The middlegame can prove to be a minefield for many players, throwing up numerous difficult questions. Is this a good time to get active or should I consolidate my position? Should I have a long think in this position, or save time for later? Are desperate measures called for or should I just try to defend solidly? In Mastering the Middlegame , International master Angus Dunnington answers these and other questions that frequently baffle players of all levels.

• Explains how strong players approach tactical and positional play

• Numerous test positions enable readers to gauge their progress

• Revolutionary layout allows readers to absorb the key ideas.

005 Introduction

007 1. Attacking the King

- The King in the Centre

- Castling on Opposite Wings

- Eliminating Defenders

- Stay Alert

- Try it Yourself

040 2. Definding - Keep Calm!

- Defence

- Counterattack

- The Knockout Blow

- Nobody´s Perfect

056 3. Opening Lines

- Infiltration

- Try Diagonal

- Try it Yourself

074 4. Using the Pieces

- The Rook on the Seventh Rank

- The Queen Sacrifice

- Bishops versus Knights

- Opposite-Coloured Bishops

- Try it Yourself

104 5. Using the Pawns

- Structural Strengths and eaknesses

- The Power of the d-pawn

- The Pawn Brak

- Sacrificing a Piece for Pawns

122 6. Further Ideas

- Creating and Using Outposts

- The Colour Complex

- Piece Placement

- Complex Situations

139 7. Solution to Exercises