Attack & Defence (Grandmaster Preparation)

Very good

This is not a "study the diagram and find the right move" book; of which there are many excellent such books around already. The book is a couple of hundred diagramed positions (six to a page) with answers later in the chapter. Chapters are grouped somewhat on themes and Aagaard assigns the reader to take look long and hard at each diagram, examining for critical ideas, opponent responses, and follow-up calculation for several more moves; like in a real-life game situation. The book resembles Dvoretsky's analysis book or Yusupov or Gelfand or Mueller training books. However those works are pretty much inaccessible to players below 2100. This book also feels for me much like the early 1980's book, Study Chess with Tal by Koblenze (Tal's lifelong trainer). And by taking a different attitude, Aagaard's book can also be useful for players in the 1600-2000 level in a way the others are not.Aagaard has taught hundreds of ambitious 1600-2000 players. His writing is much less technical with a language resembling normal English. He combines encouraging words and explanations to bridge the chasm that separates chess professional language from the rest of us (you know people who have a job, a partner, kids, other interests) with a life mostly outside of chess. Yet we still want to improve enough to beat a particular guy at the club or figure how not to blow good attacks or defend actively. I suggest approaching this book very slowly, by studying only one or two diagramed positions per week where you apply only 15-30 minutes at a time, then put it away for a day or two, before looking again, maybe even a third time very checking the answer. Also do not use a set- just study only the diagram and definitely do not turn the page over for see the answer and do not move on to the next position. This method is to train in how the study from diagrams (which is really what a board playing situation play is like). Because we all need to learn to systematically calculate and widen our search for ideas. This approach is to build search technique and calculation within real time frames, that resemble a game situation.A method of slow study will expand your thinking horizon line when visualizing ahead, and cope with uncertainty in decision-making in complex play. Incidentally Aagaard's notes often address other possible moves, other plans and outcomes.99% of our board-time center on choice of move, is not a "move and mate" situation, especially since opponents typically "do not resign when we think they should". Aagaard has written a very challenging book, but his notes t are often accessible to players who will never become masters or experts, but will still benefit from training their mind to see deeper into the play. Personally I anticipate having to spend a year or more, looking at only one position a week at bedtime as my approach to this book.

A good buy

Very good book, however it was way beyond me.

I love this series. Each volume forces improving players to reassess their established thought patterns. The process is painful, as you have to let long held dogmas go. The results are phenomenal. I have begun improving after decades of stagnation. Rising 60, cresting candidate master.

I've been in situations where I had to attack and defend since this book has been put out I have applied in my games