Jonathan Rowson Livres

"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" -- Publisher 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 * 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)

The Grunfeld Defense has always been a popular choice with players who aim to counterattack with the black pieces. World Champions Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov head a distinguished cast of grandmasters who swear by its solid yet dynamic nature. In this original book Jonathan Rowson delves deeply into the Grunfeld, steering the reader through the mysteries and intricacies of this complex opening. Now you too will be able to understand, play and win the Grunfeld!

From Grandmaster and three-time British Chess Champion, a passionate exploration of what it means to find fulfilment and lasting value in lifeChess is just a game in the way that the heart is just a muscleLong known as a cut-throat metaphor for warfare or business, this ancient game of strategy and self-discipline is revealed to be a singularly powerful metaphor for the challenges, thrills, and set-backs that invest our daily lives with meaning and complexity.Jonathan Rowson's competitive success as a Grandmaster and work as an applied philosopher have given him a unique perspective on why the game of chess is more important than ever for understanding the conflicts and uncertainties of the modern world. In sixty-four witty and addictive vignettes, Rowson takes us on an exhilarating tour of his 'lessons for the game of life', from the psychology of gang violence, to the aesthetics of cyborgs, the beauty of technical details, and the final endgame of death itself. Chess emerges as a rich and endlessly suggestive way of thinking about the desires that shape the world around us.The Moves That Matter celebrates the redeeming power of intense concentration, but it also offers a humane and compassionate account of how every individual exists as part of a wider community. Jonathan Rowson reveals, one move at a time, what it means to love or care deeply in the intricate game of life.

Jonathan Rowson's competitive success as a chess Grandmaster and work as an applied philosopher have given him a unique perspective on why the great game is more important than ever for understanding the conflicts and uncertainties of the modern world. In sixty-four witty and addictive vignettes, Rowson takes us on an exhilarating tour of the game of life, from the psychology of gang violence, to the aesthetics of cyborgs, the beauty of technical details, and the endgame of death. Chess emerges as a singularly powerful metaphor for the thrills and set-backs that invest our daily lives with meaning and complexity

A chess grandmaster reveals the powerful teachings this ancient game offers for staying present, thriving in a complex world, and crafting a fulfilling life. Refined and perfected through 1,500 years of human history, chess has long been a touchstone for shrewd tacticians and master strategists. But the game is much more than just warfare in miniature. Chess is also an ever-shifting puzzle to be solved, a narrative to be written, and a task that demands players create their own motivation from moment to moment. In other words, as Grandmaster Jonathan Rowson argues in this kaleidoscopic and inspiring book, there are ways to see all of life reflected in those 64 black and white squares. Taking us inside the psychologically charged world of chess's global elite, Rowson mines the game for its insights into sustaining focus, quieting our inner saboteur, making tough decisions, overcoming failure, and more. He peels back the beguiling logic of chess to reveal the timeless wisdom underneath. This exhilarating tour ranges from learning how to love our mistakes to considering why people are like trees; from the mysteries of parenting to the beauty of technical details, to the endgame of death. Throughout, chess emerges as a powerful and accessible metaphor for the thrills and setbacks that fill our daily lives with meaning and beauty.