What it teaches
Alex Yermolinsky, a two-time U.S. champion, wrote a book about improvement as it really happens: through self-examination, hard work and learning to understand the positions your openings create. Using his own games, including painful losses, he discusses how to study openings by understanding their typical structures rather than memorizing lines, how to develop practical judgment, and what separates strong players from those who plateau.
The tone is frank and opinionated. Yermolinsky challenges some popular study advice and explains his reasons, which makes the book stimulating even when you disagree.
Who it's for
Ambitious players from about 1700 up who want to break through to expert or master level and are willing to rethink how they study.
How to get the most from it
Treat it as a mentor's advice rather than a course. After each chapter, apply the relevant suggestion to your own training plan and review a few of your games in the same honest spirit.
Key takeaways
- Honest analysis of your own games is the foundation of improvement.
- Understand the structures your openings lead to, not just the moves.
- Practical judgment matters as much as theoretical knowledge.
- Question popular study advice and find what works for you.
Read next
For more on the psychology of improvement, read The Seven Deadly Chess Sins and Excelling at Chess.
