Kuljasevic: Beyond Material

Autor: Kuljasevic, Davorin
Verlag / Hersteller: New in Chess
Erscheinungsjahr: 2026
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: hardcover
Seiten: 336

Master Sacrifices and Positional Compensation Beyond Material Count

Beyond Material by Grandmaster Davorin Kuljasevic challenges the conventional approach to evaluating sacrifices in chess. Rather than relying solely on material balance, this book teaches players to assess positions through the lens of time, space, and psychology.

Many players instinctively count material to judge whether a sacrifice is sound. This book demonstrates why that mindset limits strategic understanding. Kuljasevic shows how piece values fluctuate based on factors like mobility, initiative, pawn structure, and attacking potential.

The core skill developed here is the ability to calculate compensation accurately and accept positions with uncertain material balance. Winning through sacrifice becomes a deliberate, practiced technique rather than a desperate gamble.

Highlights

• Learn to evaluate positions beyond material count using space, tempo, and initiative
• Explore how mobility, harmony, outposts, and pawn structures affect real piece value
• Study instructive examples that illustrate the psychology of taking calculated risks
• Develop confidence in accepting positions where compensation is not immediately quantifiable
• Master the modern chess mindset: suppressing the urge for instant material gratification
• Build the calculation skills needed to determine true sacrifice correctness

After working through this book, sacrificing material with precision and strategic purpose becomes an intuitive, winning weapon.

FAQ

Does the book focus only on tactical sacrifices, or does it cover strategic compensation?
The book goes beyond simple tactical trades. It emphasizes non-material factors—space, tempo, initiative, and pawn structure—that determine whether a sacrifice generates real compensation. Kuljasevic teaches players to evaluate positions holistically rather than rely on material accounting alone.

What types of examples and positions are covered?
The book contains numerous instructive examples drawn from Kuljasevic's own experience and tournament practice. These examples illustrate how piece value changes during a game and how psychological and positional factors outweigh static material balance in many situations.

Is this book suitable for players who prefer solid, risk-averse chess?
Yes. The book is not about reckless sacrificing; rather, it teaches calculated risk-taking and accurate compensation assessment. Players learn to distinguish between unsound gambits and legitimate sacrifices based on concrete positional factors, making them more confident decision-makers regardless of playing style.