Judgment and Planning in Chess

About This Book

Judgment and Planning in Chess by former World Champion Max Euwe is a classic work on one of the most important aspects of chess - the ability to evaluate positions correctly and formulate appropriate plans. Euwe was not only a World Champion but also a renowned chess educator and author. His ability to explain complex concepts clearly makes this book accessible to intermediate players while still offering value to more advanced readers. The book is organized around the key factors that determine how to evaluate a position and what plans to pursue. Euwe covers material balance, pawn structure, piece activity, king safety, and other essential elements. What makes this book special is Euwe's systematic approach to planning. He shows how to analyze a position, identify its key features, and formulate a plan based on those features. This methodology can be applied to any position. The examples are drawn from master practice and are well-chosen to illustrate the concepts being taught. Euwe's annotations focus on the planning process rather than tactical details, helping readers develop their own planning skills. The chapter on pawn structure is particularly valuable. Euwe explains how the pawn structure determines the character of the position and guides piece placement and planning. This understanding is fundamental to good chess. Euwe's writing style is clear and instructive. He avoids unnecessary complexity while ensuring that important nuances are not overlooked. The book has stood the test of time and remains relevant for modern players. Judgment and Planning in Chess is essential reading for any intermediate player who wants to improve their ability to evaluate positions and formulate plans.