Schacksnack

In this 37-minute video, IM Thomas Engqvist presents book number 29 in the Top 30 Chess Books series: Boris Gelfand’s Positional Decision Making in Chess.

The video is primarily aimed at advanced players rated 2200 and above, but ambitious players from 1800+ will also benefit from gaining insight into how a world-class player reasons about positional chess. Gelfand’s thinking is deeply rooted in classical principles, with a strong influence from Akiba Rubinstein, and the book’s red thread consists of carefully selected classical masterpieces alongside Gelfand’s own games. Additional illustrative games, including examples by players such as Malakhov, are also discussed.

The focus lies on positional themes such as: Rubinstein-style squeezing

Long-term territorial advantage

Transformation of pawn structures

Conversion of small advantages

Strategic decision-making in quiet positions

What makes this book particularly valuable is the clarity and depth of the commentary. Gelfand explains not only what to do, but why, offering rare insight into elite-level positional judgement and practical decision-making.

This video highlights the most instructive aspects of the book and explains why it deserves a place in any serious player’s chess library.

The next video in the series covers book number 30 – make sure to continue with the series to see how the list concludes.