Looking for books on "strong / weak squares"

Hi,

I like having books that allow me a deep dive into different topics. For example, I have a book titled "Open Files" and another which is "Greek Gift".

For the same reason, I would like recommendations on books that are fully centered about strong / weak squares, how to identify them, how to leverage, etc.

I know this is a strategic concept that is often discussed in overall strategy books, but I'm not interested in such books, I would like to get a specific one, of this very specific topic.

Does it exist?

Thanks!

AG

Many thanks, I Will have a look!

I would recommend Chess.com course 'Roots of Positional Understanding'. You can find it on this link: https://www.chess.com/lessons/roots-of-positional-understanding

Excellent idea, many thanks!

@agatti1970 -

I own over 600 chess books and am not aware that there is a book that is singularly devoted to the concept of "strong / weak squares". Although I don't own the book "Black & White Magic" that @StevieG65 cited above, which sounds like it could relate on some level to what you are interested in...

https://www.chessable.com/free-lesson-light-dark-magic-color-complexes-in-chess/course/118490/

However, Section 5.4 (pp.158-168) of the following book does treat the specific concepts (weak squares) you have enquired about..

Elements of Positional Evaluation by Dan Heisman

You can download a pdf copy of the book here.....the site is safe and easy to use....I've downloaded hundreds of copies of chess books from this site over the years without a problem...

https://www.pdfdrive.com/elements-of-positional-evaluation-how-the-pieces-get-their-power-e159329864.html

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/scribd-com-for-online-chess-book-reading

Hi RussBell,

wow, the few books I own are not even a fraction of those you have!

Thank you for the good suggestions, I will definitely have a look!

It's a pity that a specific book doesn't exist on such so important strategic topic. It would be nice to read about recognizing them, creating, defending, occupying, leveraging, etc etc.

So many books exist that treat pretty much always the same things!

Anyway, glad you suggested a book that, at least, has some pages about it, and thank you for having spent time to look for it.

AG

@agatti1970 -

You're welcome.

It occurs to me that you might discover something of interest in my blog article...

Good Chess Books for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/good-chess-books-for-beginners-and-beyond

Consider Secrets of Positional Chess by Drazen Marovic. The first chapter is titled Weak and Strong Squares. Chapter 2 is Strength and Weakness on Files and Diagonals. There he states "Weak squares multiply like rotten apples. From a single weakness the whole file ... gets rotten, ...". Chapter 3 is Weakness of the First and Second Ranks.

Yes. Thank you for that. I own the book, but had not looked at it in several years. It's a very instructive book which treats various themes of positional chess within the context of annotated Grandmaster games, including chapter 1 on weak and strong squares. I highly recommend it.

Here is a pdf excerpt which illustrates the book's format along with the table of contents....

http://gambitbooks.com/pdfs/Secrets_of_Positional_Chess.pdf

@RussBell thank you for this, looks like I found a hidden gem

Be sure also to check out...

Good Positional Chess, Planning & Strategy Books for Beginners and Beyond

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/introduction-to-positional-chess-planning-strategy