Jacob Aagaard is an international master and studies languages, semiotics and communication at the University of Copenhagen and the University of Århus in Denmark. He is gaining a reputation as a highly diligent author and his previous books for Everyman include The Dutch Stonewall and the Sicilian Kalashnikov (with Jan Pinski).

Some players become good at chess, some very good, while others excel at the game. In this book Jacob Aagaard identifies the key factors that separate the very strong players from the rest. In Excelling at Chess, he includes chapters on when to calculate, how to evaluate positions, how to study theory, how to study the endgame and when to force the position. Anyone who follows the advice in this book cannot fail to improve their feel for the game.

-- Ideal for players who are serious about improving

-- Discusses all phases and aspects of the game

-- Packed with useful practical tips