Most chess books teach you how to play. A few teach you how to think. But Art of Attack in Chess by Vladimir Vuković teaches you how to unleash destruction.
It was published in 1965 and later revised with a preface by John Nunn.
Vladimir Vuković. Photo Credits: chesshistory.com
This book is not just a classic; it’s THE classic on attacking chess. Vuković’s book is essential for players who want to go beyond solid play and start dominating their opponents with direct, calculated force.
Let’s explore why this book, over half a century after it first appeared, remains one of the most respected works on aggressive chess ever written.
What’s the Book About?
Art of Attack in Chess by Vladimir Vuković
At its core, Art of Attack in Chess is about how to organize and conduct a successful attack against the enemy king. But this isn’t about cheap tricks or reckless sacrifices. Vuković walks you through the logic and principles of attacking play, showing how great attackers, from Alekhine to Tal, constructed their masterpieces.
The book doesn’t just show attacks. It builds them.
From fundamental attacking patterns to detailed explanations of when and how to strike, Vuković covers it all. The focus is largely on attacks against the castled king, both kingside and queenside.
He also explores topics like the role of pawn storms, piece coordination, sacrifices, weak squares, and timing, all of which come together to make a decisive assault.
How It’s Structured
The book is divided into 12 core chapters, each exploring a key concept of attacking play. The chapters are:
1. The attack against the uncastled king
2. The attack on the king that has lost the right to Castle
3. On castling and attacking the Castled position in general
4. Mating patterns
5. Focal-points
6. The classic bishop sacrifice
7. Ranks, files, and diagonals in the attack on the castled king
8. Pieces and pawns in the attack on the castled king
9. The attack on the fianchettoed and queenside castling positions
10. Defending against the attack on the castled king
11. The phases of the attack on the castled king
12. The attack on the king as an integral part of the game
Each chapter is supported by deeply annotated games. These aren’t just demonstrations, they’re lessons. Vuković breaks down the plans step by step, helping you understand how the attack unfolds, where the defensive weaknesses lie, and how the attacking side exploits them.
You’ll see examples from chess giants like Lasker, Capablanca, Alekhine, Botvinnik, and Tal throughout the book. But Vuković doesn’t just glorify their genius; he explains it, clearly and methodically.
Why It Works
There’s a reason this book is still being read and recommended decades after it was written. It does several things exceptionally well:
Timeless Principles
Many books age poorly as theory evolves. Not this one. That’s because Vuković focuses on fundamentals: how pieces coordinate, how weaknesses are created, and how to recognize the moment to attack. These lessons don’t expire.
Clear Framework for Attacking Play
Vuković doesn’t just throw examples at you. He builds a system, a framework that helps you understand attacking chess as a process. He introduces ideas like “focal points,” showing you how to prepare the battlefield and strike when the moment is right.
This structure helps players go from guessing to planning.
Rich Game Selection
The games chosen are instructive and dramatic. You’re not just watching brilliant attacks, you’re studying them in context. The positions are relatable, and the moves, while sometimes stunning, are always grounded in logic.
Instructive Language
While the original text was written decades ago, the English translation (and later revisions) are surprisingly accessible. Vuković has an instructive tone, almost like a wise coach guiding you through a battle. He doesn’t oversimplify, but he always explains the why behind the moves.
Who Is This Book For?
Art of Attack in Chess is best suited for players rated around 1600 to 2200. If you’re under 1600, some of the strategic ideas might feel overwhelming, but even then, the annotated games can inspire you. For players at 2000+, this book will feel like an essential reference, a textbook on how to win games by force, not just finesse.
It’s particularly useful for players who:
- Struggle to attack even when ahead in development
- Over-sacrifice without proper justification
- Feel uncomfortable facing sharp, tactical positions
- Want to learn classic attacking patterns and when to use them
Coaches will also find it valuable as the chapters are logically arranged and make for great lesson plans.
What Makes This Book a Classic
This isn’t a trendy book about traps or opening novelties. It’s a foundational guide to a key part of chess: the attack.
More than any other book, Art of Attack in Chess teaches you how to think like an attacker. It doesn’t just celebrate tactics, it builds them from first principles.
The book trains your eye to recognize targets, to sense when your opponent is vulnerable, and to calculate when it’s time to go all in.
It bridges the gap between romantic attacking chess and disciplined modern play.
Final Verdict
If you’re serious about improving your ability to attack in a systematic manner, then Art of Attack in Chess deserves a place on your shelf. It’s not light reading, but it’s some of the most valuable time you’ll ever spend with a chess book.
It will sharpen your tactical eye, deepen your understanding of king safety, and teach you to sense when the time is right to strike.
This is not just a book to read. It’s a book to study and grow with.