Foundations of Chess Strategy
Title: Foundations of Chess Strategy
Author: Lars Bo Hansen
Publisher: GAMBIT BOOKS
Paperback, 176 pages
Price: £15.99/$27.50/€24,95
ISBN 1 904600 26 3
Lars Bo Hansen is a very experienced and talented chess player rated at more than 2550. Many of his games are easily found on the internet or in high class magazines such as New In Chess. In this latest book Hansen writes that is has become increasingly important to understand your own strengths and weaknesses as a chess player, as well as those of your opponent. Hansen takes us on a journey where he discusses connections between chess and business. This may sound strange but it works very well. Reading this book will assist you to discover if you are an Activist, a Reflector, a Pragmatic or a Theorist. These 'styles' are not new but to see them presented in a chess book is very interesting and useful.
To know your style is to enhance your ability to meet the demands of the game, for in knowing your style you have a better chance of understanding your opponent and what makes them tick. For example, if you were to play Karpov you may decide that he is a Reflector and not an Activist; hence you may choose to enter positions where your opponent will not calculate the many available variations but will instead use their sense and feel for a position. If you are a Reflector you must be aware of this and avoid those situations where your opponent may be able to exploit your personal style.
Hansen aims are to heighten your awareness of playing styles, he offers solutions that will enable you to exploit your opponent as well as the position on the board.
Verdict:
First impression may easily hide from you the fact that this is a thought provoking, entertaining and enjoyable book that will serve you well. The included games are very well presented and on their own would in many other books cost you the cover price alone.
