Finally! A book on chess planning by an experienced and strong chess player. When I first received the book, I eagerly flipped it open, and... saw a book filled with 90 test positions, each one having three plan choices. At the end of the book are the solutions on a point basis (i.e. the correct plan is worth 5 points, the second best 3 points, and the worst 0). I have to say, I was rather disappointed at first. Grivas himself isn't really giving advice, but rather testing the reader. I'm also unsure about the title, as I don't see why Gufeld-Kavalek, 1962 is an example of modern planning :-). Having said that, every example is very carefully selected, and all three choices are often tempting.
As I started solving the test positions, I noticed that they often were similiar to situations from my games. Therefore, Grivas did a great job in selecting the test positions. His solutions are also very detailed, explaining precisely why each plan is either right or wrong, something I find very valuable.
Each test position is accompanied with a "judgment" preamble, introducing the game and the basic aspects of the position. Another great choice. The book is also very carefully typed/designed, and I could find very few typos or chess mistakes.
So, overall, a great book with valuable advice on how to improve your chess planning skills.
**** (4/5 stars)
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