Positional mastery, one chapter at a time
Each chapter follows the same rhythm: learn the concept on interactive diagrams, practice it on guided exercises, then prove it in a scored test.
Prophylaxis: Thinking for Your Opponent
Learn to ask the question that separates masters from amateurs: what does my opponent want? Lessons, exercises and a scored test from Karpov, Kasparov, Fischer & co.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Domination
Restrict the opponent's pieces until the whole position collapses — Steinitz, Fischer, Carlsen.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
The Principle of Two Weaknesses
One weakness holds — two break the defender. Learn to stretch the defense across both wings.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
The Right Exchange
It is not what you exchange, but what remains — transform one advantage into another.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Do Not Rush
When you are winning, keep control — the patient attacker wins, the hurried one blunders.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Converting an Advantage
From +1 to 1-0 — technique to turn a static plus into a win by the right transformation.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Outpost
Create a hole no pawn can control, plant a knight, dominate the whole board.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Blockade
A passed pawn must be blockaded — the best blockader is a knight.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Good and Bad Bishops
Fix the bad bishop on granite, keep the good one — and decide when the bishop pair must go.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Undermining
Attack the base of the chain — when the base moves, the whole chain collapses.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Opening the Position
Open files and diagonals only when you profit more — timing and profit decide.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Weak Color Complex
One hole is a complex — fix the pawn colour, exchange the defender, win the whole complex.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Improving Piece Placement
Talk to your pieces — the worst-placed piece tells you the plan.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Counterplay
An attack on the flank is best met in the centre.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Positional Exchange Sacrifice
A rook for a minor — pawns, outpost, attack or blockade as compensation.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Simplification
What remains matters more than what is exchanged.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
A Second Front
One front holds — the second front breaks the defender across both wings.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions
Weaknesses
The pawn structure is the soul — isolate, fix and tie down the weak pawn.
5 lessons · 5 exercises · 7 test positions