Think Like a Grandmaster

About This Book

Think Like a Grandmaster by Alexander Kotov is a seminal work that revolutionized how chess players approach calculation and decision-making. First published in 1971, this book was the first part of a three-part series that also includes Play Like a Grandmaster and Train Like a Grandmaster. Few books have had as much impact on chess literature - the first edition sold out within months and was immediately recognized as a masterpiece of chess instruction. Kotov was a Soviet Grandmaster who reached the Candidates stage of the World Championship cycle. His experience at the highest levels of chess competition informed his understanding of how strong players think. In this book, he shares the systematic methods that separate grandmasters from ordinary players. The central concept of the book is the "tree of analysis" - a systematic approach to calculating variations. Kotov explains how to identify candidate moves, analyze each branch thoroughly, and avoid the common mistake of jumping between variations without completing the analysis. This disciplined approach to calculation has become fundamental to chess training. Kotov tackles fundamental issues such as knowing how and when to analyze, selecting candidate moves, and the factors that contribute to success in competitive chess. His explanations are clear and practical, designed to help readers improve their own thinking processes rather than simply memorize patterns. The book includes numerous examples from grandmaster practice that illustrate the principles being taught. Kotov analyzes critical positions in detail, showing how strong players approach complex decisions. These examples bring the theoretical concepts to life and demonstrate their practical application. One of the book's most valuable contributions is its emphasis on discipline in calculation. Kotov shows how even strong players make mistakes by analyzing carelessly or incompletely. By following his systematic methods, readers can avoid these errors and calculate more accurately. Think Like a Grandmaster will make the average player understand how a grandmaster thinks - and even more important, how he works. It shows any player how to think and play significantly better than before. The book remains essential reading for anyone serious about improving their chess calculation and decision-making.