The Amateur's Mind: Turning Chess Misconceptions into Chess Mastery by Jeremy Silman

Siles Press 1999, expanded 2nd edition. 443 C4 pages $49.00 Most amateurs possess erroneous thinking processes that, elusive and difficult to eradicate, remain with them throughout their lives. These chinks in their mental armour bring about stinging defeats and reversals. To address the most common of these problems, Jeremy Silman has recorded the thoughts of his students while they play actual games, analysed these thoughts, and catalogued the most common misconceptions that arise. He then dispels these misconceptions and repairs the chinks in the player’s armour with sage advice, rules of conduct and strategy, and psychological insights. The Amateur’s Mind takes the student on a journey through his or her own mind, gathering new-found knowledge and strength along the way. It’s a mind-opening guide for all beginning and intermediate tournament-level players. Jeremy Silman is an International Chess Master, a world-class teacher, and a player who has won the American Open, the National Open, and the U.S. Open. He is the author of twenty-nine chess books and numerous magazine articles. For the past five years, Mr. Silman has been the coach of the U.S. delegation to the World Junior Championship. “The Amateur’s Mind is eminently readable and instruction-rich. Jeremy Silman never disappoints those who seriously wish to improve their game.” — Joel Benjamin, International Grandmaster, 1987 U.S. Champion