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The idea behind this book is for you to ‘play’ as in a real game, and it is my job to ensure you have a pleasant time while training. I suggest you take at least an hour and a half for each game and as your coach I will indicate when to guess the moves. Sometimes there will be suggestions — including tricky ones — to measure your concentration level. Th e ideas behind the moves are always explained.

Points are awarded for the ‘right answers’ as well as for some other moves, and at the end there is a general assessment plus a review of some of the things to be learned from the game. During my coaching period I was able to witness how motivating it is for kids to receive points for the right answers, their ‘lives are at stake’ when they try to find the answers, and it is a challenge much appreciated by them. Later I also noticed a similar effect with adults although, unlike the kids, the older students try to hide it.

The final score is not that important; it is not scientifically based. But of course the more points you get the better you ‘would have played’. The effort you put into trying to find the best move every time is what matters most. I firmly believe it really helps to learn a little more about playing chess with every game.

Solving studies is well established as an effective method of chess improvement. Yochanan Afek is one of the world’s greatest ever study composers, and in this new edition he shares his finest creations, combining artistic beauty with practical relevance. This new book contains every study from the original Practical Chess Beauty along with thirty fresh studies composed by Afek in the interim period, all freshly checked for accuracy. Ignite your imagination, augment your appreciation of chess geometry, and fine-tune your feeling for the pieces’ potential by uncovering the magic contained in the hundreds of studies in this book. Or simply wonder at some of the most stunning chess moves ever conceived.

2000 studies, themes, definitions and explanations

Solving endgame studies has become a major working tool in modern chess training combining the instructive with the enjoyable. Studies are highly recommended for refining calculating and tactical skills, deepening endgame understanding, as well as improving creativity and out of the box thinking.

The Anthology of Miniature Endgame Studies is the biggest selection of composed endings with up to seven pieces on the board, created by the world’s best composers throughout the past 150 years. The carefully selected studies are categorized into thematic chapters. The game-like positions highlight the power and typical qualities of each piece alone and in collaboration with other pieces.

From the foreword by GM Jan Timman: “Endgame studies are in fact an important factor in becoming a strong player. It is significant that both Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen have a keen interest in endgame studies. It is praiseworthy that Chess Informant was ready to publish this important work. Afek is arguably the most qualified person to write it.”

The Fearsome Fascination of Kingwalks! Marching your king across the board – at times right through or into enemy lines – may be both exhilarating and terrifying. Nothing may be quite as satisfying as a majestic kingwalk across the board which brings you glorious victory. And nothing as tragicomic as a needless journey ending in epic failure. Chessplayers are fascinated by kingwalks, perhaps because of their inherent contradiction and even implausibility. The most important – and vulnerable – chess piece does something other than trying to remain safe. Topics include: Kingwalks to Prepare an Attack; Kingwalks in Anticipation of an Endgame; Kingwalks to Defend Key Points; Kingwalks to Attack Key Points or Pieces; Mating Attacks; Escaping to Safety Across the Board; Escaping to Safety Up the Board; Kingwalks in the Opening; Kingwalks in the Endgame; Double Kingwalks; and Unsuccessful Kingwalks. For sheer entertainment as well as instructive value, the kingwalk is transcendent!

We all love the dynamics of chess. Spectacular sacrifices, combinations and attacks on the king never fail to enchant us. But how do we improve our understanding of dynamics? How can we recognize the ‘dynamic energy’ in a position? When can we turn 2+2 into 5, as the legendary tactician Mikhail Tal could? The answers can be found in the Hidden Laws of Chess.

In the first volume of this series, International Master Nick Maatman explored the deeper patterns behind pawn structures. In this second volume, he explains the dynamics of chess by discussing themes such as material imbalance, calculation, and quality versus quantity. He also introduces concepts such as field of vision, the impact of error and the price of a move. These original and well-thought-out ideas are illustrated by a wealth of games from top players past and present, as well as from Maatman's own experience.

Maatman is an experienced chess coach and a graduate in business and philosophy. His books are a rich blend of science, philosophy and practicality. The Hidden Laws of Chess Volume 2: Mastering Dynamics contains plenty of useful advice, instructive chess and carefully selected exercises.

Nick Maatman (1995) is an International Master, an experienced chess coach, and a training partner of former Tata Steel winner GM Jorden van Foreest. Maatman became Dutch U20 champion in 2013 and is very active in tournaments, where he has beaten many grandmasters. He is also an acclaimed chess commentator and columnist.

I was lucky enough to play against six world champions and several top players in my modest chess career, but the greatest player I feel privileged to have known, to have spent time with him, was Miguel Najdorf, “El Viejo”. This is a chess book, with 275 commented games, it covers all his chess career, but it has also many stories. Najdorf was the most important Argentinean chess player, and he was an exceptional person. Oscar Panno said that Najdorf reminded him of Don Quixote, in the part of the book where he tells Sancho Panza, “Wherever I am, that is where the head of the table is going to be”. He successfully overcame the most terrible setbacks, as few are capable of doing. Writing about Miguel Najdorf is one of my greatest pleasures as a chess journalist and writer!

This book is a collection of games played by top players in which either White or Black wins in 15 moves or less either a result of blunders, an accumulation of mistakes or brilliant chess tactics. It covers the Dutch, Benoni and various d-pawns specials

The Rossolimo is the Anti-Sicilian that is by far the most popular with club players – and with elite grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, and Alireza Firouzja.

If you play 3.Bb5 in the Sicilian, you do not need to keep up-to-date with the dazzling theoretical developments in all kinds of Open Sicilians. You can sidestep theory, play your own creative game – and put your opponent in trouble! You will love the harmonious, easy development and reach unbalanced positions with winning opportunities and surprisingly dynamic play.

Victor Bologan has played the Rossolimo ever since his youth – in practical play, but also in training sessions with Garry Kasparov. Bologan has now updated and expanded his authoritative 2011 repertoire book. As a former top-20 player, Bologan is one of the few Grandmasters whose opening books are read by both his peers and by club players. His ideas are always thoroughly analyzed and checked by the strongest engines, but still very accessible to amateurs.

Faced with the novel challenges of The Elshad System, your opponent will have to rely on his own resources instead of cranking out deep theory. Avoid those symmetrical drawing variations from unambitious opponents playing White. Play the Elshad and experience once again what it’s like to play fresh, fighting chess!