Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy | John Watson

Over seventy years have passed since Nimzowitsch published his groundbreaking work, My System. Though it remains a foundational text in chess strategy, modern approaches to handling chess positions have evolved considerably, refining established ideas and introducing entirely new concepts.

In this book, John Watson's book addresses the need for an in-depth exploration of how modern chess positions are managed and how Nimzowitsch’s once-controversial theories have been refined and integrated with classical strategic principles.

• This book is suited for intermediate to advanced players, typically those with a rating above 1800 Elo, who have a solid grasp of positional theory and seek to deepen their understanding of contemporary strategic concepts in chess.
• Awarded “British Chess Federation Book of the Year (1999)
• Explore traditional chess concepts like pawn majorities, control of the centre, and structural weaknesses, providing a foundation for understanding modern strategy
• Understand what new concepts Watson developed, such as accepting backward pawns for dynamic play, the concept of a good "bad" bishop, knights playing effective roles on the edge of the board, and the rise of exchange sacrifices in post-war Soviet chess
• Develop your prophylactic thinking and dynamism, both essential for modern chess
• Read about Watson’s valuable insights into modern openings and the future direction of chess strategy

Reader’s Reviews:

For players beyond the beginner level, this book is truly exceptional. It offers a unique blend of deep strategic analysis focusing on the core aspects of Grandmaster-level chess. As someone who owns several hundred chess books, if I had to pick just one, this would be my choice - Che$$55

I’m writing this review because it’s important to highlight that this masterpiece is more accessible than other reviews suggest. While it’s certainly geared towards higher-level players with a solid grasp of the fundamentals, it remains very readable. 

If you’ve ever finished reading a chess book cover to cover, you’ll find this one enjoyable. And suppose you’ve ever wondered why you lost a game despite following all the standard principles. At the same time, your opponent seemed to ignore them. In that case, this book will be a rewarding read - L Simmons

About the Author:

In 2022, FIDE Master John Watson was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame as "one of the greatest writers in the history of American chess". He is a former US National High School Chess Champion. He has written over twenty books, ranging from general guides to works on specific openings.

Other Details:

Paperback
Pages: 272
Dimensions: 16.8cm × 2cm × 24cm
ISBN-13: 9781901983074