Seirawan Yasser, Silman Jeremy. Play Winning Chess

Everyman Chess, 2012. — 260 p. — ISBN: 978-1-85744-821-4.An introduction to the moves, strategies, and philosophy of chess, with clear explanations of the games fundamentals, instructive examples, question-and-answer sections, sample games, and psychological hints.After more than 20 years of dominating world chess, Steinitz was finally beaten by the great Emanuel Lasker. He lost his title and then lost the rematch. In failing health and severe poverty (in those days, it was very difficult for a chess professional to make a living), Steinitz came unglued mentally. He died a pauper in New York.How to Defend Against a Space AdvantageSooner or later, you will find yourself squeezed by your opponent into a cramped position, so you need to know how to defend against such a tactic. Remember the following principle:The player with less space should try to trade some pieces.You may find it helpful to think of a cramped position as being like overpopulation. Twenty people in a small house are crowded and very uncomfortable. Two people in the same house have all the space they need. Let’s look at an example of this principle translated into strategy:
1. d4 d5
2. c4A good move. White puts pressure on the d5-pawn and makes preparations for the eventual opening of the c-file for his Rooks with cxd5. Though this opening is called the Queen’s Gambit, no gambit is really involved. If Black captures the c4-pawn with 2...dxc4, White can even the score in several ways, the quickest being 3.Qa4+ followed by Qxc4. After White captures the pawn, he would follow up with e2-e4 to acquire a full pawn center. Because of that possibility, Black’s usual response to the Queen’s Gambit is to decline the capture on c4 and instead guard his d5-pawn:
2... e6This is the most common move, though 2...c6 is also good. Not so good is 2...Nf6, because after 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.e4, White would once again acquire a full pawn center and all the space that comes with it.
3. Nc3White continues to develop pieces and put pressure on the d5-pawn. Notice how the Knight fits comfortably behind the c4-pawn; the two work together to attack Black’s center.
3... Nf6A sensible reply. Black also develops his pieces, at the same time giving additional support to the d5-pawn.
4. Bg5White pins the Black Knight, one of the defenders of the d5-pawn. Notice how White is quickly developing his pieces and at the same time using three of his men to directly or indirectly put pressure on square d5.Here’s another important point: White would like to play e3 and free his f1-Bishop. However, if he makes this move too early, he will block the c1-Bishop. By moving the c1-Bishop first, White will be free to follow up with e3. Remember, whenever possible avoid blocking your pieces with your pawns.Black’s next move is to break the pin on his Knight:
4... Be7Now, if the Knight moves, the Bishop on g5 will not attack the Queen. Black has developed a new piece and is preparing to castle.
5. e3White frees the f1-Bishop and gives more support to his pawn on d4.
5... O-O
6. Nf3White has developed his unmoved Knight.
6... Nbd7Black also moves his other Knight into the battle. He avoids 6...Nc6, because he sees that he will have to use his c-pawn to give added defense to the d5-pawn.