The Seven Deadly Sins | Jonathan Rowson

Jonathan Rowson's The Seven Deadly Chess Sins: Most Common Causes of Disaster in Chess offers a thought-provoking exploration of the psychological pitfalls that can lead to mistakes on the chessboard. 

This book stands out by linking traditional chess errors to the concept of the "seven deadly sins," providing a unique framework for understanding and improving one's game.

• This book appeals to a broad range of players, from beginners who are starting to understand their mistakes to more advanced players seeking deeper insights into their thought processes
• With philosophical reflections and quotes from various thinkers, that enrich the discussion around chess psychology and decision-making
• Learn the main reasons why you go horribly astray in games!
  o    Thinking (unnecessary and erroneous)
  o    Blinking (missing opportunities, lack of resolution)
  o    Wanting (too much concern with the result of the game)
  o    Materialism (lack of attention to non-material factors)
  o    Egoism (insufficient awareness of the opponent and his ideas)
  o    Perfectionism (running short on time, trying too hard)
  o    Looseness (‘losing the plot,’ drifting, poor concentration)

Reader’s reviews:

This is one of the most unique chess books I've encountered. It blends humor with the author's personality, shining through and approaching chess from a social scientist's perspective. 

The book delves into psychological and philosophical realms, yet remains highly readable and engaging. It offers valuable insights for chess players and anyone involved in individual sports or games. Rowson explores concepts such as Egoism, Perfectionism, and the mental pitfalls of overthinking, which are relevant to anyone striving for personal improvement. These "sins," as Rowson terms them, can resonate with the mindset of any competitive individual - Y Allen

He has broken ranks by writing about playing chess as it actually is - rather than should be and should be greatly commended. This is a book which, in contrast to most of its brethren, I will continue to visit and revisit - GM Jon Speelman, The Independent

Jonathan Rowson's psychological and philosophical musings called 'The Seven Deadly Chess Sins' makes splendid reading and certainly helps those chessplayers who overthink during the games, miss opportunities, are too greedy, don't pay attention to material, or refuse to see other human across the chessboard, or try to be too perfect or drift while concentrating. Or all of the above" - GM Lubosh Kavalek, Washington Post

Other details:

Paperback
Pages: 208
Dimensions: 17.2 x 1.8 x 24.8cm
ISBN-13: 9781901983364