Positional Decision Making in Chess

About This Book

Positional Decision Making in Chess by Grandmaster Boris Gelfand offers a rare glimpse into how one of the world's top players thinks about positional chess. Gelfand, who challenged for the World Championship in 2012, shares his approach to decision-making at the highest level. The book is organized around key positional themes that arise frequently in grandmaster practice. Gelfand explains how he evaluates positions, identifies critical factors, and formulates plans. His insights come from decades of experience at the top of world chess. What makes this book special is Gelfand's willingness to share his thought process openly. He does not just show the best moves but explains why he considered certain options and rejected others. This transparency is invaluable for understanding high-level chess thinking. Gelfand covers topics including piece placement, pawn structures, prophylaxis, and the transition from middlegame to endgame. Each topic is illustrated with examples from his own games and those of other top players. The analysis is deep but accessible. Gelfand has a gift for explaining complex positions in clear language. He avoids unnecessary complications while ensuring that important nuances are not overlooked. The book includes exercises that allow readers to test their understanding. These are carefully chosen to illustrate the concepts being taught and provide practical training in positional thinking. Gelfand's treatment of prophylaxis is particularly valuable. He shows how top players constantly consider their opponent's plans and take preventive measures. This defensive awareness is crucial for high-level play. Positional Decision Making in Chess is essential reading for any advanced player who wants to understand how world-class players think about positional chess.