Additional information
by Rudy Blumenfeld (Author), Danny Kopec Im (Author)
This book is aimed at the player who wants to improve his or her understanding of the most important middlegame concepts. It starts (Chapter 1) with mating patterns, tactics and combinations. Chapter 2 covers all the important themes related to Pawn Structure play. Chapter 3 moves to an unusual and important theme -- how and when are the conditions ripe to attack the opposing king? What conditions are destined to lead to success, and which will result in failure. Overall the book covers the the topics often deemed the most important for success in the middlegame in chess. Numerous unusual, original examples. Beautiful tactical examples and themes. Examples from Fischer, Spassky, Tal, Kasparov, and many other great players, as well Dr. Kopec himself. All important tactical themes are illustrated in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 covers very important themes related to pawn structures, including good structures, bad structures, and pawn structure methods. Finally, Chapter 3 covers important themes from real play illustrating how and when the conditions suggest that an attack on the King is appropriate. Practical Middlegame Techniques also covers (in Chapters 1 and 2) the material in two of Dr. Kopec's most popular DVD's: "How to Visualize Combinations" and "Pawn Structures and How to Play Them". Chapter 3 is entirely original material. It includes two spectacular postal games by Dr. Kopec spanning two years each and including two and three piece sacrificies. It also includes a spectacular win by Gary Kasparov over Boris Gelfand.
Author Biography
Danny Kopec, International Chess Master and Professor of Computer Science is the author of 8 well-received chess books and 8 chess dvds (18.5 hours of instruction). Dr. Kopec has been infatuated with chess for 50 years! He is a strong believer in the importance of KNOWLEGE for success -- in any advanced field. The focus of his work is to provide knowledge in an enjoyable and accessible way. Here are some of his chess accomplishments as a player: 1966 tied 5th - 9th Greater NY Elementary Championship. 1968 - Greater NY High School Champion at 14; 1971 - Chess Master entering Dartmouth College where he received his BA in Psychology modified with Mathematics 1976 - US Senior Master 1980 - 81 - Scottish Champion 1984 - Tied for 2nd Canadian Invitational Championship. 1976, 1977, 1987, 1988, 2004 Tied for Third in US OPEN each year Scoring 9 - 3 each year and 7 - 2 in 2004. 1985: Awarded International Master Title. Noted Chess Teacher. See my website www.kopecchess.com Textbook in Artificial Intelligence 2012: (with Stephen Lucci) Artificial Intelligence in 21st Century (Mercury Learning Inc.) 590 pages. Over 80 academic publications
