Chess for Zebras: Thinking Differently about Black and White - Softcover

Rowson, Jonathan

4.35

121 ratings by Goodreads

9781901983852: Chess for Zebras: Thinking Differently about Black and White

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1901983854 ISBN 13: 9781901983852

Publisher: Gambit Publications Ltd, 2005

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Jonathan Rowson, author of the highly acclaimed Seven Deadly Chess Sins, investigates three questions important to all chess-players:
1) Why is it so difficult, especially for adult players, to improve?
2) What kinds of mental attitudes are needed to find good moves in different phases of the game?
3) Is White's alleged first-move advantage a myth, and does it make a difference whether you are playing Black or White?
In a strikingly original work, Rowson makes use of his academic background in philosophy and psychology to answer these questions in an entertaining and instructive way. This book assists all players in their efforts to improve, and provides fresh insights into the opening and early middlegame.

Rowson presents many new ideas on how Black should best combat White's early initiative, and make use of the extra information that he gains as a result of moving second. For instance, he shows that in some cases a situation he calls 'Zugzwang Lite' can arise, where White finds himself lacking any constructive moves. He also takes a close look at the theories of two players who, in differing styles, have specialized in championing Black's cause: Mihai Suba and Andras Adorjan. Readers are also equipped with a 'mental toolkit' that will enable them to handle many typical over-the-board situations with greater success, and avoid a variety of psychological pitfalls.

Chess for Zebras offers fresh insights into human idiosyncrasies in all phases of the game. The depth and breadth of this book will therefore help players to appreciate chess at a more profound level, and make steps towards sustained and significant improvement.

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From the Publisher:

Gambit Publications specialises 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.

Synopsis:

White's right to move first in a game of chess appears to be a clear-cut advantage. Or is it? The author of the acclaimed Seven Deadly Chess Sins presents a completely original work on a topic of fundamental importance to chess players of all abilities White's right to move first appears to be a clear-cut advantage - but not enough to guarantee a win say the experts. So, perhaps this perceived advantage is not so real at all, and maybe Black has compensating advantages? Grandmaster Rowson investigates in a wide-ranging and entertaining discussion that will be of practical value to all chess players. He also provides valuable tips on building a Black opening repertoire that will challenge White to the full. A reliable repertoire for Black against one of White's principal ways to open - which will appeal to all chess players

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