1500 Forced Mates
Jakov's new book focuses on a key element of tactics: forced mate. It contains 1500 positions rife with tactical resources — 1380 of them presented as puzzles — divided into 31 chapters, most of which are dedicated to a single tactical method, described in detail.This fundamental work systematizes the methods for delivering forced mate, including:Sacrifices, pawn promotion and vacationAttraction, elimination, deflection and blockingSeizing the square, x-rays and pinsDiscovered checks, double checks, windmill and interferenceThe remaining chapters, titled Combinations, consolidate the provided knowledge and test the acquired skills. To solve their puzzles the reader must draw on techniques studied throughout the book, not just the current chapter — so each new tactical method gradually increases the diversity of the combinations that follow. The puzzles in every chapter also gradually increase in difficulty.The greatest value of this book is its learning system, a foundation for young chess players to study tactics. The author has used it countless times with his pupils with great success, and together with the carefully crafted examples it makes this work a universal textbook for both students and coaches.Accessible to beginners once they have learned to mate in one, with puzzles mostly requiring 2- to 6-move solutions. The final chapter will challenge even grandmasters — a universal test of forced mating skill, with solutions often requiring 9–11 moves.