Shashin: Best Play (paperback)

Autor: Shashin, Alexander
Verlag / Hersteller: Mongoose Press
Erscheinungsjahr: 2013
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: paperback
Seiten: 431

A Formula for Finding Strong Moves in Any Position

Best Play by Alexander Shashin offers a mathematical approach to chess decision-making developed over three decades of research. Rather than memorizing variations, the book teaches readers to evaluate positions through fundamental ratios that compare material, mobility, safety, and space.

The method is grounded in the games of three world champions with contrasting styles—Tal, Capablanca, and Petrosian—and verified through personal and computer analysis. The result is a practical framework applicable to complex, unclear positions where conventional analysis often fails.

Highlights

• Mathematical model converting position evaluation into actionable plans
• 125 annotated master games showing the method in realistic contexts
• 125 exercises with solutions to practice position assessment
• Covers positions too complicated for traditional chess rules of thumb
• Combines positional understanding with concrete calculation
• Grounded in world championship play across different strategic styles

A systematic approach to middle-game and complex positions that bridges theory and practical play.

FAQ

Does this book teach a specific opening repertoire or focus on middlegame strategy?
Best Play focuses on middlegame strategy and position evaluation rather than opening theory. The book teaches a method for assessing complex positions and determining plans once the opening is over.

How are the 125 exercises structured?
Each exercise corresponds to and follows from one of the 125 annotated master games. Readers apply Shashin's evaluation method to find the strongest move, with solutions provided to verify their analysis.

What playing strength is this book aimed at?
The book is intended for ambitious club players and above who seek a deeper understanding of position evaluation. The examples are drawn from world championship games, so familiarity with strong-level chess is expected.