In this video, I, International Master Thomas Engqvist, review the new book Isolani: Beyond the Clichés, published by Chess Stars on 11 May 2026 and written by Bulgarian International Master Semko Semkov (b. 1960).
The book focuses on one of the most important and complex middlegame structures in chess — the isolated pawn (IQP or “Isolani”). Using modern games, including examples featuring Magnus Carlsen, Semkov explores how to play both with and against the isolated pawn.
A key idea in the book is the classical guideline: keep pieces on the board when you have the isolated pawn, and exchange pieces when playing against it. However, as the author shows, the reality is much more nuanced, and a more concrete and practical understanding is required.
In this video, I complement Semkov’s ideas with additional strategic insights and historical perspective. We also look at how some of the greatest players in chess history handled the isolated pawn, including:
Wilhelm Steinitz, Emanuel Lasker, José Raúl Capablanca, Alexander Alekhine, Mikhail Tal and Garry Kasparov
This video is aimed at all chess players, from club level to advanced, who want to deepen their understanding of one of the most challenging middlegame structures in chess.
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