Bartlomiej Macieja

Chess Strategy Explained, Volume 1

The number of possible positions in chess is huge, according to Shannon it is of the general order of 10 42.5. The number of possible chess games that can be played within just 40 moves is way higher that the number of atoms in the known, observable universe. It means, even the most powerful computers are unable to precisely calculate everything. In the practice of every chess player, strategic thinking, selection of plans, and the skilled evaluation of their consequences are needed. A gradual improvement of the position is often the key to success in the entire game. Not surprisingly, so valued in life skills as strategic, critical, logical, and analytic thinking, problem solving, foreseeing, taking rational decisions, concentration, patience, and memory, can be naturally improved by playing chess regularly. We cordially encourage you to do so. There are many strategic rules in chess that can help you in the selection of the correct moves and the entire plans, especially in the key moments, therefore help you be successful. The rules are often universal, they don't apply solely to a concrete position. It underlines the importance of learning them and makes them useful in all game stages, that can rise from all kinds of openings. A strategy doesn't substitute a tactic, but it perfectly complements it, and even prepares. Many chess players can comfortably see tactical solutions, but in someone else's games, as in their own games they are unable to reach positions where such solutions would be possible. It is often said, there is no point in looking for wonderful solutions in positions that you can see with the naked eye that are bad, because they violate the basic strategic rules. Similarly, in positions built on strong strategic foundations, there is almost always a strong move. The goal of this book is to explain the basic strategic principles of chess, and to provide examples showing the benefits of using them. We have noticed there are not many books dedicated to this topic, addressed to a wide range of readers, therefore we have decided to fill out the gap. Chess Strategy Explained consists of 2 volumes. There are 358 examples and 88 exercises in both volumes combined. Full notation of all games is included. In 2022, the book received official recommendation of the Polish Chess Federation. Official websites: http: //www.szachypolskie.pl/elementy-strategii; http: //macieja.net