Pawn Structure Chess

This book covers the common pawn structures that occur from the most popular openings: Slav, Caro-Kann, KID, Stonewalls, etc. It is very helpful, as you will most likely end up in one of these structures if you play mainline openings. Even offbeat stuff will eventually reach a familiar structure with correct play. Usefulness: 9/10, Covered the main pawn structures that occur at the start of the middlegame. The chapters start with a diagram of only the pawn setup, then a theoretical discussion of both sides' plans and placement of pieces, then some master-level sample games in their entirety, so you can see how things progressed up to resignation. Readability: 5/10, There are some diagrams at critical positions, but for the most part you will need a physical board to follow the game. Also, my version of the book is in English Descriptive and after so many years of using Algebraic I now struggle with visualizing the moves. I think the newer reissue has been translated to Algebraic (Try figuring out what B-B4ch means). Target Audience: I am guessing 1600-1800 OTB. I think the book Chess Structures by GM Flores Rios is better engine-checked, but also higher level (2000 and up). Study Time: The book has chapters devoted to different structures. For me one chapter a week is sufficient if you plan a cover-to-cover read through. However, I now use the book only as a reference for after I play a game and reach a structure I want to know more about. Main Takeaway: This book is a good primer of the most commonly occurring pawn structures and is helpful for all players. Except for the drawback of no engine-checking of some lines, the book is very good. Highly recommended.