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The Complete Book of Chess Strategy: Grandmaster Techniques from A to Z
Jeremy Silman
4.4
Published: 1998
Pages: 388
ISBN: 9781890085018
Description
An easy-to-understand guide to chess strategy -- conceptual planning -- has always been the amateur's dream. This book makes that dream a reality. This comprehensive guide in dictionary form, the first of its kind, makes all aspects of chess strategy quick, easy, and painlessly accessible to players of all degrees of strength. Each strategic concept is listed alphabetically and followed by a clear, easy-to-absorb explanation accompanied by examples of how this strategy is used in practice. Such great World Champions as Steinitz, Capablanca, Petrosian, Fischer, and Karpov have used these strategies in virtually all of their games. Now you can arm yourself with their weapons. As you incorporate these weapons into your own play, they will enrich your appreciation of the game and lead you to one beautiful victory after another.
Where to Buy
About This Book
The Complete Book of Chess Strategy: Grandmaster Techniques from A to Z by International Master Jeremy Silman is a unique reference work that presents chess strategy in dictionary format. This innovative approach makes strategic concepts quick and easy to access, providing players with a comprehensive guide they can consult whenever they encounter unfamiliar ideas. The book is organized alphabetically, with entries ranging from "Absolute Pin" to "Zwischenzug." Each entry provides a clear definition of the concept, explains its strategic significance, and illustrates it with examples from master games. This format allows readers to look up specific terms they encounter in their study or quickly review concepts before games. What makes this book particularly valuable is its comprehensiveness. Silman covers not just common terms but also subtle concepts that rarely appear in other instructional books. Readers will find entries on prophylaxis, overprotection, minority attack, good and bad bishops, pawn majorities, and dozens of other strategic ideas. The breadth of coverage makes this a true encyclopedia of chess strategy. The writing is accessible and engaging, characteristic of Silman's instructional style. Each entry is self-contained, so readers can dip in anywhere without needing to read preceding material. The examples are well-chosen to illustrate the concepts clearly, and Silman's explanations connect abstract ideas to practical application. The book serves multiple purposes. For beginners, it provides an introduction to strategic vocabulary and concepts. For intermediate players, it fills gaps in knowledge and clarifies ideas they may have encountered but not fully understood. For advanced players, it serves as a quick reference and review tool. Unlike Silman's other books, which present systematic approaches to chess improvement, this volume is designed for reference rather than cover-to-cover reading. You might read it straight through to survey strategic concepts, but its real value lies in having it available when you need to understand a specific idea. The dictionary format also makes the book useful for chess teachers and coaches. When a student asks about a concept, the book provides a ready explanation with examples. The clear definitions help ensure that teacher and student share common understanding of chess terminology. At nearly 400 pages, the book provides substantial coverage without becoming unwieldy. The entries are long enough to explain concepts thoroughly but short enough to be quickly digestible. This balance makes the book practical for regular consultation. The examples come from games by great players including Steinitz, Capablanca, Petrosian, Fischer, and Karpov. Seeing how world champions applied strategic concepts reinforces their importance and provides models for readers to emulate. The historical range of examples also shows how strategic understanding has developed over chess history. For players who want to develop their strategic vocabulary and understanding, this book is an invaluable resource. It demystifies chess terminology and makes strategic concepts accessible to players at all levels. The dictionary format ensures you can find what you need quickly, making this a book you'll return to again and again.
What You'll Learn
Master the complete vocabulary of chess strategy from A to Z
Understand strategic concepts through clear definitions and master game examples
Develop the ability to recognize and apply strategic ideas in your games
Build a comprehensive foundation of positional chess knowledge
Learn how world champions have applied strategic principles throughout history
Access quick reference for any strategic concept you encounter
Who This Book Is For
The Complete Book of Chess Strategy is designed for players of all levels who want to understand strategic concepts. Beginners will find it an excellent introduction to chess vocabulary. Intermediate players (1200-1800) will benefit most, filling gaps in their strategic knowledge. Advanced players can use it as a quick reference. Chess teachers and coaches will find it valuable for explaining concepts to students. The dictionary format makes it accessible regardless of your current knowledge level.
Reader Reviews
Improving Player
5.0
The perfect reference book for chess strategy. Whenever I encounter a term I don't understand, I look it up here. Silman's explanations are clear and the examples are instructive. I keep it on my desk and use it constantly.
Chess Student
5.0
This book filled so many gaps in my chess knowledge. The dictionary format makes it easy to find what you need. I read through it once to survey the concepts, and now I use it as a reference. Essential for anyone serious about improvement.
Club Player
4.0
Comprehensive and well-organized. The alphabetical format is convenient for reference. Some entries could be longer, but overall this is an excellent strategic resource. Recommended for players who want to understand chess terminology and concepts.