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 351- Steffen Nielsen: The author and award-winning endgame study composer on what makes a good chess puzzle, and whether endgame studies are good for your chess calculation.
EP.350- CM Can Kabadayi: A self-taught Candidate Master and Cognitive Scientist on Calculation, The Chess Aging Curve and his Favorite Chess Books
EP 349- Dr. Anique de Bruin: Deliberate Practice and the Science of Chess Learning
Book Recap #33- Think Like a Super GM and Strategic Chess Exercises: 2 Great Books for Intermediate Level and Up (with Dr. Michael Franco)
EP 348- ALTO Tournament Report- Two Participants on What they learned and Experienced at an Adult Only Weekend Tournament in Charlotte
EP 347- GM Gregory Kaidanov on The Return of Hans Niemann, FIDE World Cup Reflections & The Differences Between Adult and Youth Chess Students
EP 346- NM Todd Bryant Shares his Data on the Most Accomplished Adult Improvers in recent US Chess History, plus Discusses his Own Approach to Chess Enjoyment & Improvement
EP 345- WFM Maaike Keetman on The Best Open Tournaments in Europe, The Chess Steps Method & Chessable's Create Your Own Course Contest
EP 344- GM Melik Khachiyan on How Staying Active OTB and Emphasizing Physical Fitness helped him Finally win his First National Title!
Bonus Pod- FIDE World Cup Update- Magnus and Fabiano on a Collision Course? Featuring CM Vjekoslav Nemec and IM Michael Rahal reporting from the tournament in Baku.
EP 343- Rating Deflation Roundtable- Statistician Jeff Sonas and Data Scientist FM Nate Solon discuss FIDE’s Proposed Changes to their Rating System, Plus Historical Chess Nuggets from Jeff’s Grea
EP 342- GM Simen Agdestein: The Norwegian Chess Legend on Coaching Young Magnus, Life as a Pro Footballer, and What he Learned from Career-Altering Injuries
EP 341-Double Episode! GM Levon Aronian on The Global Chess League, How to Better Promote Chess, and Reflections on his Bumpy Ride to the Chess Elite + Global Chess League Chairperson Jagdish Mitra on
Bonus Pod- Jen Shahade joins for a FIDE Women's World Championship Wrap Up
EP 340- FIDE World Cup Preview with Mr. Dodgy- The Best Tournament of the Chess Year starts Sunday! Magnus looks for his first World Cup Win, and Hikaru, Fabiano, and a host of Challengers hope to Ear
EP 339- WGM Anna Zatonskih: The Four-Time US Women’s Champion Shares the Story Behind Earning Her First GM Norm at age 44!
Bonus Pod- The FIDE Women's World Championship is at the Halfway Point: American Chess Olympian WGM Begim Tokhirjonova joins to discuss it
EP 338- Dr. Daniel Simons and Dr. Christopher Chabris- Two Award Winning co-authors and Professors on Growth Mindset, Cheating in Chess, Chess Improvement & Much more!
EP 337- NM Nate Shuman- A Scholastic Champion on How Mindfulness Practices Helped Him & Can Help All Competitive Chess Players
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
That Don‘t Sound Right
Adeptus Ridiculous
Toy Geeks!
Gun Talk
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast