Light & Dark Magic – Color Complexes in Chess by GM Axel Smith

Revolutionize the Way You Attack and Defend:
Master Your Color Complexes

“The dark squares around Black’s king are critically weak.”

“White will secure a draw thanks to the opposite color bishops.”

You often hear about color complexes like this in chess – but how do you take advantage of them?

That’s exactly what you’ll learn in Light and Dark Magic: Color Complexes in Chess.

Grandmaster Axel Smith – perhaps best known for authoring the hit books such as The Woodpecker Method and Pump Up Your Rating – brings you the ultimate resource for learning this fundamental strategic theme.

By mastering color complexes, you can improve several important areas in your game:

♟When and how to initiate attacks. By recognizing weak square colors, you’ll learn where to set your sights first. And if you’re attacking the enemy castle, you’ll know what pieces to sacrifice and what enemy pieces or pawns must be eliminated for your attack to be successful

♟What pieces to trade for an advantage. Knowing what minor pieces to trade and under what circumstances is one of the most critical decisions in chess strategy – color complexes often hold the answer!

♟How to set up blockades and other draws. Not only will you be more mindful of square weaknesses around your castle for better defense, you can learn how to save the game when things look bleak. Learn to set up impregnable fortresses, create meaningless pieces for your opponent, and clinch the draw – even when the engine says it’s +3 against you!

And more. GM Smith has arranged exercises and annotated game segments over 9 chapters to get you into the habit of recognizing these themes in a variety of scenarios. The 2013 Nordic Champion is also masterful in his explanations