Customer Reviews

Secrets of Positional Chess

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a huge fan of the Marovic books under the Gambit imprint, and have found them to contain tremendous instruction on the strategic elements of chess. This book is my equal-favorite, alongside his Dynamic Pawn Play in Chess.

The charm of this book is that the author uses such a wonderful blend of examples. Original classic games are mixed in with both modern examples, and with little-known (but instructive) games from different eras. Marovic is well-known as an experienced trainer. His considered selection of past games where certain positional themes were invented or made famous is a chess education in itself.

The very experienced player who has already studied the classics may find familiar examples. But for the great majority of competitive players, a dose of Marovic will be just what is needed for all-round strategic benefit. Fine quality examples and fine quality writing.

I have to admit, I stink at positional chess. This is a great book because it helps explain positional chess ideas to the non-master player. The author gives many useful examples. I have hundreds of books on chess, but if I had to choose only 10, this would be one of them. Want to make a jump in rating points? Want to go from B to A player? This is a book that can really help. Also check out his other books about pawns. Gambit books rule!!!!!

The book is written in a good style, not too complex, clearly mentioned goals and rules for the all readers, but there are quite a lot of typos in the book and too many examples are incorrect. Marovic can easily make a 5 star book out of by checking the text and examples by means of a computer program.

I picked this book at a recent Malaysian local PCMM open in Kuala Lumpur. I was interested in the title having read "Excelling in Positional Chess" by Aagard.

The chapters started with analysing chess space: Strong Weak Squares, then continuing to Files / Diagonals, 1st and 2nd ranks and outposts. The other chapters discusses specifically on the strenghts/weaknesses of each piece: King, Queen, Rook, and Minor Pieces.

I admired his excellent analysis as he is able to illustrate the pivotal square(s) being subtly fought for, and the possible variations. Remember these are GrandMaster vs GrandMaster games and not Amateur vs Master. For those still stuck between 1500-1900, I believe this would be good book to rub off "grandmaster" techniques on your play.

However if you are still being caught with opening traps, and knight forks; you are probably under 1500; you should look at other beginner books.

Malaysian Chess tournaments - watch out for me this year !!