What it teaches
Dutch trainer Herman Grooten turned years of coaching into a complete strategy course. Following the classical elements first described by Steinitz, it covers weak squares and outposts, open files, pawn structure and pawn weaknesses, the bishop pair, good and bad pieces, space and the center, and then shows how to combine these into plans. Each chapter includes model games and exercises so you can test your understanding.
The book is widely praised for being systematic without being dry, and for pitching its explanations at exactly the level of a typical club player.
Who it's for
Club players from about 1300 to 1900 who want a structured course rather than a collection of essays. It also suits coaches looking for a strategy curriculum.
How to get the most from it
Work through it chapter by chapter, doing the exercises before reading the solutions. Keep notes on the ideas you find hardest and look for them in your own games.
Key takeaways
- Strategy can be learned systematically, one element at a time.
- Weak squares and outposts are among the most practical ideas to master.
- The bishop pair is a real advantage in open positions.
- Exercises turn understanding into skill you can use over the board.
Read next
For a different system, compare How to Reassess Your Chess. To go deeper into structures, read Chess Structures: A Grandmaster Guide.
