Arizmendi: Practical Chess Strategy (paperback)

Autor: Arizmendi, Julen
Verlag / Hersteller: Quality Chess
Erscheinungsjahr: 2026
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: paperback
Seiten: 424

Master Position Assessment and Strategic Decision-Making

Practical Chess Strategy by Grandmaster Julen Arizmendi draws on decades of coaching experience to teach players how to evaluate positions systematically and find the right plans.

Rather than searching for a rulebook that always points to the best move, this book teaches club players to identify the key elements of any position and apply strategic principles that guide decision-making.

Through concrete analysis of pawn structures, piece activity, king safety, and material imbalances, readers learn to overcome intuitive mistakes and develop the judgment needed for consistent improvement.

Highlights

• Break down complex positions into their fundamental strategic elements
• Learn to assess positional imbalances and their impact on play
• Understand pawn structure, piece placement, and attacking potential in practical terms
• Discover where common strategic misconceptions lead players astray
• Work through exercises designed to solidify strategic understanding
• Develop a framework for formulating concrete plans in the middlegame

An ideal resource for club players seeking to strengthen their positional judgment and strategic planning.

FAQ

Does this book teach a fixed set of rules for finding the best move?
No. The author argues that no universal rulebook exists, but demonstrates how to systematically evaluate positions and apply core strategic concepts to find sound plans and candidate moves.

What strategic topics does the book cover?
The book addresses pawn structure, piece activity, king position, attacking chances, material imbalances, and decision-making. It also examines cases where intuition fails and common misconceptions about strategy.

What playing strength is this book aimed at?
The book is designed for club players with a playing strength of approximately 1700–2200 Elo, though it benefits anyone seeking to deepen their positional understanding.