A Complete Guide to Practical Play

Two Books. One Goal: Play Your Best Chess Every Time.

This unique compilation brings together two essential works for the competitive chess player — a tactics training workbook and a complete guide to maximizing your results over the board.

Part 1: Tactics Without a Safety Net

Traditional puzzle books have a flaw: you always know a tactic exists. Real games don't work that way. In this workbook, Volker Schlepütz and GM John Emms train you to think like a detective — searching for mistakes and missed opportunities without knowing if a tactic is even there. It's the closest thing to real game conditions you'll find in a book.

• Carefully selected games from beginner through tournament level
• No themes, no difficulty hints, no engine assistance
• Builds the habit of calculating objectively in any position

Part 2: The Survival Guide to Competitive Chess

GM John Emms draws on his own tournament experience to reveal what separates players who perform to their potential from those who don't.

• Concentration and behaviour at the board
• Playing for a win or a draw — knowing which and when
• Handling time trouble without falling apart
• Building an opening repertoire that suits your style
• Understanding the rules, using software, and preparing for opponents

Two books in one. Practical, battle-tested, and built for players who want results — not just knowledge.