The Amateur's Mind: Turning Chess Misconceptions Into Chess Mastery

Description

2021/03/05: Update of existing file. Duplicate pages removed, chapter bookmarks added This book takes the student on a journey through his own mind and returns him to the chess board with a wealth of new-found knowledge and the promise of a significant gain in strength. Most amateurs possess erroneous thinking processes that remain with them throughout their chess lives. These flaws in their mental armour result in stinging defeats and painful reversals. Books can be bought and studied, lessons can be taken -- but in the end, these elusive problems always prove to be extremely difficult to eradicate. Seeking a solution to this dilemma, the author wrote down the thoughts of his students while they played actual games, analysed them, and catalogued the most common misconceptions that arose. This second edition greatly expands on the information contained in the popular first edition. Table of Contents Preface Introduction The Imbalances (1) The Battle Between Bishops and Knights (9) Acquisition of the Center, Territory, and Space (61) The Confusing Subject of Pawn Structure (107) Material (145) Development and Initiative (167) Many Imbalances, One Board (203) How to Play the Opening (229) Using the Rooks (245) Curse of the Mindless King Hunter (259) Which Side of the Board Should You Play On? (277) Developing Mental Toughness (299) Tests (315) Test Solutions (329) Glossary (427)