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

Titles: Grandmaster, FIDE Senior Trainer, International Organizer, FIDE Arbiter, Honorary member of Polish Chess Federation; Coach of University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: USA University Champion 2018, 2019, 2021 and 1st in World University Blitz Championship 2021; Player: Champion of Europe 2002, Champion of Poland 2004 and 2009, Participated in 7 Olympiads, Winner or co-winner of 35 international tournaments in 12 countries, Highest FIDE rating 2653, World's Top 40 by rating in 2004, Top 16 at World Championship in New Delhi 2000; Activist: Chief Tournament Director of FIDE World University Online Championships 2021, ACP General Secretary, Member of FIDE Commissions: Rules and Tournament Regulations, World Championship, Qualification, Group of Rating Experts; Official website: http: //macieja.com

Titles: International Master, International Organizer, International Arbiter; Coach: With National Team of Poland won European Team Championship for Blind and Visually Impaired in 2016 and World Team Championship for Disabled 2017; Player: Highest Rating 2470 in 1996, Top 10 of Poland, Champion of Poland U-17 in 1979; Chief Arbiter of some 80 tournaments of Polish Championship level and international tournaments; Activist of Polish Chess Federation: Chairman of Sports Commission, member of Youth Commission and Arbiters' Council