to increase your strategic mastery! Pub. 2004, softback, 192 pages.
It is natural to hide the king away during the hurly-burly of opening and middlegame play but often king activity can be a vital factor, after all the king is an important fighting unit in the army. Here GM Edmar Mednis reveals the power of an active king in the opening, middlegame and endgame and, through usage if examples from actual play, shows how to successfully use the king in all stages of the game, in both attacking and defensive roles. Pub. 2005 (1982), softback, 382 pages.
Following on from his successful book Chess Recipes from the Grandmaster's Kitchen, Valeri Beim serves up a further series of lessons on important general chess topics. His helpful advice will help you to handle a whole range of typical situations with greater confidence and understanding. These include: geometry of the chessboard; symmetrical pawn-structures; space advantage; central passed pawn in the middlegame; static and dynamic features. In each chapter there are exercises for the reader, with full solutions given. Pub. 2003, softback, 176 pages.
In this follow up to Improve Your Middlegame Dunnington introduces and illustrates several important concepts in middlegame play including Attacking the King, Defending, Opening Lines, Using the Pieces and Using the Pawns. These ideas are shown in action through the 62 complete games in the book. Each chapter is packed with tips and warnings and has a summary of the main ideas as well as some test positions. Aimed at average club players aspiring to a higher level. Pub. 2001, softback, 144 pages.
This is one of the classics of chess literature which explains in clear language the basic, unchanging elements of middlegame play. The authors have included hundreds of examples from master play. Volume 1 examines static features such as Pawn Formations, How to Open Lines, the Minority Attack and Weak Pawns. By studying these examples the reader will have a better understanding of playing similar positions in his or her own games. In algebraic notation.pub. 1994, softback, algebraic, 253 pages. Go to Middlegame Book 2
Originally published in 1952 this classic book has been unavailable for many years. Now this new, algebraic edition makes Fine's masterpiece available to a new generation of players. Fine begins with combinative play and mating attacks before moving on to positional features. By using many examples from play he illustrates different aspects of tactical and positional play from attacks on the king and material advantage to pawn structure, how to analyse and how to use a space advantage. He also considers the transition from opening to middlegame and from middlegame to ending. Unlike opening theory these middlegame concepts do not date and so are as relevant today as when written. Reuben Fine was a Grandmaster and World Championship challenger before giving up chess to pursue his career. Pub. 2003, softback, 397 pages.
The Carlsbad pawn structure usually arises from the Queen's Gambit exchange variation (1.d4,d5; 2.c4,e6; 3.cxd5,exd5.) White can play the minority attack (b4-b5) or expand his central majority. Black usually seeks counterplay on the kingside. This book examines and explains the various positional ideas inherent in the pawn structure and contains 235, mostly annotated, games which illustrate methods of play for both sides. pub. 1997, softback, 155 pages.
These days many chess players use computer software to help them improve their play. By going over one's own games, using a chess playing program, blunders, missed opportunities and alternative moves come to light very quickly. Database software also helps in preparing and updating an opening repertoire with a thoroughness which was impossible a few years ago. And yet computer analysis is not infallible. There are still areas of the game such as long term planning and positional sacrifices where human experience outshines raw calculating power.
This book is an in-depth examination of the differences between human and computer analysis and an attempt to show how best computers can be used in combination with your own mind to improve your ability. It's main sections discuss the relative strengths of computers and humans, methods of using computers for analysis and how to analyse in the opening, middlegame and endgame. The many topics covered include: Schematic thinking; Dynamic play vs. quiet manoeuvring; Fortresses; King Hunts and 'King Drift'; The Problem of Exchanging and Interactive Analysis.The author illustrates his ideas by using example games and positions showing when you should heed the computer's analytical advice and when you simply shouldn't trust it!
Robin Smith is a top-class correspondence chess player, and holds the grandmaster title for correspondence play. He has been USA Correspondence Chess Champion on two occasions and has won a World Correspondence Chess Championship semi-final. Pub. 2004, softback, 176 pages.
An abridged, single volume, version of Pachman's classic, Modern Chess Strategy deals with every aspect of middlegame play including the use of the pieces, pawn play, the centre, wing play, the minority attack and psychological play. Pachman draws on 129 examples of master play and to illustrate his systematic text explanations, including games featuring Capablanca, Alekhine, Lasker, Botvinnik, Reshevsky, Bronstein, Smyslov and Spassky.In English descriptive notation. (1.P-K4 etc) Pub. 1971, softback, 320 pages.
My System is undoubtably one of the most influential chess books of all time. It has been read by almost every leading player, even today, and contains the elements of positional play which have become second nature to them. Nimzowitsch poured the whole of his understanding of chess into this book which includes chapters on pawn chains, overprotection, the centre, doubled pawns, isolated pawns, the blockade, manoeuvring against weaknesses, positional play and more. Unfortunately My System was written, originally, in German over 80 years ago and most English translations are dated and toned down. This new translation is more faithful to the original and conveys Nimzowitsch's ideas with greater force. Translated by Ian Adams Pub. 2007, softback, 288 pages.
One of the most influential chess books of the 20th century, My System has been read by almost every leading player, even today, and contains most of the elements of positional play which have become second nature to them. Nimzowitsch poured the whole of his understanding of chess into this book which includes chapters on pawn chains, overprotection, the centre, doubled pawns, isolated pawns, the blockade, manoeuvring against weaknesses, positional play and more. This is undoubtably one of the most powerful chess books ever written! It also includes 50 of Nimzowitsch's best games, with his own annotations, illustrating the "System" in action. Algebraic edition. pub. 1991, softback, 260 pages.
An all time classic of chess literature which details the concepts of pawn play in more detail than ever seen before or since. This is a complete book of strategy which examines pawn structures from many openings, the pawns in combination with the pieces as well as the elements of pawn play. A "must read" book. In English descriptive notation (1.P-K4 etc) pub. 1990, softback, 310 pages.
A reprint in algebraic notation of Soltis’ 1976 classic in which he examines the plans available to either side, based upon the pawn structure, in a variety of major opening 'families'. He explains how to handle the pawns on either side in the Caro-Slav, Open Sicilian-English, Panov, King’s Indian, Queen’s Gambit, French, Closed Sicilian and Stonewall formations. The author draws upon complete games (each a masterpiece of strategy) to illustrate ideas and how they have developed in master play. Includes supplemental games at the end of each chapter. A complete handbook of middlegame play and one of Soltis’ best books. pub. 1995, softback, 366 pages.
Andrei Volokitin achieved a ranking in the world's top 20 while still a teenager, playing dynamic and often brilliant chess. There is much that we can learn from his training methods, his games and his general approach to chess and these topics are the subject of this book, written in collaboration with his trainer. The core material of the book is 375 positions where the reader is given a task or asked a question. These tasks resemble those that players regularly face over the board, and are especially useful from a training viewpoint. Sometimes we are told we need to find a combination, but often the task is simply to decide on a move. It is for us to determine whether to play quietly or stake everything on a sacrificial attack! The examples are all from recent years and many of the positions are from Volokitin's own games, so we get the 'inside story' on some spectacular chess. We are also presented with fine examples from Grabinsky's training files, carefully collected and graded over the years for their instructive merit. The commentaries and detailed solutions explain the key issues in each position, and also convey the authors' philosophy of chess and their love for the game. Grandmaster Andrei Volokitin was born in 1986 in Lvov. He was a member of the Ukranian team that won the Chess Olympiad in Calvia. He has won many prizes in junior championships and major international events. International Master Vladimir Grabinsky is the coach of the Ukrainian youth team. In addition to Volokitin, his pupils include several other players who have achieved international titles at an early age. Pub. 2007, softback, 159 pages.
This text book on positional chess offers practical advice and examples on many aspects of positional play such as minor pieces in play, rooks, key squares, choosing an endgame, positional sacrifice, pawn structures and strategic advantages. There are examples from Grandmaster play from the games of Morphy through to Kasparov, many (derived from the author's own coaching manuals) assisted training Israel's top juniors. (Unabridged reprint of a book first published in 1991.) pub. 2001, softback, 212 pages.
This collection of top level Grandmaster games is based mainly around the battle between knight and bad bishop and the domination of the bishop pair. An understanding of such strategic concepts is second nature for strong players and they often use their opening and middlegame play to try and take advantage of them. In twenty eight extensively annotated games Jan Timman shows under what conditions these motifs apply and how changes in pawn structure and the presence of other pieces affects the importance of them in determining the outcome of the game . He also examines game situations in which the two knights or bishop and knight can dominate the two bishops. The games in this book are Grandmaster encounters from the last twenty years and all feature this battle between the minor pieces as their main theme. Even without this feature the book would stand out as a beautifully annotated game collection as Timman is a perceptive writer. The author: Dutch GM Jan Timman is a former World Championship contender, a renowned chess analyst & author and a regular contributor to New In Chess magazine. Pub. 2004, softback, 229 pages.
In today's computer age many old ideas about chess have been overturned or, at least, revised. Here I.M. Jacob Aagaard casts his eye on defensive methods in the light of modern developments. He considers defensive thinking through concepts such as unforcing thinking, the method of elimination and prophylaxis before moving on to discuss defensive methods of use to the practical player. All these ideas are illustrated with examples from modern play. The second, larger, part of the book consists of 200 diagrammed exercises, of increasing difficulty, in the art of defensive play. Detailed discussion of these positions can be found in the "solutions" section. The emphasis throughout is on modern, post-computer age, ways of thinking. The aim is to improve your game and enjoy solving some very challenging puzzles at the same time! I.M Jacob Aagaard is one of the most successful chess writers of the present day with several highly regarded books to his name. Pub. 2006, softback, 298 pages.
A thorough grasp of key middlegame techniques is vital for success in chess, and study of this aspect of the game is one of the easiest ways to improve your playing strength. Exploiting weak pawns, converting attacks, starting kingside pawn storms, using space advantages... all of these concepts, once learned, will magically transform your approach to certain positions! By explaining, in simple terms, these fundamental strategies used by all strong players, this book will enable you to approach even the most complex of middlegames with confidence. Pub. 1997, softback, 128 pages.
In the same lucid style as the first two volumes in this series, Practical Opening Tips and Practical Endgame Tips (also published by Cadogan), Mednis provides a wealth of common-sense advice that will benefit players of all standards. Here there are no unnatural or esoteric theories about how one should think: just down-to-earth insights from an extremely experienced writer and player. Pub. 1998, softback, 176 pages.
This is a new attempt to assess the relative value of the pieces in practical situations and to examine how and why those values change during the course of a game. The static "chart of values" of the pieces is no help in real play where dynamic and psychological factors hold sway and players have to rely on their judgment to make difficult decisions. Here, with the help of numerous practical examples, GM Andrew Soltis focuses on the sort of tough choices which confront a player such as sacrificing the exchange, giving up the two bishops to win a pawn, exchanging queen for two rooks and so on. He looks at various combinations of pieces in combat and points out the situations in which pieces are at their strongest and weakest. A well researched and unusual book on an important but neglected subject. Pub. 2004, softback, 223 pages.
Conducting a tough defence is just as important as creating a brilliant attack. We all know how dispiriting it is when our greatest attacking ideas are parried by skillful defensive play. In this book Rumanian Grandmaster Mihail Marin explains the art of defence, showing how various positional and psychological factors can be used by the defender to make life very difficult for his or her opponent. Using examples from Grandmaster play he discusses the main options available to the defender including assessing threats realistically, creating counterplay by material sacrifice and economy of resources. He also considers defending difficult endgames and some of the drawing techniques available. With exercises for the reader throughout the book. Pub. 2003, softback, 176 pages.
In the seventy years since Nimzowitsch wrote his revolutionary book 'My System' our understanding of positional play has changed radically. Players often accept positional weaknesses (e.g. a backward pawn) in exchange for dynamic piece play. Here Watson discusses how classical concepts are interpreted today before more modern positional ideas of which Nimzowitsch and his contemporaries were unaware. This thought provoking masterpiece was voted BCF 'Book of the Year' in 1999.pub. 1999, softback, 272 pages.
This is a book about the strengths and weaknesses of each chess piece and also about recognising strong and weak squares and areas on the board. It's not a new theme but one which Marovic finds that most amateur players consistently under-estimate in their own games, preferring to incur serious weaknesses in the off-chance of an attack. Through a series of examples from the games of leading players the author shows how to recognise what is and what is not a weakness and how to use each piece most effectively. His purpose is to make the reader aware of this topic and able to achieve greater clarity of thought in an actual game. Chapters include: Part 1 - Weak and Strong Squares, Strength and Weakness on Files and Diagonals, Weakness of the First and Second Ranks, Outposts, Static Weakness and Attack, Part 2 - The King, The Queen, The Rook, Minor Pieces. Pub. 2003, softback, 224 pages.
A welcome new edition of one of the most sought after books in chess! Since the original went out-of-print in the 1980s this and Fischer's "My 60 Memorable Games" have become two of the most asked for books in the chess world. Simple Chess is an introduction to strategy aimed at players who understand the basics of rapid piece development, castling, the centre etc. but for whom middlegame strategy is still a mystery. It aims to show the reader how to recognise and accumulate small advantages and how, in time, these will lead to more tangible gains. In short this is a book about how to go about building an advantageous position. Stean illustrates his ideas using extensively annotated master games in chapters on outposts, weak pawns, open files, half-open files, black & white squares and space. He breaks down the complexities of strategy into easy-to-understand chunks which the reader can then apply in his or her own games. Michael Stean was one of the U.K.s first Grandmasters and author of several books. Pub. 2002, softback, 160 pages.
