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:
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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
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EP 264- Elizabeth Shaughnessy (founder of the Berkeley Chess School)
Book Recap #23- Discussing Shereshevsky's Endgame Strategy with Dr. Kevin Scull
EP 263- Author Oliver Roeder on the Enduring Appeal of Chess and Other Games
EP 262- IM Kostya Kavutskiy returns
EP 261- "Master to IM" Adult Improver Special with FM Doug Eckert, NM Evan Rosenberg and FM Dalton Perrine
Book Recap #22- Discussing Isaac Lipnitsky's Questions of Modern Chess Theory, with Martin Justesen
EP 260 - IM Christof Sielecki is back!
EP 259- Ben Johnson
EP 258- GM Matthew Sadler
EP 257- GM Erwin L'Ami with a World Championship Wrap Up (and more!)
World Championship Bonus Pod #5- GM Vasyl Ivanchuk on His Career, Twitch Streaming and his Thoughts on the Match
Book Recap #21- Discussing A First Book of Morphy with Mads Jønsson
World Championship Bonus Pod #4- GM Jacob Aagaard on the match, plus Shaun McCoy with a report from Dubai
EP 256- Alex Crompton (Adult Improver Series)
World Championship Bonus Pod #3- GM Jan Timman on the match so far, NM John MacArthur with a Dubai trip report.
World Championship Bonus Pod #2- FM Mike Klein joins from Dubai to recap 5 tense, deadlocked rounds.
EP 255- WGM Tatev Abrahamyan returns
World Championship Bonus Pod #1- The match so far + interviews from Dubai with Geert van der Velde and Jonathan Corbblah
EP 254- World Chess Championship Preview Part 2 with Tai Pruce Zimmerman
EP 253- GM Daniel King Previews the World Championship, plus more!
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