This book investigates the fundamental principles of chess instruction and the systematic development of a player's tactical and strategic awareness. Alan Phillips, an experienced chess educator, utilizes his background in competitive play to present a structured framework for understanding board control, piece coordination, and endgame accuracy. The text serves as a pedagogical guide, breaking down complex board states into manageable concepts for the developing student.

Experts recognize this work as a reliable instructional resource for intermediate players seeking to formalize their understanding of the game. Readers frequently note the clarity of the prose and the practical nature of the exercises provided throughout the text.