"The didactic concept of the book is admirable. Each chapter defines the structures, explains the typical characteristics and shows the plans for both White and Black. The reader participates by assessing positions and invariably receives useful tips for practical play."

– Harry Schaack, KARL Magazine

"It's great to see the German Grandmaster tackling what has often been a rather neglected subject."

– CHESS Magazine (UK)

"The main focus is on showing the dangers and opportunities in seemingly dull positions. There are lots of valuable training lessons, in particular in areas where chess engines offer no help."

– Harald Fietz, SchachMagazin 64

"A masterpiece of explanation."

– Elburg Chess Review

"Hickl's prose is entertaining and amusing, and the instructions are always helpful and practical. This is a first-class manual that teaches much more than just pawn structures and their immediate consequences."

– Klaus Kogler, Kaissiber Chess Magazine

"The author is setting out what you need in order to have a balanced, basic understanding (..) A good way of bringing [club players'] understanding of all pawn structures up to a consistent level."

– Matthew Sadler

"Hickl's book is of great importance for chess players who are past the beginners' stage."

– B.H. Wilders, Nederlands Dagblad

"Jorg Hickl's explanations are always very to the point and written in an entertaining way, which keeps the reader motivated to continue."

– Dirk Schuh, International Master, Rochade Europa Magazine