Mastering Endgame Strategy

This book is one of a 3-volume work that GM Hellsten published covering the phases of the game: Opening, Middlegame, and Endgame. I consider these books a modern, engine-checked version of my favorite pre-engine series: GM Pachman's Complete Chess Strategy. This Mastering Endgame Strategy book covers different themes in each chapter: King+Pawn endings, the very important Rook endings, and Queen Themes. The samples are taken from master level games and some of GM Hellsten's own students' games. Usefulness: 10/10, Covered the main themes you will face in endgames: King+Pawn endings, minor pieces endings, major piece endings. Readability: 8/10, There are some diagrams at critical positions and GM Hellsten keeps the sideline variatiions at a minimum so you won't need a physical board, but I still feel a board is needed to explore a sideline that the author does not mention in his analysis. I believe Chessable has published an electronic course of these books which eliminate the need for a physical board. I don't buy Chessable products so am not sure. Target Audience: This is one of my more recent purchases (within the last 10 years) and my rating was at 2077 USCF back in 1995, but has currently dropped to a floor of 1800 USCF. It is hard for me to decide what rating range this and the other 2 Hellsten books are good for. My guess is Intermediate 1700 and up. Study Time: The book requires careful reading, so it took me at least a week to finish a single chapter, stopping after a few pages per sitting. It also has very challenging puzzles to solve. Main Takeaway: I consider the 3 books that GM Hellsten all 5-star, but I cannot be sure of the rating range for the books. The books are complicated, but excellent. Highly recommend.