In the Introduction to the first volume, I wrote “If Small Steps to Giant Improvement proves to be a successful book, I will write a second volume on some of the other pawn-related topics.” My word is my bond, but I never cited a timeline in which this had to happen. I could have chosen to write the follow-up many years in the future, after my playing career is over and when I would have more time to write, without having to worry about studying or training. Yet instead, I chose to write the second volume at more or less the first opportunity.

The reason for this is, once again, largely selfish. I wrote Small Steps to Giant Improvement not because I longed to write a book, but because I wanted to investigate a topic that I did not understand as well as I should have. I strongly believe that the study and process of writing Small Steps to Giant Improvement improved my understanding dramatically, and was one of the biggest reasons for my recent meteoric rise. I wrote Small Steps 2 Success as a means of continuing to investigate a topic that I would like to understand better,

Pawn play is a fundamental aspect of chess strategy, yet often neglected in chess literature. In this, his second book on pawn play, Super-GM Sam Shankland sheds light on the vital topic of Passed Pawns.

Passed pawns – whether connected, lone or protected – are common occurrences in middlegames and endgames, and your effectiveness in playing with or against them will make the difference between victory and defeat. Just like in his previous book, Shankland breaks down each topic into a series of crystal-clear guidelines to aid the reader.

Sam Shankland is a world-class Grandmaster and a mainstay of the US national team. He won the 2018 US Championship and is a double Olympiad gold medallist with a 2700+ rating.

Praise for the author’s previous work

• A beautifully produced hardback... Shankland wins me over by illustrating these guidelines beautifully... an excellent, original book. 5/5 Stars
  GM Matthew Sadler, New in Chess

• The book accomplishes its goals very well and the discussions are enlightening... a self improvement manual well worth studying! 5/5 Stars
  Carsten Hansen, American Chess Magazine

• An intimate, unvarnished interrogation of a strong Grandmaster’s mind at work, and a clear articulation of the pragmatism at the heart of contemporary chess praxis. It is a fascinating first effort from the new US Champion, and I sincerely hope that the promised second volume soon sees the light of day.
  John Hartmann, Chess Life