Move First, Think Later

About This Book

Move First, Think Later by Willy Hendriks is one of the most thought-provoking and controversial chess books published in the 21st century. Winner of the English Chess Federation Book of the Year award in 2012, this book dares to challenge many of the sacred cows of chess instruction, arguing that much of what players are taught about how to think during a game is not only unhelpful but actively counterproductive. Willy Hendriks is a Dutch International Master and experienced chess trainer who has spent decades teaching players of all levels. His practical experience in the trenches of chess education gives him a unique perspective on what actually works when it comes to improvement. Rather than repeating conventional wisdom, Hendriks has carefully observed how strong players actually think and play, and his conclusions are often surprising. The book's central thesis is that chess players rely far more on pattern recognition and intuition than on the systematic thinking processes described in most instructional books. Hendriks argues that methods like Kotov's "tree of analysis" or Silman's "imbalance assessment" are idealized descriptions that don't reflect how strong players actually make decisions at the board. In reality, experienced players often see the right move almost instantly through pattern recognition, and then verify their intuition with calculation. Hendriks supports his arguments with fascinating examples from cognitive science research, including studies on expert decision-making in chess and other fields. He draws on the work of researchers like Adriaan de Groot and Herbert Simon, who demonstrated that chess expertise is largely based on the ability to recognize meaningful patterns in positions. This scientific grounding gives the book a depth and credibility that sets it apart from typical chess instruction. The practical implications of Hendriks' thesis are significant. If improvement comes primarily from building a larger library of patterns rather than from learning thinking methods, then the most effective training approach is to study many high-quality games and positions rather than to practice applying systematic evaluation techniques. Hendriks advocates for extensive exposure to master games, solving tactical puzzles, and playing frequently as the keys to improvement. The book is written with wit, humor, and a refreshing willingness to question authority. Hendriks doesn't hesitate to point out the contradictions and limitations in the advice given by famous chess authors and coaches. His writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex ideas about cognition and learning enjoyable to read. Even readers who disagree with his conclusions will find the arguments stimulating and thought-provoking. One of the most valuable aspects of the book is its discussion of how chess players actually learn and improve. Hendriks examines the role of deliberate practice, the importance of playing experience, and the limitations of purely theoretical study. His insights are informed by both scientific research and decades of practical teaching experience, making them particularly relevant for players and coaches seeking effective training methods. The book also includes numerous instructive chess examples that illustrate Hendriks' points about pattern recognition and intuitive play. These positions demonstrate how strong players use their accumulated knowledge to navigate complex situations, often finding the right move through recognition rather than exhaustive calculation. Move First, Think Later has sparked considerable debate in the chess community, with some praising it as a much-needed corrective to dogmatic instruction and others criticizing it for oversimplifying the role of systematic thinking. Regardless of where one falls in this debate, the book offers valuable insights into the nature of chess expertise and the most effective paths to improvement.