After a lengthy hiatus, the book review series Chess Books Recaptured, returns to discuss another classic chess book. This time we discuss Chess for Zebras. Originally published in 2003, Zebras is a followup to Rowson’s classic first book The Seven Deadly Chess Sins. While the book has some tonal similarities to its predecessor, it is a bit more narrow in focus. My guest co-host is Law Professor David Franklin. (David also co-hosted our discussion of Seven Deadly Chess Sins) Like me, David is a fan of GM Rowson’s writing, although both of us have our quibbles with different parts of the book. All in all, though, we both find the book highly worthwhile. Key concepts discussed in the book (and on the podcast) include the difference between knowledge and skill in chess, the challenges of handling each color, and the underrated chess skill of “just being.” Tune in to find out more! Timestamps below:
Spotify Playlist of other Book Reviews here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/33uvcg7rb09ETWIgeAUCIR?si=bfc7978990a54158
Thanks to our Presenting Chess Education Sponsors, Chessable.com
Chess for Zebras Free Preview:
https://www.chessable.com/chess-for-zebras-free-lesson/course/92638/
Chess for Zebras:
https://www.chessable.com/chess-for-zebras-thinking-differently-about-black-and-white/course/61560/
Check out my favorite courses here:
You can check out some of my recommended courses here: https://go.chessable.com/perpetual-chess-podcast/
02:00- Law Professor and USCF Expert David Franklin rejoins me. Why did he suggest this book? How is it different than GM Jonathan Rowson’s other chess classic Seven Deadly Chess Sins
Mentioned: Book Recap #14- Seven Deadly Chess Sins with David Franklin
04:30- How did Rowson choose the title, Chess for Zebras?
Mentioned: Chess for Tigers by Simon Webb, GM Rowson’s 2023 interview with Chessbase India
08:30- We discuss the major points and framework of the book, plus what level player could most benefit from this book.
13:30- We discuss Part 1 of the book, which focuses on the challegnes of adult chess improvement and the “knowledge-skill” gap.
Mentioned: Move First, Think Later by IM Willy Hendriks, The Best of Novice Nook
18:30- As a lawyer, how does David ability to retain knowledge and skill about the law compared to his experience as a chess player?
22:30- What is GM Rowson’s recommendation for acquiring skills as opposed to knowledge?
Mentioned: IM Andras Toth
30:00- We discuss part 2, called “A Mental Toolkit for the Exponential Jungle”
Mentioned: GM Tony Miles, GM Johann Hjartarson, IM Dina Belenkaya
34:00- What does it mean to “keep it between the hedges”?
Mentioned: GM Michael Adams, GM Luke McShane, Mentioned Magnus and David Howell’s course: Grind Like a Super GM, Magnus’ Book Recommendations
40:00- Part 3- Thinking Colorfully About Black and White
Mentioned: Andras Adorjan, Mihai Suba’s Dynamic Chess Strategy, GM Vasilios Kotronias
52:00- We share a few more memorable quotes from the book
Mentioned: The Moves That Matter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
EP.205 - WGM Katerina Nemcova
Book Recap #12 : Talking Improve Your Chess Now, with FM Alex Chua
EP.204 - FM Nathan Resika (Adult Improver Series)
EP.203 - GM Wojciech Moranda
EP.202 - Dr. Frank Brady
EP.201 - FM Peter Giannatos
EP. 200 - GM Boris Gelfand
EP.199- Dr. Barry Hymer and GM Peter Wells
Book Recap #11 : Talking Winning Chess Strategies with Neal Bruce
EP.198 - Ren Escalera (Adult Improver Series)
EP.197 - IM Cyrus Lakdawala returns
EP.196 - GM Jan Timman
EP.195 - GM Keith Arkell
EP.194 - FM Yuriy Krykun
EP.193 - Tom Murphy
Bonus Pod- Adult Improvers Andrzej Kryzdwa and Stacia Pugh return!
EP.192 - GM Avetik Grigoryan
Book Recap #10 : Talking Blindfold Chess with guest co-host Jerry Wells
EP.191 - GM Daniel Naroditsky
EP.190 - Andrew Zinn (Adult Improver Series)
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
That Don‘t Sound Right
Adeptus Ridiculous
Gun Talk
来都来了 | 听了再走
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast