Like we mentioned, the book is superb for studying openings and the middlegame.
#Must read chess books how to
What Soltis pays special attention to during the book is the recognition of the strengths and implicit weaknesses that the chains of pawns have how to swap pawns in the center and, incidentally, when not to do this how to make and use to your advantage certain pawn ‘holes’.Īdditionally, Soltis explains how to hinder the movement of your opponent’s pieces and what to do if this same thing happens to you, and how to handle and take care of the commonplace pawn structures of every opening and all of the larger variations. You can find more about this book in our review of Pawn Structure Chess book.
That is why comprehending the effects that pawns have on the game is a must. This ‘pawn skeleton’ sets up the lines of the territory for the forthcoming bout and crafts how the game will progress during its course. Pawns are able to make a half-permanent structure, that is usually referred to as a ‘pawn skeleton’. While pawns are oftentimes regarded as weak and marginal due to their very restricted range of mobility, Soltis sees this limited movement as a very important and worthwhile benefit. This is how the book succeeds at the value of practicality – you can flip right away from any chapter, in particular, to an opening that is relevant and nothing will be lost. Segmented by openings and pawn structures that are made up because of these opening. The most praise-worthy aspect of the classic is its organization. Truly one of the best chess books for intermediate players.Īndrew Soltis published his classic Pawn Structure Chess in 1976 and, as it stands, it is one of the best intermediate player chess books out there. The book is a classic for a reason and we cannot, while remaining genuine and sincere, not mention its value. This isn’t to say that Capablanca suggest just to go out there and try to checkmate your opponent with complete disregard for your piece’s safety, but to find the tactics and strategies that will ensure the most success. In case you want to do so, you should not miss out our 3 best chess endgame books. Lush and OrganizedĪdditionally, the writing is lush, nicely organized with all of the simpler concepts properly introduced, then promptly recalled and revisited during the later phases of the game (and the book.)Ĭapablanca’s most important advice is that the road towards improving one’s game is not by studying or memorizing opening lines, but taking the time to learn the endgame. The reader has the secrets present in the mind of chess masters revealed to him, in a tone sincere and reflective. The commentary of Capablanca doesn’t just focus on what moves he made and why he did, but also fleshes out the process of thinking up any and all viable answers to the task at hand. This is where it differs a lot, and we are thankful for this difference, from other books where everything is either overly explained, overflowing with footnotes, or is just breezed through. Straight to the PointĪny of the commentary by Capablanca is straight to the point, nothing is superfluous and everything is superbly insightful. To learn more about this wonderful book, take a look at our Chess Fundamentals review.
One of the most adored aspects of this book is the thought process of Capablanca, that is exquisitely and in a fashion that is markedly fascinating explained. To this day, and maybe even because of the long period in time during which the book has been read and put to use, it stands as a classic of chess writing that anyone ought to take up.
Chess Fundamentals by Jose Raul CapablancaĬhess Fundamentals was initially published, nearly a hundred years ago, in 1921 by one of the greatest chess players in all of history – Jose Raul Capablanca.