The Seven Deadly Chess Sins

About This Book

The Seven Deadly Chess Sins by Grandmaster Jonathan Rowson is one of the most original chess books ever written. Rather than focusing on openings, tactics, or strategy, Rowson examines the psychological pitfalls that prevent players from reaching their potential. The seven sins Rowson identifies are: Thinking, Blinking, Wanting, Materialism, Egoism, Perfectionism, and Looseness. Each represents a common psychological trap that causes players to make poor decisions at the board. Rowson's approach is philosophical and introspective. He draws on psychology, philosophy, and his own experiences as a grandmaster to illuminate how our minds can work against us in chess. The insights are profound and applicable far beyond the chessboard. The chapter on "Thinking" explores how overthinking can be as harmful as underthinking. Rowson shows how players often calculate excessively when intuition would serve better, and vice versa. "Blinking" refers to the tendency to look away from critical positions rather than facing them squarely. Rowson explains how this avoidance behavior leads to missed opportunities and preventable losses. The discussion of "Materialism" challenges the common obsession with material count. Rowson shows how fixation on material can blind players to more important factors like piece activity and king safety. "Egoism" examines how our self-image affects our play. Players often make moves to prove something about themselves rather than to find the objectively best continuation. Rowson's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking. He combines chess analysis with broader reflections on human nature and decision-making. The book rewards multiple readings as new insights emerge each time. The Seven Deadly Chess Sins is essential reading for any player who wants to understand the mental side of chess improvement. It offers a unique perspective that complements traditional chess instruction.