Chess Strategy for Kids

Description

♟️ What will you learn from this book?

Tactics decide games when there’s a combination. Strategy decides games when there isn’t one. A player who only knows tactics is lost the moment the position closes or simplifies. This book by Thomas Engqvist introduces the most important strategic concepts in chess through 50 short, concrete lessons. Each starts from a real position, explains the concept and offers practice to check understanding.

🎯 Who is this book for?

• Children with basic tactical skills ready to take the next step
• Players who don’t know what to do when there’s no immediate tactic
• Parents and coaches looking for a first strategy book that is clear and well organised

📖 Contents

50 strategic lessons grouped by theme: the centre (central control, open and closed centres), development (tempo, piece activity), space (space advantage, expansion), pieces (good and bad pieces, knights on outposts, bishop pair), pawns (passed, doubled, isolated, chains), attack (weaknesses around the king, open files), defence (recognising danger and neutralising it), plus practice positions and solutions.

📚 Concrete concepts, not abstract rules

Engqvist always starts from a concrete position — first the problem on the board, then the relevant strategic concept and how to apply it. Practice positions verify understanding before moving on.

👤 About the author

Thomas Engqvist is a Swedish International Master with extensive experience teaching chess to young players.

♟️ Why we recommend it at Chesscul

At Chesscul we recommend this when students already have a tactical base and start needing judgment for positions without immediate combinations. The 50 lessons allow working on a different concept each session.

🔗 Recommended companions

• Chess Tactics for Kids: the tactical foundation needed before tackling these strategic concepts.
• Chess Openings for Kids: many concepts here apply directly to opening play.
• Chess Endgames for Kids: Karsten Müller applies similar strategic concepts to endgames.