The Queen Saves the Day A World Champion’s Favorite Studies + PGN

“These books are excellent in three ways. Firstly, the chosen studies are exceptionally beautiful. I was constantly oohing and aahing with satisfaction! Secondly, the examples are a good mix of the famous and unfamiliar. I’ve solved a fair number of studies in the past, but about 75% of the studies in each book were unfamiliar to me, which is excellent. Thirdly, the level of the studies is very rewarding. Some are harder than others but the knowledge that a pawn (in the first book) or a knight (in the second book) will deliver the final blow is a wonderful hint that always helps you in the right direction without revealing too much.” – Grandmaster Matthew Sadler, New in Chess, January 2018

“Tkachenko is a lauded study composer with a keen aesthetic eye, and the studies are beautiful while remaining comprehensible” – John Hartmann, US Chess Federation website, 22 November 2017

“The concept is simple, but fun.” – Chessbase website, 20 December 2017

“It’s a good workout, and the book’s small size and well-chosen puzzles makes it a handy and enjoyable way to pick up some practice not just at home but when you’ve got a few minutes on the go.” – Dennis Monokroussos, The Chess Mind blog, 24 December 2017

“Not only were the studies relevant, they were also compelling – just like chess puzzle books, except deeper, more textured and often profoundly entertaining with many surprising “aha” moments by way of conclusion… …I have found myself reading the books in this series just about anywhere – on my commute to work, in my lunch break, in the bathroom, while waiting for my better half to finish her shopping, etc. One of these books is always by my side. So if you enjoy studies, or are curious about studies, but haven’t yet got around to looking at them, this series will be just right for you.” – Carsten Hansen, American Chess Magazine, March 2018