Javier Posted February 18, 2007 Report Share Posted February 18, 2007 ISBN : 1 901983 36 6 1rst edited 2000 by GAMBIT Publications Ltd - London 207 pages editor price : US $ 24.95 I wondered if a review about this fascinating book was belonging to the "middlegame book topics", and finally decided for "other books" due to his atypical nature. IGM Jonathan Rowson built his book around the identification and analysis of seven "deadly chess sins" . Don't be mislead if the name of first sin is "thinking" ! It's just a typical "rowsonian" provocation ! Seriously now, the author goes far in the analysis of what, in our (chess players) mind, leads to defeat. Every chapter, if not every page, will probably remember you horror stories you lived over the board, and above all, in your head ! Even if this book gives you some keys about fighting against our "suicidal tendencies" at chess, don't expect opening a recipe book. But if you take time to understand this provocative but honest chess thinker, you could then go back to your next tournament game with a slightly different, more lucid state of mind. This book needs time to be fully understood and enjoyed. In my opinion, it's much more a reflection on chess philosophy and chess psychology, than a battle manual, even if interesting, deeply-annotated games abound. Sometimes you will find it provocative, or irritating. You won't see immediately where the author leads you with all that strange stuff. But, in my experience, patience, second readings are always rewarded ! Some friends of mine reacted very negatively to this book. Others are as enthousiastic as I am ... But it cannot leave you without a reaction ... The first ones probably expected a practical, "improve-your-chess-fast" book, and they "only" found a thought-provoking book. Couldn't it be also a slow but sure way to progress ? Now about the poll ... Especially for this book, it's a highly subjective matter! As you may have guessed, I fell in love with this highly original book. So, it's a 9 in my heart ! But I expect it could well be 1 or 2 for some of you ! I think this book could be good for your chess only if, in some way, you feel in accordance with the author, and let him guide you. Clearly, it won't be the case for everyone. But, if you buy it, forget training for a few hours, and just enjoy! (Originally edited by Jean Saulnier, June 10 2002) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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