I heard in most chess forums this book is for 2400+. Can this book also be useful for Class B players? I'm looking for a book to improve my calculation and planning. If so, in what ways? What would be the best way to self-study this book as a Class B?

  • It is possible that you could get something out of it, but keep in mind that the target audience is people who have a 95+% expected score against you. If you do read it, you may even feel that you have learned something, but the chances that you will be able to effectively apply your knowledge are small. (I'm an expert and don't feel that I would get much out of it yet myself.) – dfan Nov 15 '15 at 14:31

I'm rated around 2150 Elo and I used the book two years ago, to solve exercises on the way to work. I could solve approximately 50%, which felt somewhat disheartening, though objectively, I guess, it's pretty ok for my level. I definitely profited from the training.

I wouldn't recommend the book for players significantly weaker than me. Mostly because it's demotivating if you are always struggling to even think in the right direction. I have found that the final instalment of the Yusupov series fits my own level better (i.e. tough but solvable).

But if you can keep your motivation up, even without much positive feedback, of course you can profit from thinking deeply about just about any position.


For a B-player, or any non-master for that matter, the problem with this book is that the examples and study positions are complex and will be difficult for an amateur to understand and analyze. Nevertheless, the concepts in the book and techniques are completely valid and useful for a B-player.

To make best use of a book like this, I would recommend learning the ideas and concepts in the book and then applying them to easier examples which you can find in intermediate-level books. So, look at Aagard's examples, but when you actually go to train use easier positions.









If there's one book you must read, it's Chess Praxis.


  • Not sure why this is downvoted: It answers the question, "I'm looking for a book to improve my calculation and planning." – Jossie Calderon Feb 26 '19 at 18:44
  • That was not the question; it was background for the question. – Brandon_J Jun 5 '19 at 23:19

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