The Amateur's Mind: Turning Chess Misconceptions Into Chess Mastery Book

For a review of this book I could say, "see my review of How to Reassess Your Chess: The Complete Chess Mastery Course since I talked mostly about this book in that review." But that's ok, I'll say more, because I could go on and on about this book. I never had so much fun reading a chess book in my life.

I read this book many years ago, and I bought thin flat metal chess board the size of a notebook page with flat magnetic pieces and played along with the games in the book, reading Jeremy's witty, insightful, unforgettable comments and analysis of the moves of amateur players. I am an amateur player. If you show me the games of grandmasters I won't understand them. But with this book, I was able to follow along and learn more from the mistakes of beginners and average club players and from Jeremy's criticisms of these moves than I ever could from a book written way over my head about players whose moves I don't understand.

My rating went from 1300 to 1800 from reading this book. I have since studied other good chess books but none were ever as memorable and helpful as this one and How to Reassess your chess. I cannot say enough about what a helpful book this is. Jeremy Silman is a pioneer in chess teaching because he allows his readers to learn from the mistakes of other players. Most of us have to learn from mistakes, that's how we learn, and Sillman recognizes this and that's why he is so helpful.

For example, even while playing game today the curse of the mindless king hunter, and the fear of ghosts (threats that aren't there) will come to mind. I am planning to purchase this book again, since my original has been studied to pieces, and reread it. It's worth it for the entertainment alone. Who knew chess lessons could be this fun.