Chess for Zebras: Thinking Differently about Black and White Paperback – December 1, 2003

This book is different from the rest. The main idea is to have you take a deep look at the way you think when playing chess. The contention is that we all have many chess stories/multifaceted ideas that we use to make our chess decisions and we tend to lean on these too much. We tend to be certain about our stories and less clear about the concrete lines for implenting these stories when in fact we should strive for the opposite: to be less certain/falsifying our stories based upon concrete lines. The idea is new for me and a real eye opener. Excellently written as well. A pleasure to read.

Most agree that Rowson's book is entertaining but some disagree about whether it will improve your chess. I'm mystified by the critiques. This book, while less of an enthusiastic romp than Deadly Sins, is far more thoughtful while remaining a very enjoyable read. The reason Zebras should improve your chess is because it should fundamentally change the approach most players have to improvement (including, incidentally, the continued accumulation of most types of chess books). Another notable aspect of the book is that, while it may well be that many of the topics Rowson introduces are nebulous, he manages to make them as concrete as possible through his game annotations. I cannot readily recall a more enlightening and entertaining style of annotation - Sahovski Informator in Technicolor!Largely, I suppose, due to his non-chess academic interests, Rowson brings a unique dimension to his chess writing. He is not the first chess writer to try to gain a perspective on meta-cognition in chess and then to try also to turn whatever understanding we may obtain of that realm to some practical use in real play, but he is certainly among the best. Rowson's approach to this difficult subject area is to creatively twist and turn the problems this way and that while offering observations that are fascinating and merit much further consideration. He does this with such facility - and with such humility - that it all seems quite casual. Rowson clearly brings something special to chess pedagogy, and I hope he continues to write.

This is an amazing book. I think I've learned more insight into the game of chess just by reading the text. I've played through some of the games that are provided to support the text, but in many instances, being pressed for time, I've simply read the book. It's amazing. I've even recommended it my non-chess player friends for comments like, "we use what we have to make sense of what we are given." Priceless. With so many online chess resources out there, Chess for Zebras could someday be the only chess book in my chess library. It's a keeper.

This particular book aims to get one to think outside the 'normal' scope of thought while playing chess. Dealing with psychological aspects, while examining various scholarly quotes from though provoking people throughout history, one is exposed to a plethora of ideas and concepts. For the average reader this book can be a bit heavy, but if you chew the chud and take your time to absorb what is given, the completion is quite rewarding. Ultimately, this book is an excellent choice for those looking to examine chess play not only externally but within themselves.

A fascinating book for intermediate chess players with interests in psychology and improving their game. As an educator I find the references to constructivist learning theory engaging.

I don't know about all the other chess geeks out there.. but it takes me a LONG time to read a book like this. I can manage a few pages at a time, I don't set up a board or computer program to play through the analyses, preferring to do as much as I can in my head. I'm obviously preparing myself for solitary isolation at some time in my life, whether it be prison or on a deserted island....Anyway, I enjoyed this book, enjoyed Mr. Rowson's insights into our characters and psyche and his chess commentary is marvelous. Highly recommended for chess lovers.. just be prepared to spend some time digesting this book.

You love chess and you want to improve your skills. You see an interesting chess book. You buy it. Nothing really happens with your game..Sound familiar?So is this yet another promosing-but-will-languish-at-your-bookshelf-chess-book? Not at all!The best books make you think and this certainly makes you think a lot (and not only about chess). It will not improve your game as per see, but it will make you think about improving your game in new ways. Buying this book means you can take a few years pause before even considering buying another chess book - the material covered is vast in scope and rich in ideas even though its "only" about 250 pages. The ideas-to-pages ratio must be the highest I have ever seen in a chess book!The only thing you should be aware of though is that I would not recommend this book to chess beginners - it is too complex and abstract if you have just played chess for a year or two (or less) I think.Frankly, I do not see how a chess player can be disappointed by this book. Highly highly recommended - though I reckon adult players will gain the most from the book.

You will be exposed to a truly different way of thinking and it will definitely help you to improve as never before