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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Positional Decision Making in Chess summary
Boris Gelfand
Brief summary
Positional Decision Making in Chess by Boris Gelfand is a strategic guide that delves into the intricacies of positional play. Gelfand shares his deep understanding of chess concepts and offers valuable insights into making sound strategic decisions.
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Table of Contents
Positional Decision Making in Chess
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Game of Chess
In Positional Decision Making in Chess, Boris Gelfand, a world-class chess player, takes us through his thought process and decision-making strategies during a game. He begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the game's fundamentals, such as the value of pieces and the importance of controlling the center of the board. Gelfand stresses the significance of these basics in developing a strong foundation for positional decision making.
Gelfand discusses the concept of the pawn structure and its impact on the game. He delves into various types of pawn structures and explains how they dictate the flow of the game. He also highlights the importance of piece placement and mobility, and how they influence the game's positional dynamics.
The Art of Evaluation
Gelfand then moves on to the art of evaluation in chess. He emphasizes the importance of accurately assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a position. He introduces various positional factors, such as space, material, king safety, and pawn structure, and explains how to evaluate them to make informed decisions during the game.
He also discusses the concept of the imbalances in a position, such as material, pawn structure, and piece activity. Gelfand explains how understanding and exploiting these imbalances can lead to a favorable outcome. He illustrates his points with examples from his own games, providing valuable insights into practical applications of these concepts.
Strategic Planning and Decision Making
In the later part of the book, Gelfand focuses on strategic planning and decision making. He discusses the importance of creating and executing a plan based on the evaluation of the position. Gelfand emphasizes the need for flexibility in planning, as the position on the board constantly changes.
He also talks about the importance of prophylaxis, or preventive thinking, in chess. Gelfand explains how anticipating and preventing your opponent's plans can give you a significant advantage. He provides several examples to illustrate how he used prophylactic thinking to thwart his opponents' plans and gain a winning edge.
Endgame Mastery and Conclusion
Gelfand concludes the book by focusing on the endgame, the final phase of the game. He discusses the key principles of endgame play and provides valuable insights into mastering this critical stage. He explains the importance of king activity, pawn structure, and piece coordination in the endgame.
In Positional Decision Making in Chess, Boris Gelfand offers a comprehensive guide to positional decision making in chess. He presents his thought process and strategic insights, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the game's positional intricacies. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Gelfand's book offers valuable lessons and practical advice on how to make strategic decisions and improve your overall play.
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What is Positional Decision Making in Chess about?
Positional Decision Making in Chess by Boris Gelfand provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the strategic aspects of chess. Through in-depth analysis and annotated games, Gelfand offers valuable insights into how to evaluate positions, create long-term plans, and make sound positional decisions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book will enhance your understanding of positional play and improve your overall chess strategy.
Positional Decision Making in Chess Review
Positional Decision Making in Chess (2015) explores the strategic aspects of chess, making it a valuable resource for players looking to enhance their understanding of the game. Here's why this book stands out:
- Through in-depth analysis of key positions and logical reasoning, it offers profound insights into the decision-making process during a game.
- By emphasizing strategic planning and evaluating pawn structures, it equips players with essential tools to improve their gameplay.
- The book's focus on practical examples and clear explanations ensures that readers stay engaged and gain a deeper appreciation for positional play in chess.
Who should read Positional Decision Making in Chess?
Chess players looking to improve their positional understanding and decision-making skills
Intermediate to advanced level players who want to learn from a world-class grandmaster
Those who enjoy studying in-depth analysis of chess positions and strategies
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Positional Decision Making in Chess FAQs
What is the main message of Positional Decision Making in Chess?
Strategic thinking and decision-making in chess.
How long does it take to read Positional Decision Making in Chess?
Estimated reading time and Blinkist summary included.
Is Positional Decision Making in Chess a good book? Is it worth reading?
The book is worth reading for chess enthusiasts and strategists.
Who is the author of Positional Decision Making in Chess?
Boris Gelfand is the author of the book.
What to read after Positional Decision Making in Chess?
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