{"product_id":"hellsten-mastering-chess-defence","title":"Hellsten: Mastering Chess Defence","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMaster Defensive Techniques to Prevent Losses and Strengthen Your Game\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMastering 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHellsten, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e31 chapters covering deflection, counterthreats, back rank defense, material decisions, and flight square safety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHundreds of instructive positions and dozens of exercises for active learning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThreat detection and escape techniques for both short-term and long-term defensive situations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical guidance on when to grab material and when material safety matters more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWritten by a Grandmaster and experienced chess teacher with a proven instructional track record\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA systematic approach to defensive play that can measurably improve results by reducing the errors that cost most games.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat defensive topics does this book cover?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does this book fit into Johan Hellsten's other works?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMastering 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this book suitable for intermediate players?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New in Chess","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58055985922430,"sku":"9789465470382","price":37.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0748\/8415\/3664\/files\/9232_1.jpg?v=1789745655","url":"https:\/\/chess-tigers.de\/products\/hellsten-mastering-chess-defence","provider":"Chess Tigers Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}