Product Description

Everyone loses chess games occasionally, but all too often we lose a game due to moves that, deep down, we knew were flawed. Why do we commit these chess-board sins? Are they the result of general misconceptions about chess and how it should be played? And how can we recognize the warning signs better? In this thought-provoking and entertaining book, Jonathan Rowson investigates, in his inimitable style, the main reasons why chess-players sometimes go horribly astray, focusing on the underlying psychological pitfalls: thinking (unnecessary or erroneous); blinking (missing opportunities; lack of resolution); wanting (too much concern with the result of the game); materialism (lack of attention to non-material factors); egoism (insufficient awareness of the opponent and his ideas); perfectionism (running short of time, trying too hard); looseness ("losing the plot", drifting, poor concentration).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #214983 in Books
• Published on: 2001-01-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 207 pages

From the Publisher
Gambit Publications specializes in chess and has an unrivalled reputation for originality and editorial excellence. The company is owned and staffed entirely by leading chess masters and grandmasters.

About the Author
Jonathan Rowson became Scotland's third grandmaster in late 1999, within months of graduating from Oxford University. He was runner-up in the 1997 European Junior Championship, Scottish Champion in 1999, 2001 and 2004, winner of the Canadian Open in 2000, winner of the Hastings Premier 2003/2004, and British Champion in 2004 and 2005.

Customer Reviews

Extremely useful for the serious player
This is one of the most practical and useful chess books I've read for a long time. Copiously illustrated primarily by the author's own games - mostly losses too, for a change! - it explores the reasons why people lose. It also looks at chess as a way of life, and how real life factors impact on chess performance. Unlike many chess books, it provides many concrete tips on how to address these issues and become a better player. It's not suitable for the beginner, but I'm sure that any serious player will find it as good as I did. Oh, and the author comes across as a really nice guy, too.

I wish all people with such a wealth of knowledge could write so well
This is an excellent book, I think the writing style is so good even non players of chess may enjoy reading it. But that would be nothing without the content...

The rich and honest examples throughout this book are excellent, and will have the effect of opening the eyes very wide in some cases. Throuroughly recomended.

Totally Original
This is perhaps the most original book on Chess I've ever read. Its often funny, the author's personality surfaces in the prose, and it looks at chess from an almost social scientist angle. Its quite psychological and philosophical at times, but always readable and engaging. I beleive it isn't just useful for a chess player, anyone who plays and indivudual game or sport would benefit from some of the insights Rowson discusses. For example, Rowson has chapters on Egoism, Perfectionism and Thinking and their impact at the chess board and some of these 'sins', as Rowson calls them, are probably evident in the mindset of any individual sportsman.
I think another reason why this book is so original is that its not just teaching tactics or stategy, but it is looking at some of the mental qualities a chess players needs, and the psychological origins of mistakes or sins. Whether it be wanting to win too much and trying to force a win, or 'blinking' at a key moment in the game and missing an opportunity. Some of the situations Rowson describes are identical to the kind I've experienced at the board, and the thought processes Rowson mentions were remarkable for their accuracy too. I was reading this book and thinking "I do that", or "thats what I did in my last game" and therefore I really feel that this book has helped my chess.
This book would be a must buy for any chess player, but in particular I feel its most useful for the competitive player who is already playing in leagues and tournaments. Its a great chess book and a great read too.