Break the Rules!

by Neil McDonald

As we progress as chess players we quickly learn a set of guidelines which help us to formulate plans, develop typical strategies and recognize key tactics. However, chess is not an easy game, with fixed ‘rules’ that can be applied to every single position. In fact, blindly following such rules proves to be counterproductive and prevents a player from moving on to the next level, whereas knowing when to ‘break’ these rules is precisely the skill which separates the best from the rest.

 

In this instructive and entertaining book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald studies in depth the key components of successful rule-breaking in chess. Drawing upon his own experience and using examples from modern grandmaster chess, McDonald examines how to avoid stereotypical thinking, how to exploit typical thinking patterns, and how to confuse and beat opponents with surprising ideas.

 

*Improve your chess strategy and creativity

*Recognize and exploit typical thinking processes

*Check your progress with rule-breaking exercises

Genres: Chess

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2012

Reviews

[TheF7Pawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one by GM McDonald. The book is pithy and stays on theme throughout. The analysis is just enough to cover the points the author wishes to convey and the games, with rare exceptions, are modern and well-suited to the author's contentions. Recommended.

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of those books where you get something from it as you play through the positions but there really isn't any strong themes that will make you want to return to it for further study.