Hellsten: Mastering Chess Defence

Autor: Hellsten, Johan
Verlag / Hersteller: New in Chess
Erscheinungsjahr: 2026
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: hardcover
Seiten: 440

Master Defensive Techniques to Prevent Losses and Strengthen Your Game

Mastering Chess Defence by Grandmaster Johan Hellsten addresses a critical gap in most players' training: solid defensive skills. While tactics, calculation, and openings dominate study routines, defensive mistakes account for more losses than strategic oversights.

This 440-page training program systematizes defensive play across 31 chapters, covering threat detection, counterattacking strategies, back rank tactics, material judgement, and escape techniques. The book combines instructive examples with practical exercises designed for club players and ambitious amateurs who want to defend reliably under pressure.

Hellsten, a former Swedish Champion and renowned chess instructor, applies the same structured approach that earned his strategy trilogy recognition, this time focused entirely on defensive mastery.

Highlights

• 31 chapters covering deflection, counterthreats, back rank defense, material decisions, and flight square safety
• Hundreds of instructive positions and dozens of exercises for active learning
• Threat detection and escape techniques for both short-term and long-term defensive situations
• Practical guidance on when to grab material and when material safety matters more
• Written by a Grandmaster and experienced chess teacher with a proven instructional track record

A systematic approach to defensive play that can measurably improve results by reducing the errors that cost most games.

FAQ

What defensive topics does this book cover?
The 31 chapters address deflection techniques, creating counterthreats, back rank tactics, material decisions, finding flight squares, and identifying escape routes from difficult positions. Each topic includes real games and training positions.

How does this book fit into Johan Hellsten's other works?
Mastering Chess Defence completes Hellsten's instructional program on key game areas. It pairs with his earlier trilogy on chess strategy, opening strategy, and endgame strategy, together forming a comprehensive training curriculum.

Is this book suitable for intermediate players?
The book targets club players and advanced amateurs. While it assumes familiarity with basic tactics and chess notation, the systematic structure and extensive exercises make it accessible to anyone serious about improving defensive play.