Strategy and Tactics

Learn from the legacy of one of the most talented players to ever grace the chess world.

All elements of the game explained in an easy-to-digest and highly entertaining fashion.

Dear readers, it is both our solemn duty and exceptional honour to present you a collection of Ivkov’s instructive explorations on various chess themes. In this book you will find a great number of intriguing anecdotes casting a new light on some of the greatest chess players of all time, and some lesser known heroes of our bellowed game.

Do you want to try out a new systematic chess training method? If yes, then read here:

The Tactics Ladder

Many improving players are told to use either the Yusupov's 9-book series or the Woodpecker-book to improve their tactical skills. These books are however quite hard for most intermediate players. The idea behind the woodpecker method is quite interesting, which is to repeat the puzzles 7 times in cycles. The book however only has 222 easy puzzles, before the level gets harder.

Das Verständnis des Mittelspiels ist von fundamentaler Bedeutung, um nach der Eröffnung stellungsgerechte Pläne zu finden. Oft wird hierfür der Schachcomputer eingeschaltet und die Zugfolge wird einfach übernommen. Dies geschieht vor allem auf Amateurebene. Viel wichtiger ist es jedoch zu verstehen, wie Ideen und Züge ermittelt werden können - und wie Sie daher selbst solche oder bessere Ideen finden können. Dazu werden in diesem Lehrwerk Methoden vermittelt, die Ihnen genau das ermöglichen: den richtigen Plan zu finden. Zunächst jedoch müssen Schwächen in der gegnerischen Stellung ermittelt und festgelegt werden.

Magnus Carlsen’s mastery of the middlegame is astonishing, even by the standards of World Champions. But how did this power develop, and what can the rest of us learn from it? To explain the mysteries requires another elite grandmaster, and Ivan Sokolov is perfectly qualified for this role.

How to Create a Deadly Attack on the King

Attacking your opponent’s king is not just a shortcut to victory, it’s also one of the most enjoyable and gratifying experiences in chess. If you want to win more games you should become a better attacker. Studying typical attacking motifs and ideas easily brings dividends while you are having a good time.