Modern Chess Combinations - October, November, December 2016

Book excerpt: This publication is a collection of over 140 best combinations played by strong chess players in tournaments that took place in the fourth quarter of 2016. To see the solution for the combination - go to the next page in your e-reader. This book is the eighth in the "Quarterly Tactics" series, which provides instructive tactical positions from the most recent top chess tournaments. Quarterly Chess Tactics will allow you to * Follow the recent games of top grandmasters * Improve your game * Study combinations any time and anywhere * Enjoy a collection of annotated puzzles that you have not seen in any other tactics books * Maintain regular practice by solving several puzzles every day For the purpose of this collection, the author used Mikhail Botvinnik's definition of a combination, which defines it as "a forced maneuver or maneuvers combined with a sacrifice, as a result of which the active side gains an objective advantage." All the puzzles have been carefully checked to ensure the correctness and uniqueness of solutions, so the reader can be certain that there is only one winning continuation in each position. The highlight of this edition are the games from the World Championshop match between Karjakin and Carlsen, and World Rapid and Blitz Championship. The combination played by Magnus Carlsen in the last game of the tie-break - was found by him instantly and was a worthy finish to the tough match. It proved yet again, that being able to spot tactics quickly and effortlessly is an essential part of being a strong player.