Book Recommendations: Grandmaster Preparation Series

Hello all,

Happy Labor Day! Today I will be recommending a renowned book series by GM Jacob Aagaard called the Grandmaster Preparation Series. I have read 4/6 books in the series already, and only have good things to say about it. Here are my thoughts on each and every book in this wonderful series! (Note: These books are not in the correct order they were published. Technically, you can read them in any order you'd like, based on your own weaknesses!)

Calculation

Calculation is a book that focuses on, well, calculation. Duh. While it may seem like a very standard topic to cover, Aagaard really helps you answer the questions all players ask: "How exactly do you improve at calculation? What exactly is "good calculation"?". By changing your mindset and the way you think, this book helps you see those moves that you would've never seen before.

Key point: Most combinations are two-movers. Not long 10-move sequences. Many times, these combinations are difficult to find, but simple. Finding them makes you a great calculator. Being good at calculation is not calculated by the number of moves you can see down the line (although it does matter to some extent)

Endgame Play

Endgame Play is a book that focuses on one of the most essential phases of the game: the endgame. To play the endgame well, you need to first learn the basic concepts, then know how to apply them in a real game.

Positional Play

Positional Play is one of my personal favorites in the Grandmaster Preparation series. It focuses on a variety of topics, such as squares, weaknesses, and prophylaxis. At the end, there are ~150 exercises that really reinforce these ideas. This book is a must-read in the series.

Key point: Material is a static advantage. Sometimes, you can give up material for a dynamic advantage, such as an attack. This makes sacrifices much easier to comprehend, rather than "oh I want to give up a pawn, but I don't know if I can, should, or would do it". Really enhanced my understanding of chess as a whole.

Strategic Play

Relatively similar to Positional Play, Strategic Play also focuses on some very similar ideas. Another great book to read, although you should probably read Positional Play first in my opinion.

Key point: Ask yourself the 3 most important questions: 

1. What are the weaknesses in the position?

2. What are the worst placed pieces (1 for each side)?

3. What is your opponent's idea? (After all, you only make half of the moves in a chess game!)

Attack and Defense

Personally, I have not read this book yet, but have only heard good things about it. Aagaard discusses many key topics that are also present in his Attacking Manuals. Many ideas such as Keeping the King in the "Killzone" are explained in great detail and so simply that it's hard not to understand.

Key point: Never lose hope. Always look for defensive ideas! The same goes for when you're seemingly "winning". Never lose hope, for your opponent! Look for any tricky ideas that he might have to save the game (perpetual, stalemate, etc.).

Thinking Inside the Box

The final book in the series, Thinking Inside the Box wraps it all up. The first 5 books taught you the ideas, the fundamentals, and drove them home with countless puzzles. Now, the idea is to really put them together and apply your knowledge. I am currently reading this book, and boy is it good!

Key point: To think outside the box, you must first know what's inside the box. Learn the fundamentals, then look for applying your knowledge in creative ways.

Thanks for reading! If you are interested in buying these books, please consider buying the entire set from quality chess, which was founded by GM Aagaard himself. You can also find these books on Amazon if you'd like to buy them individually.

Comment down below if you've read any of these books as well! Until next time!