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Chess Structures: A Grandmaster Guide, Mauricio Flores Rios

Chess Structures: A Grandmaster Guide, Mauricio Flores Rios

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A chess book review and an interview with MauricioChess Structures has become one of the most famous and most often read chess books in recent times. Whenever I get on a call with someone from the chess world with a shelf behind them, the book is there. And there’s a great reason for that – the book is incredibly useful.
As opposed to most other chess books, that either focus on a certain opening, or on themes, strategies or tactics applicable in any type of position, Chess Structures explains the most important structures one by one, providing great insight into how one should navigate them, and what one should play for depending on the structure.

Here are the three benefits of the book GM Rios has highlighted:
1. In chess you have like 20+ mini-advantages (strong square, bishop pair, open file, etc). It’s hard to know which one to prioritize. The book helps you understand what’s the advantage you’re supposed to pursue in a given position, based on the pawn structure.
2. I spent like 50% of the overall writing time just searching for the most attractive games. The reason is that, as a reader, I was always frustrated when games didn’t really convey the point they were trying to make. I think most examples in the book discuss a plan, and pretty much the whole game revolves around that plan we’re discussing.
3. I think many friends who do lessons told me they liked it because they can use it for lessons without having to worry about preparation. For me, lesson prep was always time-consuming, and in fact, the book evolved out of the lessons I used to give.

Winning or losing most often comes down to understanding what should be done in a position. That always depends on the pawn structure. The pawn structure determines strategy, creates tactical opportunities, and is essential in creating long-term plans. Continue reading: Or watch the Video Review. Try out the Structures Masterclass by GM Mauricio Flores Rios, the author of Chess Structures: King's Indian and Closed Ruy Lopez.