Improve Your Positional Chess : Book Review

"Improve Your Positional Chess" by Carsten Hansen is a must-read for chess players who want to enhance their grasp of positional play. This book, written by an experienced player and author, offers valuable insights into strategic concepts and techniques.

Hansen starts by laying the foundation of positional chess, covering essential topics like pawn structure, piece activity, and strategic planning. He explains these ideas in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that even less experienced players can understand them easily.

One of the book's standout features is its extensive use of annotated games and positions to illustrate different positional ideas. Hansen thoroughly analyzes these examples, providing a deep understanding of the players' thought processes and decisions. This hands-on approach allows readers to gain practical insight into the application of these concepts in real games.

In addition, Hansen includes practical exercises and puzzles at the end of each chapter, giving readers the chance to test their understanding and reinforce the material. This interactive aspect greatly enhances the learning experience and helps solidify the knowledge gained.

The organization and structure of the book are also commendable. Hansen progressively introduces more advanced positional concepts, creating a smooth learning curve for readers. The explanations are clear, and the presentation is well-ordered, making the book accessible and engaging.

What are readers saying?

Improve Your Positional Chess by Carsten Hansen has been well-received by readers, who have praised its guidance and strategies for enhancing chess skills, particularly in the area of positional play. Hansen's writing style is commended for its clarity and conciseness, making complex concepts easily understandable. Readers appreciate how the book breaks down various aspects of positional chess, such as pawn structure, piece coordination, and the significance of squares. By masterfully explaining these concepts, Hansen enables readers to deepen their understanding of the game and make more strategic decisions.

The book is also highly regarded for its practical examples and exercises. Hansen presents real-life scenarios that stimulate critical thinking about moves. Readers find the combination of theory and practice to be a valuable learning tool, allowing them to apply the concepts learned to their own games. While the book is suitable for players of all levels, many feel it is especially beneficial for intermediate to advanced players seeking to improve their understanding of positional play. The depth of analysis and strategic insights provided by Hansen are seen as valuable assets that elevate one's game.

However, a few readers note that the book's organization could be improved, making it difficult to navigate or find specific topics. Some also feel that the exercises could have been better structured to create a more progressive learning experience. Despite these minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers consider Improve Your Positional Chess a valuable resource for enhancing one's understanding of positional play and overall chess skills.

In conclusion, Improve Your Positional Chess by Carsten Hansen has been positively received by readers. Hansen's clear explanations, practical examples, and focus on strategic thinking are highly appreciated. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player looking to refine your chess skills, this book offers valuable insights and guidance. It may help you enhance your understanding of positional play and improve your overall chess game.