Psychology in Chess I

Psychology is an indispensable tool in every chess battle. Psychology in Chess emphasizes the constant decision-making demanded by the game and warns of the dangers of underestimating an opponent’s resources—whether by playing “on autopilot,” being overly optimistic about the potential of one’s position, or falling victim to “momentary blindness.” The book also examines what the authors call “confusion in the face of imminent success,” providing explanations, exercises, and examples of cases in which top players struggled to convert apparently won positions. According to the authors, such difficulties arise from reckless oversights or excessive confidence in victory, which dulls the sense of danger.

The book advises readers to avoid unnecessary risks while also not being overly timid. It explores problems arising from superficial play, such as over-focusing on material gain at the expense of development, or following heavily trodden lines “by ear.” The authors also discuss the nature of psychological errors: dilemmas between a player’s style and the demands of the position, reflecting the eternal conflict between desire and duty, as well as the conclusions many players draw from such mistakes. Other topics include the element of surprise and the misselection of a game plan.

The purpose of this work is to convey key concepts through engaging material based on dynamics and psychology, which are as important in chess as in other fields of knowledge. As Emmanuel Lasker said, “On the chessboard, fight people, not pieces,” so understanding our own strengths and weaknesses—as well as those of our opponents—and the cognitive and emotional processes guiding our decisions is crucial for gradual and sustained progress in chess.

In this volume:

• The psychology of attack

• The psychology of defense

About the authors:
Rodolfo Garbarino is an International Master of chess who has focused his expertise on teaching; this is his fourth book. Maximiliano Preuss holds a degree in Psychology and is a strong first-category chess player.