update April 2013: save 20% on two Naroditsky books and check out the combined offer!

ChessCafe 2010 Book of the Year Award Finalist!

“If you want to excel at chess, you have to delve deeper, and appreciate not only visually pleasing combinations, but much more subtle positional ideas as well”, writes Daniel Naroditsky (1995) in this book.

Daniel is a unique talent. He became World Junior Chess Champion in 2007, and now, at the age of 14, he is also the youngest published chess author in history.

Mastering Positional Chess is a serious, but entertaining chess instruction book. Daniel started writing it when he realized that his lack of positional understanding was causing him to lose many games.

Despite his young age, Daniel’s mature style and systematic method of working stand out. He gives crystal-clear, verbal explanations on the essence of positional chess, thus showing himself to be a born writer and instructor.

This refreshingly original book contains six chapters on the important positional aspects of chess, with many attractive games and fragments from Daniel’s own games, but also from games by top players like Kasparov, Karpov, Topalov and Petrosian.

Naroditsky's course covers the following subjects:
-- Prophylaxis
-- Defense in worse positions
-- Building and breaking fortresses
-- Positional sacrifice
-- Paralysis in the middlegame
-- Maneuvering.

There are many exercises and summaries throughout the book.

In a special preface Daniel’s parents tell the story behind this book, which teaches chess skills every club player needs in order to win more games.

 (You need acrobat reader to view these pages)

Pete Tamburro, Chess Life:
"It's a very good book -- exceptionally instructive, full of practical advice that every chess player needs to pay attention to in order to get better."

IM John Donaldson:
"In some ways, a book from earlier times in that it offers the reader a significant amount of explanatory prose. Yes, analysis is given, but only what is needed, not more. The author repeatedly reinforces the points he wishes to make not only through the illustrative games he offers, but also in the summaries and the exercises."

Arne Moll, ChessVibes:
"It may well be one of the best books ever written on positional chess (..) Extremely well written, carefully selected examples showing the whole range of positional aspects of a particular theme."

E.Carl, Europa Rochade Magazine:
"Not only does he analyse deeply, but he also finds the right mix between verbal explanations and variations. Also helpful are the various tips and rules Daniel offers the reader for memorization."