Tiwjakow/Gokbulut: Rock Solid Chess - Tiviakov & Gokbulut

Autor: Tiwjakow, Sergei; Gokbulut, Yulia
Verlag / Hersteller: New in Chess
Erscheinungsjahr: 2026
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: hardcover
Seiten: 263

Master Middlegame Strategy Through Pawn Structure Understanding

Rock Solid Chess by Sergei Tiviakov and Yulia Gokbulut offers a strategic foundation for players seeking to move beyond opening memorization and tactical puzzles. Tiviakov, a grandmaster with an exceptional record of 110 consecutive unbeaten games, draws on decades of Russian training and tournament experience to explain the principles that govern positional play.

The first volume of a three-part series focuses entirely on pawn structures—one of the most decisive factors in middlegame decision-making. Club players through grandmasters will find practical lessons and annotated examples that reveal how to evaluate positions, formulate plans, and navigate the complexities that arise once the opening concludes.

This is strategy instruction grounded in real games, not abstract theory. Tiviakov's teaching method combines deep positional knowledge with accessible explanation, making chess fundamentals tangible and immediately applicable.

Highlights

• Learn pawn structure evaluation from a grandmaster unbeaten in 110 consecutive professional games
• Develop middlegame understanding essential for tournament success beyond opening preparation
• Study strategic lessons drawn from Tiviakov's personal experience and worldwide coaching
• Work through annotated examples and exercises suitable for all playing strengths
• Access the foundation volume of a comprehensive three-book series on chess strategy
• Gain insight into Russian chess school methodology and positional problem-solving

For players ready to deepen their strategic comprehension and reduce reliance on opening theory alone, this volume provides the conceptual toolkit that separates consistent tournament performers from inconsistent ones.

FAQ

What does this book focus on, and how does it fit into Tiviakov's larger work?
Rock Solid Chess Volume 1 concentrates on pawn structures as the core building block of middlegame strategy. It is the first of three volumes in Tiviakov's instructional series on chess strategy, with subsequent volumes addressing other strategic themes.

Is this book suitable for my playing strength?
Yes. The examples and exercises are designed to benefit players at all levels, from club players to grandmasters. Tiviakov structures the material to be accessible yet deep enough to challenge advanced players.

How does Tiviakov approach teaching strategy?
Rather than abstract principles, he draws from his own tournament games and coaching experience worldwide. The book combines annotated examples with exercises, making strategic concepts concrete and applicable to your own games.