Chess Middlegame Strategies, Vol. 1, 2 & 3 (bundle)

“In the first volume I have annotated 37 games representing different aspects (chapters) of ‘chess middlegame strategies’. In the second volume of my “Chess Middlegame Strategies” series I have decided to focus on this connection between the opening and the middlegame. In the third volume I have taken strategic themes from specific openings and combined these with standard strategies such as the open file, space or flexibility.” ~ Ivan Sokolov

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Description

Ivan Sokolov – Chess Middlegame Strategies, Vol. 1

The ‘work database’ collection for this book which I started about two years ago meant the initial plan was for just one volume on Chess Middlegame Strategies. However, the way my work and material built up and progressed, it soon became obvious that this ‘one volume’ would be approximately 500 pages long – so, the decision was taken to split the material into two volumes.

In this first volume I have annotated 37 games representing different aspects (chapters) of ‘chess middlegame strategies’. Readers will see that the vast majority of the games selected belong to the works of ‘contemporary artists’. Notwithstanding the ‘traditional/golden classics selection’, I preferred to use the ‘contemporary learning examples’ feeling that: A) younger/middle generation reader will more easily associate with them and B) they perfectly mirror the middlegame strategies used in modern top-class chess (i.e. today’s chess at the highest level).
Opening play is in general not the subject of this book, although I did pay attention to opening ideas in the cases where I felt I had something useful to say on the subject (in the particular game selected).
The aim of this book is to offer the reader a spectrum of middlegame ideas/ strategies, thereby inspiring and improving their practical tournament play. Besides this book’s ‘practical aim’, I hope that the reader will also gain purely aesthetic pleasure from playing over the games selected (and variations given).
Ivan Sokolov – Chess Middlegame Strategies, Vol. 2

In modern chess practice, the theory of the opening often stretches into the middlegame, sometimes quite deeply. When players choose particular opening variations, they are in essence deciding on the type of middlegame in which they would like to fight their opponents.

In this second volume of my “Chess Middlegame Strategies” series I have decided to focus on this connection between the opening and the middlegame. I have selected different themes from popular openings and examined the resulting middlegames, trying to offer a sort of user manual to guide readers through these middlegames. I have also offered some ideas on the theory of the different openings. The 30 games in this book cover a wide range of different middlegame types, so I hope there is something for everyone and that studying this book will enhance readers’ understanding of middlegame strategies.
Only one chapter in this book, “Knight Tales”, is not related to a particular opening. It concentrates on the middlegame theme of knights versus bishops. Originally I had planned to present much more pure middlegame material, but sometimes in the work process we adjust the original plan and, well… this book is the product!

Ivan Sokolov – Chess Middlegame Strategies 3 – Strategy Meets Dynamics – ISBN 9789492510600

In this book I have taken strategic themes from specific openings and combined these with standard strategies such as the open file, space or flexibility. Indeed, the subtitle for this book is “Strategy Meets
Dynamics” and that is a good definition of what this book is about.

The book contains 43 annotated games divided among seven chapters. Within these pages you will find strategic plans related to typical pawn structures arising from the Geller/Tolush Gambit or the Anti-Moscow Gambit. By taking the time to study those chapters you should come away with a deeper understanding of the subtle nuances in pawn structures and the dynamics that arise. In addition, you will learn different strategic/dynamic ideas and this will strengthen your practical play in such positions.

The chapter on ‘Karpov’s King in the Center’ is where you will be surprised at how often the 12th World Champion, playing Black no less, deliberately gave up the right to castle. Not only will you gain perspective on when you might wish to leave your king uncastled you will also see how Karpov arranges his pieces so that each move is in harmony with those before and after the king move. Lastly you will improve your knowledge, from both sides of the board, of this particular variation of the Caro-Kann.

The open file theme is one that has been written on extensively. What I have tried to do here is show some modern approaches to this concept.

Perhaps the one dynamic theme that often amazes players is the exchange sacrifice. I have included no less than 11 annotated games in this chapter sorted by the different objectives that the player is trying to accomplish. There is plenty of knowledge to be absorbed by studying these games.

Finally, the work concludes with the daring, some may even say swashbuckling, aggressive g-pawn push! Th is aggressive move is used as a means to seize the initiative. I have laid this chapter out based upon opening variations and you may find it useful as opening preparation as well as ideas for dynamic play.

My aim in this book, as well as its two predecessors, is not only to help you improve your middlegame understanding but to give you new and different ideas/concepts to employ in your own play. In addition to the chess improvement that is offered I also hope that you will simply enjoy playing over the selected games.

Teaser – Ivan Sokolov – Chess Middlegame Strategies, Vol. 3

**Available from 29.9.2019**

Additional information

Weight 1 kg

5 reviews for Chess Middlegame Strategies, Vol. 1, 2 & 3 (bundle)

  1. PRIMEL Dominique

    Des thèmes de milieu de jeu très rares dans la littérature échiquéenne et malgré un sujet difficile, le TOP GMI fait un effort de vulgarisation.
    A lire et relire!

  2. ENRIQUE (verified owner)

    Excellent service and delivery. Perfect.

  3. Siegfried Maus (verified owner)

    The books arrived quickly, well packed and in a good state. Up to now I have not had the time to read the books. I have only had a short look into them and they seeem to be very interesting. I have bought them too, because I have once read a book of this author about d- pawn structures and it was very good.

  4. Peter Jonckheere (verified owner)

    Great games and analyses. Anyone can learn a lot from these books.

  5. Ako H. (verified owner)

    I love this series!

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