What it teaches
Scottish grandmaster Jonathan Rowson, a three-time British champion who later became known as a writer on philosophy and psychology, wrote a chess book unlike any other. Instead of openings or endgames, it examines the seven habits of mind that cost players games: thinking (too much, or in the wrong way), blinking (losing focus at critical moments), wanting (letting desire distort judgment), materialism, egoism, perfectionism and looseness.
Each "sin" is explored with examples from strong players' games and Rowson's own, and the book mixes chess analysis with ideas from psychology and philosophy. It is demanding, thought-provoking and often very funny.
Who it's for
Experienced tournament players, roughly 1800 and up, who have the knowledge but keep underperforming. Readers who enjoy ideas will get the most from it; beginners will find the chess too advanced.
How to get the most from it
Read one chapter at a time and review a few of your own losses through that lens. Most players recognize themselves in two or three of the sins.
Key takeaways
- Many losses come from how you think, not from what you know.
- Critical moments need extra attention, and they're easy to miss.
- Wanting a result can distort your judgment of the position.
- Perfectionism wastes time; practical decisions win games.
Read next
For a more relatable look at amateur thinking, read The Amateur's Mind. For another honest look at improvement, try The Road to Chess Improvement.
